Dale House Halkirk Westerdale Caithness

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1 Dale House Halkirk Westerdale Caithness

Dale House Halkirk, Westerdale Caithness KW12 6UW Thurso 14 miles, Wick 17 miles, Inverness 102 miles, Inverness Airport 108 miles A stunning period home dating from the eighteenth century and

3 Dale House Halkirk, Westerdale Caithness KW12 6UW Thurso 14 miles, Wick 17 miles, Inverness 102 miles, Inverness Airport 108 miles A stunning period home dating from the eighteenth century and occupying a magnificent position on the River Thurso. Dale House & Cottage Dale House Reception hallway Drawing room Smoking room Billiard room Library Kitchen Dining room Breakfast room Strong room Ancillary domestic rooms 4 bedroom suites 5 further bedrooms Shower room 2 bathrooms. Cottage A self-contained cottage with sitting room Dining/kitchen 2 bedrooms Bathroom. Outbuildings/Outside A courtyard of outbuildings with former stables and garages, a further cottage with development potential, garden grounds, a walled garden, pond and trout fishing rights on River Thurso. Approximately 16.1 acres in total. Former Mill Excellent development potential with hydro-electric plant and trout fishing rights on the River Thurso. Approximately 4.2 acres

Historical Note Dale House dates back to the 1740 s and is thought to have been built on the site of a Pictish broch. The house was commissioned by James Budge, an agent for Coutts Bank.

In the past Dale House has been used as a conference venue and for occasional private dinner parties and weddings and today combines the differing architectural influences and period features to

4 Historical Note Dale House dates back to the 1740 s and is thought to have been built on the site of a Pictish broch. The house was commissioned by James Budge, an agent for Coutts Bank. The Budge line died out in 1800 and the property passed into the hands of the Murray- Threipland family who were responsible for extending the house in 1871 and again in In the past Dale House has been used as a conference venue and for occasional private dinner parties and weddings and today combines the differing architectural influences and period features to provide a superb property with spacious and flexible accommodation and useful outbuildings. Entrance The property is approached by a long tree lined gated driveway which leads to a gravel turning circle with central lawn and is flanked by Caithness stone dyking and herbaceous borders. Gardens The walled garden to the north east of the house served the kitchen with fruit and vegetables and is segregated by Caithness stone flags and a hedge. To the south west of the house there is a paved terrace with lawn and a peripheral wall which overlooks the paddock in a south westerly direction towards the River Thurso. There is also an enclosed pond with Central Island which has been nicely landscaped. Original Walled Gardens To the south of the house is the original walled garden. This has a Caithness stone wall and a beehive dovecot in four stages. Within the walled garden is a small private cemetery. The walled garden (to which the sellers will be retaining full access rights solely along the roadway past the Old Mill) is excluded from the sale. Grazing The property has excellent grazing and the potential for several paddocks if required. Description Dale House & Cottage Dale House is a charming B listed property overlooking the River Thurso, one of the best salmon rivers in the UK. The property is without doubt one of the finest period homes of its kind in the Scottish Highlands, 11 miles south of Thurso and in an area renowned for its fertile farmland, flagstone dykes and rugged coastline. The property has previously been used as a private conference and wedding venue and has a fire detection system and emergency lighting. The combination of differing architectural influences and periods combine sympathetically to provide a superb property with flexible accommodation and a host of potential uses. The current owners have created a comfortable family home and made a number of improvements during their ownership such as the installation of an oil fired central heating system in 2011and new kitchen. The property is set in wonderful garden grounds that adjoin the River Thurso. There is a courtyard with an extensive range of outbuildings, incorporating the former stable. The courtyard gives access to a two bedroomed self-contained cottage with letting potential, staff accommodation or additional family accommodation. Gardeners Cottage is sited half way down the main drive and has further development potential. The cottage is built of Caithness stone under a Caithness flag roof. The grounds extend to circa 16.1 acres and include two walled gardens, one containing a B listed beehive dovecot. Ground Floor Service corridor with original bells and dumb waiter serving upper floors Kitchen Four oven gas fired Aga (cream) with sandstone surround. Range of fitted floor and wall units incorporating two sinks with mixer taps and drainers. Four ring electric hob with extractor over and oven below. Two shelved cupboards. Flagstone floor. Part glazed door to back hall with door to patio and flagstone floor.

Breakfast Room Open fireplace with painted timber mantelpiece and tiled hearth. Glazed display cabinet. Exposed hardwood floor. Door to: Lower Hall Staircase to Smoking Room. Flagstone floor. Sink.

From service corridor, door and steps leading to: North Hall Storage cupboards housing hot water cylinder. Separate WC with basin. Store room with ample fitted shelving. Wall mounted gun cabinet.

5 Breakfast Room Open fireplace with painted timber mantelpiece and tiled hearth. Glazed display cabinet. Exposed hardwood floor. Door to: Lower Hall Staircase to Smoking Room. Flagstone floor. Sink. Cupboard under stairs housing hot water cylinder. Door to: Strong Room From Lower Hall door to: Separate WC Thunderbox WC. From service corridor, door and steps leading to: North Hall Storage cupboards housing hot water cylinder. Separate WC with basin. Store room with ample fitted shelving. Wall mounted gun cabinet. From Service Corridor: Play Room Sewing Room Office ISDN telephone system. Fitted cupboards. Laundry Two separate rooms containing clothes pulley, sink and fitted shelving. Old Coal Store With flagstone floor. Under Stairs Storage Conference/Dining Facilities Milk House With flagstone floor and shelves. Fire alarm system control panel. Door to front courtyard and Game larder. Office Fitted shelving. Day Room Cupboard housing electrical isolation unit. Serving hatch. Door to: South Hall Cornice. Door to: WC Part tiled walls. Urinal. Basin. Flagstone flooring. Door to: Separate WC WC. Basin. Flagstone flooring. From South Hall, door to: Dining Room Large bay window with wood panelling surround. Open fireplace with decorative mantelpiece over. Ornate cornicing. Hardwood flooring. Ceiling mount for electronic projector, fitted projector screen and speakers. Door to: Ladies WC WC. Basin. Part tiled walls. Flagstone floor. Disabled WC and Wet-Room WC. Basin. Part tiled walls. Flagstone floor.

First Floor Porch Cornice. Flagstone floor. Part glazed door into: Hall Cornice. Dumb waiter. Staircase to second floor. Staircase to ground floor.

Smoking Room Open fireplace with marble surround and Adam style mantelpiece. Shelved cupboard. Dentallated cornice. Ceiling rose. Door and staircase to ground floor.

Second sliding door to wood-lined linen cupboard. Garden Bedroom Decorative cornice.

6 First Floor Porch Cornice. Flagstone floor. Part glazed door into: Hall Cornice. Dumb waiter. Staircase to second floor. Staircase to ground floor. Drawing Room Open fireplace with ceramic tiled surround, hearth and Adam style mantelpiece with shell motif. Glazed display cabinet. Decorative cornice. Smoking Room Open fireplace with marble surround and Adam style mantelpiece. Shelved cupboard. Dentallated cornice. Ceiling rose. Door and staircase to ground floor. Cloakroom Range of fitted cupboards. WC. Basin. From Hall Stair leading up to upper hall, lit by skylights. Sliding door with steps leading to store room and access to roof space. Second sliding door to wood-lined linen cupboard. Garden Bedroom Decorative cornice. There is a door to the adjoining Four Poster room, as the Garden Room was originally the dressing room for the Four Poster. River Bedroom Open fireplace (not in use) with decorative mantelpiece. Decorative cornice. Door to: En Suite Bathroom WC. Basin with marble surround. Bath with shower attachment over. Decorative cornice. Cedar Room Large bay window with three window seats. Open fireplace with ceramic tiled hearth and surround and decorative mantelpiece. Further window seat. Panelled to dado height. Decorative cornice. Four Poster Bedroom Open fireplace (not in use) with decorative mantelpiece over. Elaborate cornice. Door with steps leading down to: En Suite Bathroom Bath with tiled surround and shower over. Basin. WC. Heated towel rail. From hall, door to: Library Fitted bookshelves. Shelved cupboard. Decorative cornice. Exposed wood floor. Alcove. Arch and steps leading to: Landing Lit by skylight. Decorative cornice. Linen Room Cupboard with fitted shelving. Belfast sink. Access to large roof space. Shower Room Tiled shower cubicle with shower attachment. Basin. Separate WC. Rowan Bathroom Open fireplace (not in use) with decorative mantelpiece. Basin. Cornice. Old Mill Bedroom Open fireplace (not in use) with decorative mantelpiece. Ornate cornice. Door to: En Suite Bathroom Bath with tiled surround and shower over. WC. Heated towel rail. Basin. Second Floor Landing Decorative cornice. Shelved store room, with dumb waiter. Staircase to attic. West Bathroom Bath with shower attachment over. Thunderbox WC. Basin. West Bedroom Currently used as a sitting room. Open fireplace (not in use) with ornamental mantelpiece. Basin. Decorative cornice. Wall mounted TV stand. Rope Dressing Room Basin. Rope cornicing.

Rope Bedroom Open fireplace (not in use) with ornamental mantelpiece. Shelved cupboard with hanging space. Basin. Rope cornice.

Basin with marble surround. Door leading to landing. Attic Two large attic rooms, one housing water tanks, the other formerly used as a chapel during the War with benches. Access to valley gutters.

Staircase to first floor with under stair cupboard. Door to: Bathroom Bath with tiled surround and shower over. Basin. WC. From dining kitchen door to: Living Room Open fireplace. Tiled surround.

7 Rope Bedroom Open fireplace (not in use) with ornamental mantelpiece. Shelved cupboard with hanging space. Basin. Rope cornice. Her Ladyship s Room Open fireplace (not in use) with decorative mantelpiece. Built in cupboard housing shelving and hanging space. Decorative cornice. Door to: En Suite Bathroom Bath. WC. Basin with marble surround. Door leading to landing. Attic Two large attic rooms, one housing water tanks, the other formerly used as a chapel during the War with benches. Access to valley gutters. Cottage Front door into: Dining Kitchen Range of wall and floor units incorporating a stainless steel sink with drainer and mixer tap. Four ring electric hob with electric oven below. Staircase to first floor with under stair cupboard. Door to: Bathroom Bath with tiled surround and shower over. Basin. WC. From dining kitchen door to: Living Room Open fireplace. Tiled surround. Cupboard. First Floor Bedroom 1 Fitted cupboard. Hatch to loft space. Bedroom 2 Fitted cupboard. Former Mill Situated at the southern end of the property in a particularly scenic location is a former mill which is a well-known local landmark on the banks of the River Thurso and has magnificent further development potential. The property has a hydro- electric plant (currently not in use), trout fishing rights and set in approximately 4.2 acres. Situation Located only 14 miles from Thurso in one of the most idyllic locations in the Scottish Highlands, Dale House enjoys a private, rural setting in the village of Halkirk. Thurso is mainland Scotland s most northerly town located on the North coast of Caithness. There are hospitals, secondary schools and swimming pools in both Thurso and Wick. This area is renowned for its spectacular scenery in particular the views overlooking Dunnet Head and its beach. Caithness is popular for its fishing salmon fishing on the River Thurso, which runs through Halkirk and for trout fishing in the many lochs in the area. There are 4 golf clubs in the area. Nearby Scrabster is the gateway to Orkney and there are regular ferries. For the outdoor enthusiast there are several activities including hill walking, cycling and Thurso is recognised as a major area for surfing, often hosting the surfing championships leg on the UK Tour. There are regular bus and rail services available from Wick and there are flights from Wick to Edinburgh and Aberdeen.

Not to scale for guidance only P R O M A P

General Listing Dale House, Dale House dovecot and walled garden are B listed. Services Dale House has mains water and electricity and private drainage. Oil fired central heating, LPG for Aga.

12 General Listing Dale House, Dale House dovecot and walled garden are B listed. Services Dale House has mains water and electricity and private drainage. Oil fired central heating, LPG for Aga. Solicitors Frank Mathers, Taggart Meil Mathers, 20 Bon Accord Square, Aberdeen, AB11 6DJ Tel: Fixtures and Fittings All fitted carpets and integrated kitchen appliances are included in the sale. Other items are available by separate negotiation. Viewing Strictly by appointment with Strutt & Parker. Council Tax G Reproduced from the Ordnance Survey Mapping with the permission of the Controller of Her Majesty s Stationery Office. Crown Copyright (ES763454). NOT TO SCALE EPC Rating E Possession Vacant possession will be given on completion. Offers Offers are to be submitted in Scottish legal terms to the selling agents Strutt and Parker, 9-11 Bank Lane, Inverness, IV1 1WA. Local Authority Highland Council, Glenurquhart Road, Inverness, IV3 5NX. Tel: Special Conditions of Sale 1. The purchaser shall within 5 days of conclusion of missives make payment as a guarantee for due performance of a sum equal to 10 per cent of the purchase price on which sum no interest will be allowed. Timeous payment of the said sum shall be a material condition of the contract. In the event that such payment is not made timeously the seller reserves the right to resile without further notice. The balance of purchase price will be paid by Bankers Draft at the date of entry and interest at five per cent above The Royal Bank of Scotland base rate current from time to time will be charged there on from the term of entry until payment. Consignation shall not avoid payment of the foregoing rate of interest. In the event of the purchase of any Lot(s) failing to make payment of the balance of the said price at the date of entry, payment of the balance of the purchase price on the due date being the essence of the contract, the seller shall be entitled to resile from the contract. The seller in that event reserves the right to resell or deal otherwise with the subjects of sale as he thinks fit. Furthermore he shall be entitled to retain in his hands the initial payment of ten per cent herein before referred to which shall be set off to account of any loss occasioned to him by the purchasers' failure and in the event of the loss being less than the amount of the said deposit the seller shall account to the purchasers for any balance thereof remaining in his hands. 2. The subjects will be sold subject to all rights of way, rights of access, wayleave, servitude, water rights, drainage and sewage rights, restrictions and burdens of whatever kind at present existing and whether contained in the Title Deeds or otherwise and whether formally constituted or not affecting the subjects of sale. 3. The seller shall be responsible for any rates, taxes and other burdens for the possession and for collection of income prior to the said date of entry. Where necessary, all rates, taxes and other burdens and income will be apportioned between the seller and the purchasers as at the said date of entry. 4. The minerals will be included in the sale of the property only insofar as the seller has rights thereto. Tel: Tel: The Courier Building, 13 Hill Street, London W1J 5LQ london@struttandparker.com Bank Lane, Inverness, IV1 1WA inverness@struttandparker.com Travel Directions On approaching Halkirk from the A9 take the left turn onto the B870 signposted for Westerdale. Follow this road for around 2.5 miles and turn right at the junction signposted Halkirk where the tree lined drive to Dale House is visible on the left hand side. If you require this publication in an alternative format, please contact Strutt & Parker on tel IMPORTANT NOTICE Strutt & Parker LLP for themselves and for the Vendors of this property, whose agents they are, give notice that: 1. The particulars are intended to give a fair and substantially correct overall description for the guidance of intending purchasers and do not constitute part of an offer or contract. Prospective purchasers and lessees ought to seek their own professional advice. 2. All descriptions, dimensions, areas, reference to condition and necessary permissions for use and occupation and other details are given in good faith, and are believed to be correct, but any intending purchasers should not rely on them as statements or representations of fact, but must satisfy themselves by inspection or otherwise as to the correctness of each of them. 3. No person in the employment of Strutt & Parker LLP has any authority to make or give any representations or warranty whatever in relation to this property on behalf of Strutt & Parker LLP, nor enter into any contract on behalf of the Vendor. 4. No responsibility can be accepted for any expenses incurred by intending purchasers in inspecting properties which have been sold, let or withdrawn. Photographs taken in March MEASUREMENTS AND OTHER INFORMATION All measurements are approximate. While we endeavour to make our sales particulars accurate and reliable, if there is any point which is of particular importance to you, please contact this office and we will be pleased to check the information for you, particularly if contemplating travelling some distance to view the property.

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