Alves
Forres, Moray

£120,000
Freehold (plot of land with planning permission)

Architect: Iconic Architectural Design

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“A bucolic plot in a secluded location just seven miles south of the shores of Findhorn”

Occupying a beautiful position between Elgin and Forres in Moray, north-east Scotland, is this superb plot of land with planning permission to build a wonderful four-bedroom house set in around a third of an acre. With far-reaching views of the surrounding countryside, the proposed scheme spans over 2,300 sq ft, with a contemporary design by Iconic Architectural Design harking to the local rural vernacular. The house will lie less than seven miles from the wonderful beaches of the north coast. Full details of the planning documents can be found here.

The Tour

Approached via a quiet country lane, this bucolic plot sits in a secluded location just seven miles south of the shores of Findhorn, a vibrant coastal and harbour town.

The proposed house will be guided by an understanding of local vernacular forms and materials. A simple piece of design, the house will blend into the surrounding area, sympathetically echoing the traditional local architecture. The result will be a handsome, contemporary home in a beautiful rural setting, with a plan layout maximising sweeping views over the surrounding countryside.

Materials have been selected to work harmoniously with neighbouring residential and farm buildings. The house will be timber framed in construction, sensitively clad externally with larch boards and local stone, using a contemporary dry stack, split face style. These will marry with a complementary slate roof of colour and texture that seamlessly merges. Standing seam zinc roofs will crown the single-storey elements. Windows and doors will be coloured anthracite grey.

Internally, the planning allows for thoughtfully considered design and material decisions to be made throughout. An abundance of large glazed screens carefully positioned windows, and roof lights will bathe the house with natural light and frame enticing near and distant views.

The main entrance will be via a covered porch, giving way to a large double-height entrance and stair hall. Undoubtedly the most impressive room will be the open-plan living, dining and kitchen, which will be perfect for the practicalities of family life and easy entertaining. There will be a fireplace at one end, above which lofty ceilings will rise with the roofline. These interior spaces will have wide sliding doors, capitalising on the compelling surrounding vistas and allowing a seamless connection to the outside. Just beyond, a large terrace paved in Caithness stone will beckon for entertaining alfresco. A family room or snug will lie directly off the main living space, providing a lovely retreat for watching movies or reading. Adjacent to the kitchen area will be a utility with independent access to the outside.

A double bedroom and a family bathroom will occupy the remainder of the ground-floor plan. Four spacious double bedrooms, one en suite, and an additional family bathroom will be on the first floor. Cleverly positioned skylights will illuminate the spaces, and the principal suite will have a wall of glazing framing fantastic landscape scenes.

The planning permission allows for a timber-clad double garage with a slate roof and off-road parking for several cars.

Information forwarded to us estimate the cost of the build to be in the region of £360,000.

Outdoor Space

The approach to the plot is via a separately owned shared access track, over which this site will have the right to maintain and access. A new willow tree will mark the entrance, and existing trees retained. New silver birch and rowan trees will be planted. A gravelled driveway of stone chippings to match the house with parking for at least three cars will sweep to a double garage.

The plot extends across just over a third of an acre of open land and will be bound by beech hedging to the northwest and post and rail fencing elsewhere. The site’s ecological value and range of inherent biodiversity will be enhanced through a gentle approach to the garden, without too much intervention, to support the area’s rich wildlife and encourage local species of birds and insects.

The terrace, paved in natural Caithness stone, immediately adjacent to the main living spaces, will be a lovely place to dine outside in warmer months or gather around a fire pit on chillier evenings.

The Area

The house will be conveniently located near the sought-after coastal and harbour town of Findhorn, seven miles northwest, in the heart of the beautiful rural region of Moray. The small hamlet of Alves, with a friendly local pub and coffee shop, Green Gables, is nearby. Extensive networks of walks and cycle routes lie on the doorstep, along with many other outdoor activities: fishing, sailing, and horse riding. The town of Aviemore and the Cairngorms National Park is 50 miles south, offering ready access to winter sports.

The market towns of Forres and Elgin are within seven miles, each with an excellent array of high-street shopping and eateries. Logie Steading Farm and Garden Shop is a terrific stop for local butchery and fish. The Phoenix Shop and Café, an innovative community partnership, is well-stocked with locally sourced farmhouse cheeses, cakes and drinks. The site is also within easy reach of The Boath House, a lovely boutique hotel.

Alves has a well-regarded primary school and secondary education in Forres.

Good rail networks can be found at Forres and Elgin, with direct links to Inverness, 31 miles west and Aberdeen, 75 miles southeast. There are also frequent bus services running between the local towns. Flights run to London Luton and Gatwick from Inverness in around an hour, and there are also regular sleeper trains from the city to London.

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.


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