Castle Close Antiques, Highland

DESCRIPTION
Currently run by the two owners, this highly attractive traditional property benefits from direct access from Castle Street and enjoys significant footfall throughout the year as well as on-line and telephone sales. Presently trading as an antique shop this is an opportunity to develop that trade further. Positioned in an exceptionally prominent location with a high level of passing trade, the business operates all year round. The main tourist season is from April-October, with consistent demand over the winter months primarily from local residents and day trippers. Trade is mainly driven through the sale of antique object d’art, books, silver and glass, china, paintings, furniture and jewellery. Internally the shop is arranged at ground level and offers flexible retail floor space. The sales area is spacious and well-lit, making the presentation of the business most pleasing. To the rear of the main public area is smaller space which is currently used for the display of jewellery, silver etc.

The business is ideally situated to take full advantage of the custom from the hotels, many self-catering holiday lets and bed & breakfasts within the area, as well as the regular coach tours and other holidaymakers who stop in the town during the main season.

REASON FOR SALE
The present owners commenced trading for many years and have immensely enjoyed their time developing and running the business. However, after over 40 years of self-employment and due to a desire to retire, they present this fine business to the market. They genuinely believe that enthusiastic new proprietors could continue to develop and grow the business.
TRADE
The business has always traded profitably and also benefits from a large oversea market, offering a full shipping service. The owners have reduced their hours over the last few years due to family circumstances which have resulted in a reduced level of turnover and profitability. This presents a significant opportunity for new owners to develop the business.

The business is sold with a fully functioning web site,
LOCATION
Dornoch is a charming, historic royal burgh and seaside resort located in the county of Sutherland in the Scottish Highlands. Nestled on the north shore of the Dornoch Firth, it is situated near the estuary where the Dornoch Firth meets the Moray Firth to the east. As part of the Highland local government council area, Dornoch is easily accessible, lying close to the A9 road, which serves as a primary route connecting the north coast to Inverness. For aviation enthusiasts, the town also features a grass airstrip that accommodates small aircraft and helicopters, adding to its appeal as a destination for tourists and visitors.

Dornoch has a population of about 1400 which swells significantly during the main trading season (Easter to October) due to the high number of tourists and visitors to the area. The county of Sutherland has a population of around 13,000 spread over around 2026 sq. miles.

The world renowned Royal Dornoch Championship course is a wonderful venue and a challenging test of golfing skills. The course is a ‘must do’ pilgrimage for the committed golfer; the unique setting of Royal Dornoch makes it an aspirational place to play. There is a significant number of tourist golfers who frequent the shop during their stay.

Dornoch offers visitors and residents alike a good range of facilities and amenities including shops, hotels, schools and University of the Highlands and Islands facilities and its Seaside Award as a clean bathing beach. The area has a much broader appeal with walks, fishing, field sports, and water sports all being readily available. There are also a great many places of historic interest within an hours’ drive. The town has some beautiful Sandstone buildings, including the c.13th Century Cathedral, the Bishop’s Palace (now a hotel), the Courthouse and Old Town Jail. The town has a charm and elegance that makes this a very popular residential area. Dornoch is only an hour from Inverness, which has an airport and major transport links. The town of Tain is circa 6 miles away and has an extended range of specialist shops/supermarkets and services.
SERVICES
The property benefits from mains electricity, water and drainage. Electrical heating is provided throughout the building.
ACCOUNTS
This business operates very profitably and demonstrates a consistently high turnover. Full accounting information will be made available to seriously interested parties subsequent to viewing.
PRICE
Offers in the region of £375,000 are invited for the heritable property and trade contents (according to inventory), excluding personal items. Stock to be purchased based on independent valuation.
OFFERS
All offers should be submitted in writing to ASG Commercial Ltd with whom purchasers should register their interest if they wish to be advised of a closing date, should one be set.