This superlative modern house sits high on a hillside in the Central Highlands, with panoramic views of the Cairngorm Mountain range and the Spey Valley. The architectural design by Archer + Braun is contextually driven, composed of three elements: the cottage, the timber link and the steading, with internal living space extending to over 2,880 sq ft. Combining the materiality of the local vernacular with sensitive interventions, each component is seamlessly interlinked by a series of glass walkways that frame the wonderful rural backdrop and surrounding private gardens.

The Tour

The house is approached by a long, private driveway, with extensive off-street parking for multiple vehicles and a separate garage. The horizontal larch cladding of the building continues over the front door to create a seamless aesthetic. A wall of full-height glazing forms a glass link walkway and beautifully light entrance hall, with breathtaking views of the valley beyond creating an immediately striking interior impression. A granite reveal in the wall interlinks the cottage beyond.

Features of the original agricultural building have been carefully woven throughout the house, retaining the building’s character internally while nodding to its history. A tactile wall of stone steading has been paired with the frameless glass walls and roof, ensuring a visual connection between inside and outside space.

The primary living space is positioned in the westerly wing of the cottage, where the open-plan kitchen and dining room enjoy an exceptional quality of natural light. Crisp lines are juxtaposed with rough granite walls in the bespoke kitchen, with a sociable open-plan layout supporting both the practicalities of everyday life and easy entertaining. Floor-to-ceiling walls of sliding glass open the entire space onto the front terrace in warmer months and slate flooring runs underfoot. There is a utility space and an interlinked boot room.

There are two points of entry into the living room, an impressive double-height space with a gable end stone steading and a large log burner forming the centrepiece. Corner glazing has been carved into the stone walls, with deep-set window seats providing a wonderful spot from which to enjoy the views. A mezzanine level overhead offers great flexibility of use; it is currently set out as a home workspace at one side with a snug positioned opposite. The main bedroom is tucked away on the opposite side of the ground level; this is a quiet and peaceful room with handmade cabinetry and wardrobes, an adjoining dressing room and an en suite bathroom.

Two further double bedrooms, both with en suite bathrooms, can be found in the steading on the easterly wing of the house. The cleverly conceived layout provides excellent flexibility to separate this part of the house, while frameless glass walls retain a seamless visual connection to the outdoors.

Outdoor Space

The steading is partially sunken into the ground, cutting into the land behind as it rises; as a result, the house feels visually anchored in the surrounding landscape. The extensive private gardens are primarily laid to lawn and offer great scope to enjoy the expansive open countryside.

The Area

The house is ideally located for access to the Cairngorm National Park, offering excellent opportunities for mountain walking, hiking and skiing and fishing on the River Spey, and Abernethy Forest RSPB Reserve on the shore of the nearby loch. Boat of Garten, a five-minute drive away, is a peaceful village set amongst the heather-laden hills, with independent shops, cafes and restaurants, an 18-hole golf course and a scenic steam train. The towns of Grantown-on-Spey and Aviemore are also within easy reach.

The A9 provides access both north and south. Mainline rail services operate from Aviemore, which is six miles away. The city of Inverness lies 30 miles to the north, with regular flights to London and other UK and European destinations and rail services to London via Edinburgh.

Please note that all areas, measurements and distances given in these particulars are approximate and rounded. The text, photographs and floor plans are for general guidance only. The Modern House has not tested any services, appliances or specific fittings — prospective purchasers are advised to inspect the property themselves. All fixtures, fittings and furniture not specifically itemised within these particulars are deemed removable by the vendor.