BEAUTIFUL Balnald Farmhouse is a haven of home-grown fun.
This highland house nestles in three glorious acres of gardens, with tennis courts, a hot tub and a dining/snooker room.
It’s the treasured retreat of owners Dr Euan McCulloch and his wife Kristabel, who 18 months ago bought the B-listed former farm buildings – which date back to 1886 – after discovering the neighbouring village of Fortingall while on a drive through the Perthshire countryside.
They tell IN10: “We absolutely fell in love with this enchanting conservation village. We actually stopped the car and gazed open-mouthed at its beautiful thatched cottages which are unlike anything else we have seen in Scotland.”
The couple decided it was the place for them and went to view the farmhouse which had already been lovingly and carefully converted by its previous owners.
Kristabel says: “We were mesmerised by the look of the house. I couldn’t wipe the smile off my face when I saw the kitchen. It is hand-crafted in bespoke walnut with a huge cream Aga. The house just felt instantly like home.”
It’s easy to see why. The welcoming entrance hall leads to a grand peaked drawing room of double height with wooden beams and feature stone pillars. It has a wood burning stove and large picture windows in what was once the cart shed arches.
The old milking parlour is now a spacious dining room, also double height with a statement exposed stone wall.
The master double bedroom has an en suite shower room and there is also a double bedroom and a twin bedroom that share a modern shower room. The other wing of the house includes a cosy snug, a library and a boot room with two further bedrooms.
Outside there is a charming, south-facing patio, perfect for al fresco dining, as well as the gardens and tennis courts.
Kristabel says: “We added the hot tub almost immediately. We also added a second log burner in the house and completely renovated two of the bathrooms. The bedrooms were also decorated and the tennis courts updated.”
She adds: “The bathroom is our most recent addition and is now quite a luxurious space with a free-standing stone bath and sink from Lusso Stone, along with Amtico flooring. The bath is positioned so you can gaze off into the hills and completely relax.”
The couple let their lovely retreat, through Unique Cottages, to holidaymakers who can share its charm.
Kristabel adds: “The new bathroom was undertaken by local tradesmen who worked diligently to have it completed before the arrival of our next guests. We wanted to ensure their stay was uninterrupted.
“The difficulty is finding a window of opportunity to have work done. The house is almost fully booked a year in advance!”
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