THE OLD SCHOOL
ARDBEG
ISLE OF ISLAY
Introduced to the market for the first time, and presenting an opportunity to acquire a lovely family home which has captured part of the history of the island, The Old School is a unique DETACHED DWELLINGHOUSE of traditional stone construction, with modern cedar extension. The property was converted from Ardbeg School in the early eighties and retains some truly special original features including vaulted ceilings with original exposed trusses and rafters and lovely arched windows.
Situated a stone’s throw from Ardbeg Distillery, and enjoying views through the surrounding trees across sweeping fields and over the sea to Kintyre and the Antrim coast, The Old School is situated in lovely wooded grounds in a very appealing position, approximately 3 miles east of Port Ellen. The property benefits from double glazing in traditional multi-pane style (with the exception of the arched windows) and space heating is provided by a combination of storage heaters and an open fire in the dining room, with back boiler which heats the radiators throughout the house.
Properties this unique rarely come to the market and early viewing is strongly recommended.
Islay itself, the Queen of the Hebrides, is a perfect haven for whisky lovers, bird watchers, cyclists, anglers, golfers and walkers. The nearby village of Port Ellen, with ferry terminal, has all necessary local amenities including primary school. Secondary schooling is provided at Bowmore, about 14 miles away. Ardbeg is served by an excellent local bus service.
GROUND FLOOR ACCOMMODATION
Entrance vestibule:
Stone steps lead up to a timber entrance door, with sidelights on each side, leading to a timber panelled entrance vestibule, which provides an ideal area for outdoor clothing, boots etc; hooks for coats; internal door, again with sidelights, leads into the entrance hallway.
Entrance Hallway:
Carpeted, with storage heater, the hallway has doors leading to the kitchen/diner, family bathroom, wc and two bedrooms.
Kitchen/Diner:
Situated in the extension, the spacious kitchen/diner benefits from full length windows overlooking the established wooded garden; extensive range of modern floor and wall units incorporating stainless steel sink and drainer, below a further window which looks out to the farmland beyond; storage heater; ceramic tiled floor.
Family bathroom:
To the side, with bath, wash-hand basin and wc; carpet.
Cloakroom:
To the side, with wash-hand basin and wc; carpet.
Bedroom 1:
Double bedroom, with window to side again looking onto the adjoining farmland, useful wash-hand basin; radiator; door leading to shower room which has shower cabinet and electric shower; extractor fan; carpet.
Bedroom 2:
A single bedroom, with window to rear, featuring a single fitted wardrobe and a wash-hand basin; radiator; carpet.
Small Hallway leading to:-
Dining room:
With vaulted ceiling, exposed beams and rafters, and large arched windows to the front, the dining room provides an excellent space for family get-togethers or entertaining and must be viewed to be appreciated; brick fireplace extending the length of the front wall, with an open fire; storage heater; timber floor; timber staircase leading to the upper floor.
Side entrance vestibule:
Entered via an external timber door, the side entrance features one of the original arched windows; ceramic tiled floor.
Further lower hall leading to:-
Bedroom 3:
Another double bedroom, with high level obscured glass window through to the dining room; double built–in wardrobe; and a useful dressing/sitting area which benefits from the original arched window, and a further window to the rear; radiator; carpet.
Bedroom 4:
A triple bedroom, currently accommodating three single beds, with window to side and double built in wardrobe; radiator; carpet.
UPPER FLOOR ACCOMMODATION
Landing:
Two airing cupboards, one of which accommodates the domestic hot water tank. Carpeted.
Lounge:
The lounge is another truly special room, again with vaulted ceiling, exposed beams and rafters, and large arched windows which afford lovely views across the farmland beyond; stone fireplace; the large proportions of this room again lends itself well to family gatherings or entertaining friends; carpet.
EXTERNAL
Entered via a gravelled driveway through the original ornate metal gates, the property is in an elevated position within the grounds, surrounded by a mature woodland garden. At points the grass slopes to lower levels where the garden is bounded by traditional stone walls. There is a small timber shed, in need of some repair, included in the sale. The driveway leads to parking for at least three cars to the front and side of the property.
SERVICES
Mains electricity;
Mains water;
Private drainage, to shared septic tank;
Direct access from public road.
DIRECTIONS
From Port Ellen take the A846 public road east towards Ardbeg. Continue straight on to unclassified public road at the point where the main road heads right down into the Distillery. Beyond the junction, the property is the second on your left. The property location is indicated pink on the appended plan.
