Fournet House, Balvenie Street, AB55

Fournet house as built around 1890 and is a substantial period property with significant local history. Located in Dufftown, the Whisky capital of Scotland, this multi-purpose three-storey period house offers many opportunities to the new owners. It provides a blank canvas to develop ideas for this exceptional property, which benefits from standing directly on the A941 in central Dufftown. Fournet was formally owned by a wealthy local draper and has retained many original features. 

Imagine the Possibilities

Fournet House offers a blank canvas for your vision. The property’s layout, location, and historic charm make it the perfect foundation for a range of innovative business ideas:

1. Luxury Guesthouse:

With its six guest bedrooms and additional private quarters, Fournet House could be transformed into a high-end guesthouse. Pair this with the property's garden and bothy to create a distinctive boutique experience that attracts visitors from around the globe.

2. Whisky Bar & Bistro:

Capitalise on the property's proximity to renowned distilleries like Glenfiddich and Balvenie by establishing a whisky-themed bar and bistro. The commercial kitchen and licensed bistro space provide a ready-made setting to serve locally inspired dishes and showcase the region's finest whiskies.

3. Cooking School:

Transform Fournet House into a culinary destination by establishing a cooking school. The combination of a commercial kitchen, charming communal spaces, and the allure of Speyside's heritage provides an ideal setting for aspiring chefs and food enthusiasts.

4. Event Venue:

The property’s period elegance and extensive garden make it an ideal venue for hosting weddings, corporate retreats, or private dining experiences. The addition of the bothy as luxury accommodation for special guests could further enhance its appeal.

5. Wellness Retreat:

Leverage the tranquil ambiance of the enclosed garden and the peaceful surroundings of Dufftown to create a wellness retreat. Offer yoga classes, therapy sessions, and holistic treatments in a serene environment.

This opportunity has arisen due to the owner’s retirement. Enact your dream in this historic three-storey period house. Not currently trading, this versatile property has been cleared of furniture and is ready for occupancy/re-rolling. The property has recently functioned as a successful licensed Bistro and shop, while the large Guesthouse provided very comfortable accommodation with a combination of shared and private facilities. The prominent double shop front offers real scope to prospective buyers. Potentially Fournet House could also be a large family home. There is the added benefit of an extensive walled garden which incorporates a separate bothy.

Fournet house encompasses numbers 16, 18 and 20 Balvenie Street. 

NUMBER 16 & 18: The main property entrance through double doors to the vestibule. A private dining room that previously traded as a successful Licensed Bistro and whole food cafe (Noah’s Ark). A servery with a counter, a commercial kitchen. Ladies and Gents toilets, dry food store and designated vegetable prep area. This area is accessed through the back door into the rear hallway with access to a private parking space to load and unload goods.

NUMBER 20:  The ground floor consists of an extensive shop with a split level floor suitable for several uses; the shop windows have huge display areas ideal for staging. No 20 has its entrance from Balvenie Street and still retains two Victorian cast iron fluted pillars. This large unit is on two levels and incorporates a staff toilet, an accessible toilet, and a garden room, previously a bedroom; there are connections to add additional utilities if required. This area could function in the assisted living role with patio doors that are purpose made and designed for wheelchair access and open directly into the garden. 

Fournet House has a fully integrated fire alarm system with a control box in the lower inner hall. The accommodation is divided into separate fire zones forming an effective alarm system. An accessible toilet was added when Fournet re-rolled to a guesthouse. Full permissions are available for all work completed. Whilst the garden has planning permission to be a therapy garden.

Fournet is a significant period property that offers diverse trading possibilities—located in Dufftown, which is famous for its whisky-based economy. Only by viewing can one fully appreciate the potential this magnificent property offers. Viewings are strictly by appointment only.

THE GUEST HOUSE: The Guesthouse is on the upper floors of number 18 and is accessed via the front door; the staircase leads to a beautiful arched window. The first floor comprises a salon with a feature fireplace, handcrafted joinery and a wonderful cornice. The middle door presents a small front bedroom, previously used as an office. The third room on the first floor has been both a formal dining room and a bedroom with a magnificent distinctive fireplace. A separate door provides discreet access to the shower room. 

A passage leads you to the old Tailors workshop; this spacious, atmospheric room with its Cathedral ceiling includes kitchen units, worktops, and utilities, currently the present owners’ private bedroom. The staircase continues to the 2nd floor and accesses three further bedrooms. Two are double bedrooms with separate ensuites bathrooms; both have fireplaces. The left-hand ensuite uniquely has a fireplace with additional Jack and Jill access from the hall.

The middle room is a small double bedroom with superb views of Dufftown’s heather hills. The boiler room completes the main property—Fournet benefits from excellent storage on all levels. 

WALLED GARDEN: The large private walled garden was previously developed as a Therapy Garden, including a patio area, raised flower and vegetable beds and a Koi pond with safety fencing. The garden now requires some rejuvenation but would be ideal for outdoor activities and entertaining, offering pets and children a secure and safe environment. 

BOTHY: The stone bothy is built traditionally with a slate roof; internally, it is fully lined and has power and light. Subject to planning, the bothy has excellent potential to convert to additional accommodation and create an ideal holiday let.