If you were asked to describe a picture-perfect cottage in the Highlands, you’d probably describe Druim Cottage at Aigas near Beauly.
From the outside, this traditional C-listed cottage has fairytale looks, but while it retains many original features, inside it is very much a modern home.
Sitting in a beautiful, peaceful location in the heart of the River Beauly glen the cottage is surrounded by unspoilt, wooded countryside.
And like all fairytale cottages, it is a haven for wildlife with pine marten, red squirrels, badgers, red deer and barn owls frequent visitors to the garden while osprey and peregrine falcons circle over the cottage in the summer time.
From the garden, there is direct access to the forest where there are miles of walks and trails and close by is Aigas Field Centre, famous for its role in the conservation and re-introduction of native wildlife.
Druim was originally built as two cottages to house forestry workers on the estate, but has since been converted and extended to become the lovely bungalow that stands there today.
The more recent renovation and modernisation programme of the present owners included re-wiring, insulation of the floor and loft spaces, restoration of the windows, having a new kitchen and two new bathrooms fitted, and installing a new fireplace and wood-burning stove in the sitting room.
The full accommodation includes an open-sided porch with charming timber supports, which leads to double storm doors which open to the entrance hall.
This leads to the focal point of the cottage, a lovely open-plan sitting room and dining kitchen that’s ideal for modern day to day family living and entertaining.
Here, there’s a wood-burning stove and feature mantelpiece, fitted bookshelf, a good selection of units with oak worktops plus an electric range cooker and plenty of space for other appliances.
From here, french windows lead to the back garden where the walls of the cottage and the steep surrounding wooded banks create an enclosed garden and sheltered sun trap.
The cottage has a study/double bedroom with fitted cupboard, access to roof space, telephone point and a door to the garden.
Other bedrooms include a double aspect room with cast-iron fireplace, recessed shelving, fitted cupboard and en suite bathroom with double-ended bath with hand shower attachment and electric over-bath shower.
Bedroom two also has fitted bookshelves and a cast-iron fireplace and en suite shower room with walk in shower, while the third bedroom is also a double aspect room with a decorative cast-iron fireplace with mantelpiece.
The grounds at Druim Cottage extend to around 0.6 hectares and surround the property.
The cottage walls are clad with climbers and colourful perennials at their base, and there’s a front lawn which gently slopes down to a mature hedge.
The cottage is fringed by mature native woodlands both within and outwith the boundary, whilst at the edge of the east lawn are two magnificent Wellingtonia trees and beyond these a small burn.
To the rear, there’s a sheltered and sunny terrace leading from the french windows in the lounge.
Also included in the asking price of offers over £245,000, is an outbuilding comprising a wood store and three garden stores. There is an oil tank in the grounds.
This part of the Highlands offers easy access to the Great Glen and its many tourist attractions, while just a short distance away are Strathfarrar and Glen Affric, two National Nature Reserves with remnants of the ancient Caledonian Pine Forest set in a landscape of outstanding beauty.
This protected countryside offers good rural sport and leisure opportunities. Other facilities in the area include a primary school at Eanassie, around two miles away.
Secondary education, along with shops, hotels and a railway station are available at Beauly which is less than five miles away.
Contact: CKD Galbraith on 01463 224343.