Sandbank, Findhorn, Forres, Moray, IV36 3YY

Property Summary

The first time this property has been marketed since construction in 1932, Sandbank is a unique property with the most spectacular views imaginable of Findhorn Bay and Culbin Forest. Swim or boat directly from the front of the property, or sit and watch the sun coming up, or down, from the spacious front deck, or incredible living room. Southwest facing, the house and annex offer unrivalled views of sea, sand, woods and hills, marine life and birds swooping across the water. With many wonderful features and quirky details, including a hidden underfloor wine cellar and fitted kitchen with superb hidden storage, this is a truly interesting property.

Entirely renovated in 2010 by one of Scotland’s most eminent architects, James Dunbar-Nasmith, for his own use, the grounds of Sandbank enjoys a substantial area of land, measuring approximately 3000 m2, with extensive seafront. Initial discussions indicated that Sandbank may potentially meet the requirements to be subdivided and a further residence developed.

The accommodation is flexible, with the main house offering 3 bedrooms, sleeping/reading area, study area, 2 bathrooms and an incredible open plan kitchen/dining/sitting room. Attached, with access through the integral workshop/garage, is an entirely self-contained, 1 bedroom annex containing a double bedroom, bathroom and kitchen. The grounds offer a further detached garage and boathouse.

This lovely, detached house in substantial gardens comes complete with its own boathouse and garage.

Accommodation

Entering through a wooden door with glazed panels into a convenient front vestibule with ample space for hanging outdoor coats and shoes.  A door with glazed panels leads into a spacious wood panelled hallway, with several concealed cupboards providing handy storage, with further doors leading to the garage, sitting room and downstairs bathroom. A straight staircase provides access to the upper floor.

Open plan living/dining kitchen (12.5m x 6.9m)

This outstanding room has wall-to-wall windows providing stunning views across Findhorn Bay.  Sitting here at any time of day is mesmerising watching the flow of the waves and abundance of wildlife and birds that live in the bay. Wide open skies provide stunning nightscapes and views of the stars.

Pillars cleverly provide a logical separation between the kitchen breakfast area, the bay-facing seating area, and the end living area with a further dining table to seat 8 and a log burning stove.  Modern kitchen units have been creatively designed to maximise the use of the space. With an integrated double oven, fridge freezer, induction hob and dishwasher, this bright kitchen area has a wealth of storage with wall mounted and base cupboards and drawers.  Space for a breakfast table in front of a bay window providing 270-degree views of Findhorn Bay, looking out towards the Moray Firth and Findhorn village.

To the centre of the room, there is ample space for a grand piano.  The picture windows fold open to give the feeling of sitting in the open deck of a boat. A feature wood burning stove is inset to an impressive sandstone fireplace with Caithness slate hearth and mantlepiece. Doors open to either side of the central seating area, to the patio.

Door to downstairs bedroom.

(Please note that the unique painted mural in the living area, depicting four generations of the Dunbar-Nasmith family, will be removed prior to sale)

Downstairs bedroom/study (7.3m x 3.2m)

A room of 2 parts, this spacious double bedroom has an adjoining study, with a large picture window looking to the bay.  The hidden underfloor wine cellar is accessed through the floor of this bedroom. A further ceiling window allows light to stream in, making this room a truly tranquil space for studying or sleeping.

Door to bathroom.

Bathroom (3.2m x 2m)

To the front of the house the spacious family bathroom offers a 3-piece white suite comprising pedestal basin, WC and bath.  A further fully tiled shower enclosure houses a mains shower.  A ladder towel rail is mounted to the wall.  It should be noted that the bathroom can be accessed either from the main hallway or as an ensuite from the downstairs bedroom.

Annex

Integral to the house, the annex is entirely self-contained and offers superb scope for guest accommodation or multi-generational living. A door to the front deck from the bedroom provides a private access directly into the annex.

Bedroom (4.3m x 4.3m)

An ample double bedroom with a large window and patio door opening out to a private, wooden decking area facing the bay.  A curtain divides the kitchen area from the bedroom.

Kitchen (2.6m x 1.8m)

A compact kitchenette providing everything needed for short term let or additional accommodation.  The kitchen contains a single bowl sink, with stainless steel draining rack and 2 ring ceramic hob, an undercounter fridge, and multiple lower and upper kitchen cabinets.

Ensuite (2.4m x 2.3m)

A beautiful modern ensuite to the side of the house containing a 3-piece white suite comprising wall mounted wash hand basin, WC and bath with mains shower above.  The walls have large, square rust coloured tiles, contrasting with the carpet.  Ladder heated towel rail.

Garage

A large integral single garage with electric doors towards the road and wooden electric doors to the bayfront. A superb storage space or workshop, this useful garage has a Belfast sink, multiple power points and fitted cupboards.

Upper Floor

The hallway has a straight carpeted staircase leading to the upper landing, providing access to 2 further bedrooms with cleverly concealed storage under the slope of the roof.  Ceiling windows provide ample light into the landing.  The upper floor is unique in that it can be configured as 2 entirely separate bedrooms or as one large bedroom with an adjacent seating, reading or sewing room.  To separate the 2 bedrooms large panels are hinged to the ceiling which can be dropped to create separate bedrooms.

Main bedroom (3.9m x 4.0m) (ensuite)

With incredible views across the water, this substantial ensuite bedroom is flooded with light from the large dormer window. Door to ensuite.

Ensuite (2.2m x 4.5m)

A luxurious, modern bathroom with a 3-piece white suite comprising oval shaped wash hand basin inset to a bathroom cabinet, WC and bath.  A further walk in shower, fully tiled offers a contemporary mains shower.

Adjacent bedroom (4.4m x 2.5m)

With coombed ceilings, this space would be ideal as an occasional single bedroom.  Fitted cupboards provide excellent storage.

Garden and outbuildings

Sandbank sits in magnificent grounds with a remarkable length of seafront. Elevated with paths meandering through the mature shrubs and trees. To the front of the house a semi-circular drive provides parking for multiple cars and access to the integral workshop/garage. To the side and front of the house, there are areas of lawn perfect for sitting out and entertaining. A wide wooden deck stretches the length of the house and can be accessed directly from the living room and annex bedroom. A wonderfully private space to sit out and enjoy the incredible views at any time of the year.

Outbuildings:

A large wooden boathouse with direct access to the shore, sits at the northern end of the property, with a wooden garage to the south end.  Immediately adjacent to the study wall, is a woodshed.

Development opportunity

Given the size of the property, subject to planning permission, there may be an opportunity to divide the property and apply for planning permission to build one or more additional dwellings, which, given the location and views, could be extremely valuable. Please note that any purchaser interested in further developing the property should make appropriate inquiries prior to making an offer.

Location

Findhorn is possibly the most desirable village on the Moray Coast. With approximately 7 miles of  incredible white sand beaches, beautiful views towards the north of Scotland and a lovely, character village, it is a wonderful place for a long term residence or holiday. With cafes, pubs and shops in the village and a wonderful theatre just a few minutes away, Findhorn village has an incredible buzz. The eco-village at The Park, Findhorn, has a lovely vegan café restaurant, artisan pizza takeaway, large convenience store with organic food, household goods and gifts, the Moray Arts Centre and The Universal Hall, a beautiful theatre with an auditorium for 400.

Forres, approximately 5 miles, offers a wide range of supermarkets including Tesco, Co-op and LIDL. There are primary schools in Kinloss and Forres with Forres Academy and the Drumduan School providing secondary education. Gordonstoun private school is approximately 9 miles away. A modern health centre in Forres has 2 GP practices with Dr. Grays hospital in Elgin providing a wider range of health services.

Findhorn is located just 5 miles northeast of Forres with easy access to the A96, the main road between Inverness and Aberdeen. Good transport links are available in Forres with a regular train and bus services to Inverness and Aberdeen and train links to further south available from Inverness, just 26 miles from Forres. Findhorn is well located for access to both Inverness International Airport, at Dalcross, approximately 20 miles, offering daily flights to London and services multiple other domestic and international locations, and Aberdeen International Airport at Dyce, approximately 70 miles.

Please note that all measurements and distances are approximate and provided for guidance only.