Arpafeelie, North Kessock, Inverness

A charming period house with a wealth of original character, extensive accommodation and a separate detached annexe, overlooking beautiful rolling countryside. The property lies close to the villages of Charleston and North Kessock and five miles from Inverness, yet with easy access to the beautiful and rugged Highland landscapes.

The Property
Bishop’s House is a splendid Category C Listed property, set in a stunning rural position in the hamlet of Arpafeelie. The property dates from 1863 and was once the rectory for the neighbouring St. John’s Episcopal Church. Originally built as two cottages, which have been combined to create one larger single residence, the property provides more than 3,000 square feet of accommodation, including six bedrooms, while there is also a detached annexe providing a useful workspace.

Entering the welcoming reception hall there are formal reception rooms to either side, the sitting room and the snug, both of which have south-facing bay windows and fireplaces, with the sitting room fitted with a log burner. Towards the rear there are further reception rooms for everyday living, including a comfortable drawing room and a study, both of which have cast-iron stoves. The ground floor also has a large, kitchen/dining room with fitted units to base and wall level, as well as a range cooker and space for a family dining table. At the rear, the utility room provides further space for home appliances and storage.

Two staircases lead to separate first-floor areas, one of which leads from the rear hallway to two double bedrooms and a shower room. The main first-floor area is accessed via the central turned staircase and leads to four further bedrooms of similar proportions, as well as a family bathroom. The ground floor provides an additional family shower room.

The detached annexe provides a valuable addition to the property, with an open-plan meeting room, shower room, study and sitting room. The first floor is accessed via an external staircase and provides storage or further office space, and could be converted into living accommodation if required. (Subject to the appropriate planning consent -

Outside
Access for vehicles is via a gated entrance at the side of the house, which leads to a parking area for several vehicles, as well as to the detached garage for further parking or storage. There are delightful gardens to both the front and rear of the property, including rolling lawns, patio areas and well-stocked border beds with a variety of established shrubs, hedgerows and flowering perennials. The gardens to both the front and rear are in view of the charming, historic neighbouring church, while there are open fields and rolling countryside beyond.

Location
The property is set in the hamlet of Arpafeelie, close to the shores of the Beauly Firth and within easy reach of the village of North Kessock and five miles from Inverness. North Kessock and neighbouring Charleston have various amenities, including local shops, cafés, a village hall and a primary school. Meanwhile, Inverness, considered to be the capital of The Highlands, offers a wealth of shopping, leisure and cultural facilities, as well as access to a selection of large supermarkets. Transport connections in the area

include the A9 just moments away, offering routes south towards Perth, Edinburgh and Glasgow or north onwards into the Highlands, while Inverness provides access to mainline rail. Inverness Airport is within easy reach and offers a good range of domestic and European flights. The surrounding landscape offers a wealth of activities, including walking, riding and cycling, while the shores of the Moray Firth are ideal for sailing. There are also several golf clubs in the area, including Castle Stuart Golf Links (Cabot Highlands).