property platform Demand for equestrian properties drives rural lettings market
The residential lettings market in rural areas of Scotland, including is driven by demand for premium property, especially houses with paddocks, stables or equestrian facilities.
Geoff Laird-Portch, who manages residential lettings for Galbraith in Fife, Aberdeenshire and Angus, said: “There is huge demand and very rapid turnover for properties which have a few acres of land, grazing paddocks, or, even better, full facilities such as stables or an outdoor riding arena. Typically, we let these properties within two to three weeks of them coming on to our books. “Many people who are currently paying full livery for their horse can make significant savings by living in a property which has facilities for their horse on site. The cost savings can be quite substantial and it’s also much more convenient and saves them a lot of time if they don’t have to drive to a commercial stable twice a day to look after their horse. “Tenants tend to be families or couples who are seeking to make the change from living and working in a town or city to realising an often long- held ambition of living in the countryside with their horse, dog and an open fire. Over the past 12 months the improvements to broadband speeds have played a
major part in facilitating working from home. It is now realistic for one member of the family to work from home either every day or part-time, enabling more rural properties to be considered as their main residence.” Galbraith lets around 10 houses with full equestrian facilities including stables in Aberdeenshire, Angus and Fife per year, with many more lets in these regions offering some grazing land for horses. The lettings sector is far more heavily regulated now than in previous years and is facing additional regulation from December this year. However, Geoff Laird-Portch said this is not deterring potential landlords from entering the sector: “We actually have more residential properties to let across Scotland as a whole now, compared with the same period last year. The main growth areas for us in terms of lettings have been Fife and Inverness-shire, but we find that landlords in most areas are mindful that a more regulated industry offers benefits for both tenants and landlords. We help landlords navigate through the complexities of tenancy agreements, energy efficiency certificates and health and safety legislation. Where tenants are well protected by legislation, the whole sector prospers.”
Currently to let with Galbraith are properties including: Stables Cottage, Blebo, Fife - A pretty two-bedroom cottage in a lovely rural setting near St Andrews in Fife; £895 PCM. The property also has the option of two stables, a shared tack room and grazing, subject to a separate negotiation with the landlord. Recently let by Galbraith are properties including: Thornylea House, Fordoun, Laurencekirk, Aberdeenshire - A five-bedroom newly built property with six acres of horse grazing split into five paddocks, plus two horse day shelters. This was let successfully for £1,825 PCM.
Stables Cottage in Blebo, Fife is currently to let
The yard at Stables Cottage in Blebo, Fife is subject to separate agreement with the owner
Thornylea, at Fordoun in Aberdeenshire with five paddocks has been let
Attractive smallholding with stables
9 Busbie Holdings is an attractive smallholding with stables, outbuildings and good grazing land amidst rolling countryside about 4 miles from Kilmarnock. Glasgow city centre is accessible within a 35 minute drive. Glasgow Prestwick Airport is about 12 miles away with regular scheduled international flights and Glasgow International Airport is about 30 miles distant. The towns of Ayr and Kilmarnock offer a wide range of amenities including excellent shopping, restaurants and sports facilities. Morris Equestrian Centre is at Fenwick (5 miles away) and the area has plenty of minor country roads for hacking.
Part of the Busbie Smallholdings, created between the wars, the original house was built of brick with a render finish under a slate roof and later extended to form a single storey cottage with adaptable layout. Situated on a quiet country road with exceptional views over the surrounding countryside, a mature well stocked garden and about 9.5 acres of land at the rear of the house with two access gates. There are currently three stables, a former bullock shed split into four stalls, a timber shed, attached garage and further shed. Internally, the house requires some modernisation and
comprises living room, kitchen, four bedrooms, box room and bathroom. It offers bright and versatile accommodation in a peaceful rural location. The living room has a large picture window which takes full advantage of the wonderful country views, an attractive alcove, an open fire set in a fyfestone surround with tiled hearth, coving and ceiling rose. The kitchen, overlooking the front garden, has vinyl flooring and half tiled walls, wall and base units, free standing fridge/ freezer, washing machine/dryer and cooker. The master bedroom with adjoining box room has potential as an en suite or walk in dressing room. There are three
other bedrooms one with an open fireplace. The spacious bathroom with large retro tiles has a bath with shower attachment, wash hand basin and w.c. Busbie Holdings has ample off road parking beside the garage. The gardens are enclosed and have been well stocked and designed by the current owners and have an abundance of mature perennial plants and trees including yew, rhododendron, silver and gold holly and ivy. The front garden is mainly down to lawn and bounded by a brick wall.
Offers over £230,000 are invited by agents Galbraith. Email Fiona.
fulton@galbraithgroup.com
Equine Page 42
www.theequinesite.co.uk
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