Commercial property for sale in Balvenie Street, Dufftown, Keith AB55

Fournet house as built around 1890 and is a substantial period property with significant local history. Located in Dufftown, the Whisky capital of Scotland, this multi-purpose three-storey period house offers many opportunities to the new owners. It provides a blank canvas to develop ideas for this exceptional property, which benefits from standing directly on the A941 in central Dufftown. Fournet was formally owned by a wealthy local draper and has retained many original features.

This opportunity has arisen due to the owner’s retirement. Enact your dream in this historic three-storey period house. Not currently trading, this versatile property has been cleared of furniture and is ready for occupancy/re-rolling. The property has recently functioned as a successful licensed Bistro and shop, while the large Guesthouse provided very comfortable accommodation with a combination of shared and private facilities. The prominent double shop front offers real scope to prospective buyers. Potentially Fournet House could also be a large family home. There is the added benefit of an extensive walled garden which incorporates a separate bothy.

Fournet house encompasses numbers 16,18 and 20 Balvenie Street.

Number 18: The main property entrance through double doors to the vestibule. A private dining room that previously traded as a successful Licensed Bistro and whole food cafe (Noah’s Ark). A servery with a counter, a commercial kitchen. Ladies and Gents toilets, dry food store and designated vegetable prep area. This area is accessed through the back door into the rear hallway with access to a private parking space to load and unload goods.

Number 20: The ground floor consists of an extensive shop with a split level floor suitable for several uses; the shop windows have huge display areas ideal for staging. No 20 has its entrance from Balvenie Street and still retains two Victorian cast iron fluted pillars. This large unit is on two levels and incorporates a staff toilet, an accessible toilet, and a garden room, previously a bedroom; there are connections to add additional utilities if required. This area could function in the assisted living role with patio doors that are purpose made and designed for wheelchair access and open directly into the garden.

Fournet House has a fully integrated fire alarm system with a control box in the lower inner hall. The accommodation is divided into separate fire zones forming an effective alarm system. An accessible toilet was added when Fournet re-rolled to a guesthouse. Full permissions are available for all work completed. Whilst the garden has planning permission to be a therapy garden.

Key features;
• High Street location with two separate entrances.
• Six guest bedrooms plus a separate owner’s bedroom.
• Commercial kitchen with prep room and dry food store.
• Numerous feature fireplaces.
• Original period features, including intricate cornices.
• Original mahogany staircase to all three floors
• Ground floor garden bedroom suitable for assisted living.
• Separate Bothy, with potential as a luxury holiday let.
• Private off-street parking.
• Extensive, fully enclosed walled garden.

Fournet is a significant period property that offers diverse trading possibilities—located in Dufftown, which is famous for its whisky-based economy. Only by viewing can one fully appreciate the potential this magnificent property offers. Viewings are strictly by appointment only.

The guest house: The Guesthouse is on the upper floors of number 18 and is accessed via the front door; the staircase leads to a beautiful arched window. The first floor comprises a salon with a feature fireplace, handcrafted joinery and a wonderful cornice. The middle door presents a small front bedroom, previously used as an office. The third room on the first floor has been both a formal dining room and a bedroom with a magnificent distinctive fireplace. A separate door provides discreet access to the shower room.

A passage leads you to the old Tailors workshop; this spacious, atmospheric room with its Cathedral ceiling includes kitchen units, worktops, and utilities, currently the present owners’ private bedroom. The staircase continues to the 2nd floor and accesses three further bedrooms. Two are double bedrooms with separate ensuites bathrooms; both have fireplaces. The left-hand ensuite uniquely has a fireplace with additional Jack and Jill access from the hall.

The middle room is a small double bedroom with superb views of Dufftown’s heather hills. The boiler room completes the main property—Fournet benefits from excellent storage on all levels.

Walled garden: The large private walled garden was previously developed as a Therapy Garden, including a patio area, raised flower and vegetable beds and a Koi pond with safety fencing. The garden now requires some rejuvenation but would be ideal for outdoor activities and entertaining, offering pets and children a secure and safe environment.

Bothy: The stone bothy is built traditionally with a slate roof; internally, it is fully lined and has power and light. Subject to planning, the bothy has excellent potential to convert to additional accommodation and create an ideal holiday let.

By appointment through McEwan Fraser Legal on McEwan Fraser Legal are open 7 days a week: 8am - Midnight Monday to Friday & 9am - 10pm Saturday & Sunday to book your viewing appointment.

Extras (Included in the sale): All fixtures and fixed floor coverings are included in the sale, other contents are available by separate negotiation and can be confirmed on viewing. The property currently is eligible for small business rate relief.