Glebe Cottage, Whitehouse, Tarbert, Argyll
The next house was an hour further south on the Kintyre peninsula. Under the surface, John was thinking 'too far, too boxed in on a peninsula', but was enthusiastic when he saw the house.
The house was modern (about 10 years old) and immaculately presented. The view was quite spectacular at the front and at the back had a generous garden with a forest as a boundary. You could clearly see that Bambi and all her little friends would be at the back door, and frost and snow on the fir trees would be spectacular.
Liz wasn't convinced. It lacked soul and character, not just because it was decorated in a neutral manner but because it was a fairly standard, new build, inoffensive house. Worst of all was the fast A road running straight past the property. It wasn't busy at that time but that road was like a burr stuck in a sock, scratching away and leaving a sore spot on the afternoon.
The decor left Liz cold, despite its perfection, and the spotless kitchen meant that we would feel obliged to live with it even though it isn't our taste, because it would be such a waste to rip out a perfectly ok, new kitchen.
We did however get the price about right, Liz guessed offers over £350,000 and John £340,000 and it was on the market for offers over £350,000.
The estate agent's website said: Spacious, semi rural family home set on approximately 1 acre of grounds with loch views and no near neighbours. Immaculately presented, with 3 double bedrooms, 1 ensuite, family shower room, breakfasting kitchen, utility room and a lounge/diner. Broadband, 4G and digital television are available.
The garden is mainly laid to lawn with a gravel driveway and parking for multiple vehicles. Mature well stocked floor beds and borders, rear deck area with exterior lighting, and stunning views of the loch and slab paths. The property further befits from a good size timber garage workshop with a side canopy, workbenches, power, light and water, timber shed and woodstore.
Tarbert town centre is only 6 miles to the north and is a pleasant west coast small fishing and yachting harbour town with local shops and services easily catering for everyday needs and requirements. Tarbert is also renowned for hosting the annual Scottish Series Yachting Event, and for its seafood and folk festivals.
We were both a little deflated at this point - we'd driven 7 hours to Scotland, taken time off work (Liz unpaid!) to see two houses, both of which were not right and both of which were probably out of our price bracket. But then, let's get our expectations back in check - we've been looking for over six months and not found our dream house, so.....
It has to be said though that our perception of telly folk has certainly changed, throughout the day they were calmly focused on the task at hand and ensuring the next bit was set up right whilst dealing with all sorts like the restaurant at our hotel closing before we got back because the main chef was ill. There was no running around, shouting and marshalling people, and no diva behaviour from the stars (us!) The professionalism impressed us hugely - the communication between the team members was short and concise, everyone knew their part and provided exactly what was needed, when it was needed.
We're pleased to say that we did find food, but a note to those travelling to Scotland - don't assume that restaurants are open every day or at sensible times, particularly outside of tourist season! We stopped at the very accomodating Skipper's Bistro. It was located on a caravan park, and was open late to show the football. They agreed to keep the kitchen open for us and we had very hearty and excellent food all round.
Owen took the dark roads home with ease and we enjoyed watching the scenery flow by. We arrived back at the hotel base gone 10pm and hit the sack, we talked a bit but were pretty down hearted. Liz was restless, getting to sleep in the early hours after listening to John gently snoring for a while.
This house had been on the market for four months before we looked at it and was still on the market early December, but by 21st January 2023 it was under after. The interesting thing will be sale price, once we find it out.
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