This one really caught Liz's eye, because this is the ultimate in off-grid survivalist living! Tucked away down a forestry track is Pockleaf. No water, no sewage (well that is about half of Scotland outside of the towns) no electricity and no telephone. Nestled in the trees, this rustic hideaway has all the romance of a fairytale cottage.
John didn't dismiss it, probably because it had character and was cheap!
Pockleaf has been used as a much loved family retreat/private holiday home for many years. The property now requires full renovation, including the installation of modern electrics. The property is set in an idyllic rural setting with scope to convert the separate detached stone outbuilding and extend the existing living accommodation within the cottage.
Access is along a grassy track from the main forestry road, which runs alongside the stream. The ground floor has stone floors, a traditional farmhouse kitchen and open fires to the rooms. The bathroom has a cast iron bath. Upstairs there are two double bedrooms, one of which features a fireplace. This house has charm in spades, but I do think it would take some hardy people to really thrive here in the wilderness. I felt I could have given it a good go. Pickling veg to see us through the winter, a few chickens in the barn, collecting our own firewood to keep toasty.
Attached to the cottage is a large outhouse with cobbled stone floor. Please note that no guarantees or warranties are given as to the function of any appliances and/or fireplaces. The property is sold as seen.
The property is set within approximately 6.6 acres. The garden to the front of the house is bordered by a hedge and is predominantly laid to lawn. The land surrounding the property mainly comprises of mixed woodland of Sitka Spruce trees, larch, oak, birch and copper beech. There is an open fronted pole barn with corrugated tin roof and walls, presently used as a log store. An attractive stone outbuilding, with two former pigstys to the gable end, offers an opportunity to convert to studio or workshop space, or even additional living accommodation, subject to the necessary consents. The private water supply comes from a spring and the collecting tank is located to the rear of the property just outside of the boundary.
John called the estate agent to see about a viewing and already, just 24 hours into the listing, there were 34 scheduled appointments. That's either a lot of time wasters or genuinely this one struck a chord with quite a few folks.
But, I could see this offer of a viewing for what it really was - a desperate attempt by John to deflect me from Loch Droma! I put it to him and he admitted it was true. I could see that, again, it was me that was pushing this property, and just because he liked it more than Loch Droma didn't mean he liked it. Having spoken to my walking buddy, Nick, and shown him the photos he suggested the house might not get a lot of sun because of the trees, leaving it dark and damp, especially in the winter. I didn't have the drive in me to take another trip up the motorway, using up another weekend, to view another property that wasn't perfect.
Looking back I do regret not going to see this house, as I truly believe that this little place is something truly magical. Imagine snuggling ups in front of an open fire in the depths of a Scottish winter, in a cosy forest, snow in the trees. Wow!
Commentaires