The property is in an outstanding elevated setting, with beautiful sea views over Scrabster beach and harbour to Dunnet Head, Orkney and the Old Man of Hoy.
Phiddy Robertson of Galbraith, who is handling the sale, said: “The current owners have undertaken a superb conversion of the whole property over several years, to retain all the historic interest and charm of the original lighthouse, while adding modern conveniences. The tower observatory in particular is a unique space with breathtaking sea views by day and starry skies by night. This is a rare opportunity to enjoy a wonderful and tranquil lifestyle in a beautiful family home with views that are second to none.”
Holborn Head Lighthouse was constructed in 1862. The light was permanently discontinued in 2003 and the building purchased by the current owners in 2006. The former lighthouse keepers’ flats and tower have been sensitively converted and renovated in accordance with the B-listing and today Holborn Head Lighthouse is a unique residential property.
The main living accommodation is on the first floor to take advantage of the spectacular views and coastal light. The work has been carried out to the highest standard, with excellent levels of insulation, underfloor heating on the ground floor, consented additional window openings and good quality fittings, while solid oak, Caithness flagstone, wrought iron finishes and an understated interior reflect and complement the magnificence of the surrounding landscape. Wherever possible original features have been retained or replicated and this is notable particularly in the tower with its ladder staircases and brass fittings.
The three storey tower has been beautifully restored and has an office on its first level, a room with hatch access to the external walkway on the next level, and above this, the former lens dome. The warning light has been removed and the room is now used as an outlook and observatory.
The accommodation includes, on the ground floor: entrance porch, entrance hall. master bedroom with en suite shower room, two further bedrooms, bathroom and utility room. On the first floor is the sitting room, dining room, dining kitchen, WC and cloakroom. The three storey tower has an office, ante room with access to the walkway, and the former light room, now a superb observatory with 360 degree views.
The grounds extend to approximately 1.1 acres and are enclosed by stone walls. The immaculately
presented gardens lie mainly to the north of the house with a raised lawn edged by Caithness stone and encircled by a lower level, flagstone path. Steps lead to an upper level with BBQ area and viewpoint. A grass paddock lies adjacent to the garden.
The property has a small studio in the grounds, formerly the fog-horn shed. This is fully insulated with timber-lined walls, power and light. There is also a triple garage and a separate garden store, both with power and light.
The beautiful and dramatic Caithness coastline sits against a backdrop of spectacular mountain scenery, home to a wide variety of native wildlife and providing ideal hill walking and climbing. Inland is the Flow Country, a UNESCO World Heritage site designated for its spectacular peat and wetlands including the RSPB Forsinard Flows National Nature Reserve. The River Thurso, which runs through the heart of the Reserve, is a salmon and sea trout river of great renown, drawing fishermen from across the world.
Nearby Thurso (two miles) has a good range of shops and facilities including schooling up to secondary level, North Highland College, supermarkets and a railway station. Wick, about 20 miles away, has further services and an airport with flights to Aberdeen, while Scrabster itself is the ferry terminal for the Orkney Islands. Northlink Ferries Scrabster passenger terminal is about 200 yards from the lighthouse.
Holborn Head Lighthouse is for sale through Galbraith for offers over £450,000.