Location

Strathcarron is a small hamlet nestled in the scenic Wester Ross region of the Scottish Highlands. Surrounded by dramatic landscapes of mountains, lochs and forests, it offers a peaceful retreat accessible by road and the scenic Kyle of Lochalsh railway line, making it a popular destination for outdoor enthusiasts who enjoy hiking, cycling, fishing and wildlife watching. Approximate 7 miles away, Lochcarron is a waterfront village with a well-stocked shop including post office, supermarket, ironmongers and newsagents, there is a health centre, police station, garages, fuel stations, cafes, restaurants and a hotel. There is a village hall, gym, sailing club, rowing club, a shinty pitch and 9 hole golf course. There is a Nursery, Play Group and Primary School, and secondary pupils travel by daily bus to the acclaimed Plockton High school incorporating The National Centre of Excellence in Traditional Music. Strathcarron railway station (11 miles) is nearby with direct trains to Inverness and Kyle of Lochalsh. The Torridon mountain range is approximately 15 miles away and Skye is within 33 miles. Inverness is 65 miles away providing excellent transport links to major locations within the UK and Europe. Nearby attractions include the Bealach na Ba pass, the Applecross Peninsula and Attadale Gardens. Numerous lochs and rivers throughout the country provide both salmon and trout fishing, and the west coast is famous for its exciting sailing and varied coastline. On the other side of Loch Carron, Plockton offers a popular anchorage for yachts and a private airstrip. The area provides an excellent base for exploring northwest Scotland.

Description

Couldoran House is currently owned by Woodland Trust Scotland which is part of the largest woodland conservation charity in the UK. In 2019 the Trust bought Ben Shieldaig, a small mountain with ancient rainforest remnants on its slopes. In 2021 the neighbouring Couldoran Estate was added, doubling the size of the property. The combined estate is now known as Gleann Shìldeag.

In the coming decades, Woodland Trust Scotland plans to restore and expand the existing native woodland, improve public access and establish a healthy and resilient mosaic of habitats including Scotland's rainforest. The Trust's primary interest lies in land conservation, primarily the restoration and expansion of native woodlands rather than buildings, which is why they are selling this significant period house located at the heart of the Couldoran Estate. The Woodland Trust is working with neighbouring landowners to establish healthy habitats across the Estate and the wider landscape and hopes future use of Couldoran House will contribute to the exciting positive changes taking place. It therefore seeks a buyer who will not only take over ownership of the house, but play an active part in the revival of the wider landscape and economy – for nature and people.

Couldoran House was built for the son of a local land-owning family in 1928 and is a distinctive sight at the start of the Bealach na Ba to Applecross route of the North Coast 500.

Totalling around 6,300 square feet of accommodation, this is a fine and elegant period house which is in excellent decorative condition and would lend itself to a variety of purposes. The accommodation is currently configured as follows: reception hall, three main reception rooms (two with wood burning stoves); a spacious kitchen / breakfast room featuring a four oven AGA with additional module; a downstairs bedroom or office; two pantries, a larder, gun room and cloakroom/WC. The house features attractive original wood flooring and skirting boards along with fireplaces, while the sash and case windows throughout give the entire building a light and airy feel and beautifully frame the stunning views that are particularly evident from the upper floor. Here there are nine bedrooms (two en suite), a dressing room and two bathrooms, one with a sauna.

In addition to the main house there is a detached studio building with a self contained apartment above.

Setting
Couldoran House lies in the Wester Ross National Scenic Area and the Wester Ross UNESCO Biosphere Reserve.

The setting abounds with breath-taking scenery and is a nature-lover's paradise teeming with wildlife including deer, eagles, otters and red squirrels. Whales and dolphins are regularly seen around the nearby coast.

Given its location close to the popular NC500 tourist route, Couldoran House has great potential as a lifestyle business or social enterprise. The Trust does not rule out a mainstream tourism or hospitality business but would prefer a purchaser who will be on-site and active in the enterprise and the local community.