Muirside Cottage, Muirside, Brodie, Forres IV36 2TE

Do you dream of escaping to the countryside, having your own land, being able to view the Northern Lights from your garden, having virtually immediate access into thousands of acres of managed woodland, yet being within a few minutes of most amenities? Do you imagine your children being able to have the sort of childhood where they can play in the woods and fields by themselves, or cycle to a lovely village school through a National Trust estate and then down a quiet road? If so, then Muirside Cottage may be the property that can fulfil your dreams.

It is so incredibly rare for a property like this, with a traditional three/four-bedroom detached house, and over 12 acres of land, to come available for purchase.

With twelve acres of undulating fenced pasture, divided into six paddocks of varying sizes, providing substantial and secure living space for livestock, established and colourful gardens, Muirside Cottage provides an idyllic lifestyle opportunity, within minutes of most amenities. The whitewashed, traditional cottage, originally two cottages offers three/four bedrooms, family bathroom, WC/utility room, dining room, sitting room and kitchen. With stunning views from every window across fields, to woodland and to Brodie Castle. With virtually no light pollution, the Northern Lights can be clearly seen from the garden and kitchen, and in the summer light streams in through the south facing dining and bedroom windows.

Outdoor opportunities abound for all ages and interests. Just minutes' walk away are the approx. 7,000 acres of Culbin forest; ideal for cycling, running and walking, and the National Trust estate of Brodie Castle, with its frequent events, café and adventure playpark. Golfing is available both in Forres and on the two championship courses in Nairn approximately 5 miles away. Watersports including sailing and paddleboarding are available in the beautiful coastal village of Findhorn just 8 miles away. Skiing is available in the Cairngorms approximately 30 miles away.

The local primary school is Dyke Primary School, listed in Tatler (2017) as one of the top ten state primary schools in the UK, with secondary education being provided in Forres. The prestigious private school, Gordonstoun, is a mere 15 miles away, with daily transportation available from Forres.

Surrounded by other properties on acreage, this property offers just about the closest thing to horse heaven that you could hope for. The hacking is amazing, with access into Culbin enabling riding on quiet tracks for hours without crossing the same path twice, and miles of white sand beaches to gallop on are just 15 minutes away.

A key differentiator for Muirside, is the ability to access the A96, just 0.7 miles away, with a bus stop providing a direct link between Aberdeen and Inverness. Inverness International airport at Dalcross is only 20 miles away and provides daily flights to London and continental Europe, with Aberdeen airport, only 76 miles away. There are reliable train links from Forres and Nairn to either city, with further train links to the South.

Accommodation

Entering the house through a convenient boot room/vestibule, perfect for shedding outdoor boots and coats after a hike in the woods. The utility room, with WC and basin is accessed from the vestibule, with another door leading into the cosy living room complete with a deep stone fireplace, multifuel stove and a deep shelved alcove. With wooden flooring and decorated in a deep restful colour, the living room is truly the heart of this lovely cottage. A unique fixed wooden ladder/stair leads to a further double bedroom, with coombed ceilings, above the living room.

To the rear of the living room there is an ample double bedroom, with west facing views across the neighbouring paddocks.

The wood floored hallway, with deep stone walls leads through into what would originally have been the second cottage. The spacious bathroom, to the front of the house, contains a 3 piece white suite comprising WC, pedestal basin and bath with shower over.

A lovely, bright, dining room, with ample room for a dining table to sit 6, has wide, south-facing windows, providing superb views across the colourful garden and Brodie Castle. To the rear of the dining room is a further single bedroom currently used as a study.

The kitchen has a range of upper and lower cabinets, with an east facing window providing lovely views across the garden and pastures. There is a deep pantry cupboard off the kitchen and a door leading to the stone chipped parking area and garden.

The accommodation is completed with a further double bedroom upstairs with truly beautiful views to Brodie Castle. A dressing room/deep walk-in cupboard, with open window towards the wooden staircase, provides superb storage and hanging space for clothes.

Outside and Gardens

The property extends to approximately 12.45 acres, comprising 0.6 acres garden, 1 acre woodland and the remaining pasture. The pastures are primarily fenced with rylock fencing on wooden posts. To the east, the property is bounded by woodland, with a dirt track running through the woods from Brodie Castle to Culbin Forest, perfect for horse riding, walking or cycling. An L-shaped track leads from the road, with gates at the start of the garden The mature gardens explodes in the spring with spring bulbs (daffodils, tulips, bluebells) and an explosion of cherry blossom along with established shrubs and flower beds providing colour all summer long.

An enclosed vegetable garden and potting shed, sit to the side.

The woodland, of approximately 1 acre, is planted with a mix of deciduous and coniferous trees, with cut tracks throughout.

The land has been managed organically for the last ten years for biodiversity as well as the production of organic lamb. Bborders, hedges and mixed woodland have been planted leading to a marked increase in plant, insect and birdlife. The land is inhabited at different times by Swallows, Housemartins, Geese, Yellowhammers Finches, Tits, Woodpeckers and Larks to name but a few. With many nesting around the property. The mixed hedges include Hawthorn, Hazel, Gelder rose, Dog rose, Rowan, Alder, Whitebeam. The woodland has a shelterbelt of Scots Pine and mixed edges including Birch, Holly, Wild Cherry, Aspen, Alder and Hazel all provide shelter for a central stand of Oak trees. Other fruit trees on the property include Apple, Goldengage, Pear, Crabapple, Plum & Sloe.

(Please note that the 2 large chicken sheds shown in the photos are not included in the sale and will be removed)

Brodie

Brodie is a lovely village located just a few miles from the market town of Forres, with wonderful walks at nearby Culbin Forest and Brodie Castle Estate. From Culbin Forest one can access gorgeous, white sandy beaches of the Moray Firth where seals abound. Brodie has a hotel with restaurant, as well as a country themed shop with café.

Forres is a thriving small town in the northeast of Scotland. With an active high street offering butchers, bakers, cafes, gift shops, hairdressers, a tailor, post office and grocery shops, it continues to offer a wide selection of services. The town boasts large parks and woodland walks, having been placed, or won, the relevant section of Britain in Bloom on multiple occasions. Primary and secondary schooling is available in the town, and Gordonstoun private school a mere 11 miles away with transport available daily.

Healthcare is available in Forres with hospitals in Elgin (12 miles) and Inverness (26) miles. Transport links are excellent with a regular bus running between Aberdeen and Inverness, a train station also on the main line between Aberdeen and Inverness and airports in both Inverness and Aberdeen providing daily flights to domestic and international destinations.

Outdoor opportunities are incredible with the beautiful white sand beaches of Findhorn less than 5 miles away, offering sailing, paddleboarding and wild swimming, skiing is available in both The Lecht and Cairngorms, both less than an hour away, and endless opportunities for walking, biking, horse riding and hiking in the vast forest of Culbin.

Please note that all measurements and distances are approximate and provided for guidance only.

Dimensions

Sitting Room                 4.3m x 3.6m

Downstairs Bedroom      3.1m x 3.4m

Utility Room                 2.1m x 1.8m

Boot Room/Vestibule    1.5m x 1.8m

Bathroom                      1.9m x 3.2m

Dining Room                  4.0m x 4.4m

Single Bedroom/Study   2.7m x 2.4m

Kitchen                         2.6m x 2.9m

Upstairs Bedroom          4.1m x 3.4m

Dressing Room               2.6m x 1.8m