Property overview

We are delighted to present to the market Craighead, a delightful traditional period cottage brimming with character, offering three well-proportioned bedrooms and three versatile public rooms. Occupying an enviable elevated position, the property enjoys truly spectacular uninterrupted views across the stunning landscape of Glenbuchat, Strathdon. The cottage is bright and spacious throughout, retaining many original features that enhance its warmth and charm. The property benefits from double glazed casement windows throughout, oil-fired central heating, complemented by a cosy wood-burning stove and open fireplaces, perfect for creating a welcoming atmosphere all year round.

Tucked away at the end of a quiet country road within a small, peaceful hamlet, Craighead sits within a generous gated plot of circa 0.6 of an acre of beautiful, landscaped gardens and grounds.  The gardens wrap around the property, and the grounds include a generous workshop with an adjoining generator shed, log store, outdoor granite sheds with one utilised as a utility room, a substantial summer house and heated dog kennels, making it ideal for those seeking a rural lifestyle with excellent outdoor possibilities.

Early viewing is highly recommended to truly appreciate the idyllic country living and stunning location on offer.

Full Description

Enter through a five-bar gate to the gated walled garden with a gravelled driveway path leading to a part glazed front door into the bright and inviting sunroom. Positioned perfectly to the front of the property, the sunroom features wrap-around windows offering views towards the surrounding landscape making it the ideal space to relax and unwind. The area boasts a solid wood vaulted ceiling and flooring complete with matwell, and part glazed double doors opening into the welcoming hallway giving access to the living accommodation. The wooden flooring continues seamlessly to the hallway, lounge, shower room and dining room while a staircase rises to the upper floor. 

Overlooking the frontage, the lounge features a wood-burning stove set on a slate hearth with a wooden surround, creating a warm and inviting atmosphere. To one side of the fireplace, a built-in cupboard with shelving provides practical storage. A further feature to the room is the built-in floor-to-ceiling bookshelf, offering generous space to display a wide range of books.

The well-appointed shower room features a four-piece white suite comprising a wash hand basin with vanity mirror above and tiled splashback, WC, bidet, and a curved corner shower cubicle complete with aqua panelling.  The room is enhanced by wood panelling to dado height, a chrome heated towel rail and panelled doors giving access to a shelved built-in cupboard. 

Also to the front is the dining/sitting room, featuring tongue and groove wood panelling to dado height and a double oven oil fired AGA set within an inglenook fireplace with wooden surround.  A door gives access to the dining kitchen. 

Dual aspect windows allow natural light to flood the rear-facing dining kitchen, which is fitted with a wide range of neutral shaker-style wall and base units with coordinating work surfaces, incorporating a Belfast sink and tiled splashback. Integrated appliances include an electric oven with built-in Bosch microwave above,  Rangemaster induction hob with extractor hood above, integrated dishwasher and a recessed space housing a large fridge freezer. The room is further enhanced by downlighters, a ceiling-mounted wooden pot rack and offers ample space for a dining table and chairs and with lovely views over the gardens.   

A 15 pane glazed door gives access to the boot room, which in turn opens via a second door leading to the rear garden.  This space features an exposed granite wall with coat hooks on one side and built-in shelving to the other, offering ample storage.

Returning to the hallway, the staircase, with understairs storage, rises to the upper floor which comprises three bedrooms and a cloakroom. The upper landing houses the electric circuit breaker along with the controls for the generator which automatically activates in the event of a power failure.  This area also benefits from a built-in cupboard housing the water tank, a further built-in storage cupboard, and the attic hatch.  The wooden flooring continues seamlessly to all the accommodation.

The principal bedroom overlooks the front of the property boasting stunning views of the surrounding landscape. It benefits from two double built-in wardrobes with hanging rails and shelving, with a further built-in cupboard offering additional storage.  Another feature is the period cast iron fireplace.

Overlooking the rear, bedroom three, previously utilised as a home office, is of ample proportions and benefits from built-in wardrobes with hanging rails and shelving.  A feature of the room is the Juliette balcony accessed by a glazed door offering views to the side of the property.  

Centrally located, the WC is a welcome addition to the upper hallway comprising a two-piece white suite, door hooks and wood panelling to dado height.

Double bedroom two overlooks the front with stunning views of the surrounding countryside and benefits from double and single fitted wardrobes and includes a period cast iron fireplace. Ample space for free standing furniture.

Outside

The property’s charm extends outdoors with opportunities for ‘alfresco’ dining or simply to relax and enjoy the breathtaking views with rear garden areas of paved terracing and walled patio leading to granite steps that lead past the herbaceous shrubs and Scots Pine copse and side garden area with potential for raised beds and borders.  Another pathway leads to the kennels and summerhouse with deck area again with stunning Glen views. There are two granite outbuildings to one side of the property. The first is utilised as a utility room complete with washing machine, tumble drier, lighting and a water tap. The other outbuilding is used for additional storage, benefiting from shelving and light. This area also houses the log store. Steps lead up to the rear garden which features heated dog kennels along with a generously sized summer house, a potting shed and a large workshop with adjoining generator shed.   The lengthy driveway continues past the cottage and leads to another five-bar gate adjacent to the log store which provides parking for several vehicles and access to the lane to the rear of the property.  

Fixtures and fittings

All floor coverings, light fittings, and white goods are included in the sale price.

Location

Craighead is located in Glenbuchat; a virtually unspoilt, tranquil hamlet in the heart of Strathdon in the Cairngorm National Park. The picturesque village of Bellabeg is only 4 miles away with a shop, post office, medical centre, and local Strathdon Primary school. Bellabeg is also host to the annual Lonach Gathering & Highland games. The locality provides endless beautiful walks, stunning countryside, a variety of outdoor activities, and the Lecht Ski Centre & School is only a 30-minute drive away. Nearby Glenbuchat Hall, provides a social hub for the local community offering concerts, pop-up cafes, musical entertainment, and a venue for events.

The nearest town to Glenbuchat is the popular Donside town of Alford which provides an excellent selection of local amenities including a health centre, post office, hotels, shops, and secondary school at Alford Academy.

Directions

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From Aberdeen take the A944 west towards Alford. Pass through Alford continuing on the A944 signposted to Huntly. Turn left onto the A97 towards Strathdon. After 7 miles turn right at the sign for Glenbuchat and towards the Community Hall. On approaching the Community Hall bear right between two properties ‘The Old Shop’ on the left and the manse and kirk on the right. Craighead is located at the top of the road.

From Aboyne take the A93 west to Dinnet. Turn right at Dinnet onto the A97. After 12 miles turn right at the T junction towards Alford and after approximately 2 miles turn left at the sign for Glenbuchat and towards the Community Hall. On approaching the Community Hall bear right between two properties ‘The Old Shop’ on the left and the manse and kirk on the right. Craighead is located at the top of the road as identified by our Mackinnons For Sale Board.