WHAT: Five-bedroomed detached family home

WHERE: Culloden Moor, Inverness

COST: £360,000

CONTACT: CKD Galbraith 01463 224343

WAS THERE anywhere in Scotland so rooted in mystique, so eerily intriguing as Culloden Moor? The site of the battle that changed the course of British history, setting clan against clan and family against family, has fascinated locals and visitors for hundreds of years.

Owning a house close to the conservation area is a rare and real privilege as they do not come along very often – which is why interest in the five-bedroomed, detached family home Tighnabruaich is extremely high.

"This stunning, modern home – designed and built by the current owners – comes with a beautiful garden studio, delightful wooded grounds complete with patio and pond, and some exceptional, south-facing views," says local property expert Phiddy Robertson, who is handling the sale for CKD Galbraith’s Inverness office.

"As property packages go, it is the perfect combination of style and location."

The first thing viewers of the house will notice is its perfectly-positioned place in the landscape.

Tighnabruaich sits in a secluded woodland spot, right on the edge of Culloden Moor conservation area and close to the thriving modern city of Inverness.

It nestles into the gently sloping hillside, and the carefully landscaped grounds provide privacy and shelter – as well as offering those spectacular views over the Nairn Valley to the Cawdor hills.

The location is perfect for adventure-minded families, keen to make the most of the great outdoors.

The Herald:

"This is beautiful, unspoilt Highland landscape at its best, providing great rural sport and recreation opportunities," adds Ms Robertson.

"If you prefer more gentle pursuits than hillwalking, mountain climbing, sailing and trekking, however, there are plenty of golf courses nearby and Inverness is home to a wide range of amenities, restaurants, theatres and the arts."

The mix of old and new in Inverness has allowed the city to retain much of its historic dignity and strong Highland culture while successfully moving with the times.

The city has good communications by both road and rail, and the airport, about a 15 minute drive away, offers regular flights to the south and Europe.

But the real joy of Tighnabruaich, apart from its fantastic location, lies in its stunning use of space and light.

The spacious, timber lined interior is spread over three floors and the extensive use of glass and balconies on all levels fill the rooms with natural light.

The Herald:

The beautiful ground floor sitting room is the heart of the house with a central wood burning stove, double doors to a balcony and an extended ceiling with galleried landing.

The quirky shapes, sloping ceilings and clever use of furniture and fittings all add personality to this spacious room.

The large master bedroom with its contemporary en-suite wet room and comfortable dressing area, is also on the ground level, alongside the welcoming entrance hall, a study – or fifth bedroom – and a useful cloakroom. On the lower ground floor, the spacious dining room has access to the garden, making it perfect for entertaining inside and out on long summer evenings.

The kitchen is sleek and modern, with space for dining and lovely garden views. This level also includes a utility cupboard.

Three further bedrooms and a luxurious family bathroom can be found on the first floor leading off the galleried landing.

The grounds at Tighnabruaich are fantastic. Extending to just over an acre, the landscaped garden includes a network of paths and steps leading through groves of trees, shrubs and hedges, and a bricked patio area, barbecue and seating spaces sheltered under the balcony are perfect for al fresco entertaining.

There is also a pretty pond, plus storage areas including one accessed from outside the house, one adjacent to the front door area and one next to the kitchen.

The Herald:

The beautiful garden studio, which comprises a main room with a portioned area off and a mezzanine level, has both power and light. One of the best features of the studio building is the glass gable wall, which fills the studio with natural light and provides fantastic views over the grounds.

The potential exists, subject to the necessary consents, for conversion of the studio to provide further accommodation.

There is plenty of flexibility for the new owners to extend further at Tighnabruaich if they wish – planning consent for a building plot within the grounds at Tighnabruaich has now lapsed and a new application has been submitted.

The proposed plot is set in the trees adjacent to the parking area with access over the existing driveway and alternative access to Tighnabruaich House.

All in all, this is a Hot Property with history, scenery and comfortable family living at its heart.

Phiddy Robertson sums it up: "Tighnabruaich is an exceptional family home, which combines interesting design and contemporary style with a fantastic location in one of the most scenic and historic parts of Scotland."