Colin and Rosemary Barnes, who own The Mill House in Auckengill, Caithness, are about to do something unusual – become their own next-door-neighbours.
The couple, originally from Reading but with Caithness connections stretching back 40 years, built Mill House 12 years ago.
It was to be their “forever” home and no expense was spared building the large four-bedroom property.
A desire to see more of their six grandchildren who live in England and Malaysia means they are selling, however, as they want to buy a home closer to them.
But as they can’t bear to cut their Caithness ties, they’re going to build a small house, next to the one they currently own, and split their time between the two.
“I’m confident we’re selling a very good house without any problems so have no worries about living next door,” said Colin, 69.
The couple’s connections with the area began decades ago after Rosemary’s brother married a Caithness girl.
They fell in love with the area during regular visits and promised themselves they’d retire there and build a “forever” home.
“We’d a large house in Reading, originally a two-bedroom bungalow which I’d extended to become a five-bedroom house,” said Colin, who has given up the idea of retiring and now runs a building services firm.
“At the time, properties in Reading were taking about 18 months to sell so we thought we had plenty of time to build a new house in Caithness, but the house sold in four days.”
Mill House is a much larger version of their previous home.
The accommodation here starts with a spacious entrance hall with marble tiled floor which leads to a large lounge with windows front and rear and sliding patio doors leading to the garden.
A separate dining room is ideal for formal occasions while the large dining kitchen comes with a comprehensive range of wall and base units and a host of integrated appliances including a dishwasher, fridge freezer and Rangemaster cooker.
There is a centre island, breakfast bar and steps leading down into a breakfast room.
Just off the kitchen there’s a utility room with space for further white goods.
The bathroom has a white suite with w/c, Belfast-style wash-hand basin with waterfall tap, Jacuzzi double bath and heated towel rail.
An impressive oak staircase leads upstairs and opens out into a spacious galleried landing which has a lavish Italian lead crystal chandelier which is to remain.
The master bedroom is especially spacious and comes with fitted wardrobes, an en-suite shower room with walk-in shower, fitted wardrobes and a patio door leading to a balcony.
The three other bedrooms are all doubles and have en-suite facilities, with two of these benefiting from fitted wardrobes and balconies.
Next to the house is a large and fully operational workshop/garage with power and lighting and a separate garage with a one-bedroom self-contained flat above it.
“The annexe could be let out or you could live in the annexe and let out the house as this is a popular area with tourists and is only seven miles from John O’Groats,” said Colin.
The high-tech house has an asking price of £395,000 – you’d pay more than double for the same size house in Reading.
“It is extremely solid – no kit build here, with very thick walls of 4″ block, insulated cavity and 9″ thermalite, and this combined with underfloor heating throughout and solar panels make it a warm, well insulated house that’s economical to run,” said Colin.
“We spared no expense in the fixtures and fittings so there’s oak flooring and finishes throughout.
“One of the best things is having sheltered raised terraces – this is big-sky country and there are spectacular sunsets, sunrises and night skies to be enjoyed.
“We have spectacular views over the North Sea at one side and views across the countryside to another.”
Outside, there is a parking area with space for several vehicles and a separate parking area for the annexe.
There is a large pond and a separate walled garden along with a substantial area of timber-deck sun terracing.
And while the house is high-tech, it sits in an unspoilt area with wildlife in abundance.
“There’s ducks on the pond, oystercatchers and curlews in the garden; seals and otters on the beach and whales in the sea which makes it a natural wonderland and haven for those wanting to get away from the rigours of city life.
“We really like the slower pace of life, the clean, fresh air and the fact that there are no traffic jams apart from the occasional sheep on the road, which is why we are really not moving very far away at all.”
Contact: Strutt and Parker on 01463 719171.