The Press and Journal (Aberdeen and Aberdeenshire)
Spot dolphins from balcony of penthouse at beachfront
Drink in the most spectacular sea views from the comfort of your own luxury balcony in this plush penthouse apartment.
Enjoying an incredibly scenic location in Rosemarkie overlooking the Moray Firth, 11 Marine House is a three-bedroom apartment like no other.
Previously a residential home and a well-known hotel, Marine House has undergone a huge refurbishment to create 11 apartments.
For Judi Taylor and her partner James MacDonald, it was the stunning sea views that blew them away when they visited the Black Isle property seven years ago.
“James grew up in the area so had known the building his whole life. He was aware of the major refurbishment project so he suggested we came to have a look,” says Judi.
“The developer and architect told us about their plan to extend the top floor to incorporate a spacious sunroom and balcony that would allow a full 180-degree view – taking in the Cromarty Sutors round to Chanonry Point lighthouse.
“We visited the site at the end of December 2016 and, sporting hi-vis and hard hats, were taken up to roof level – that was enough for us to decide to buy.”
As luck would have it, Judi and James were able to reserve the top floor apartment.
“We were able to have a fair amount of input into the layout and finishes,” says Judi. “Being part of the process meant we could ask them to incorporate things important to us, one of those being storage.
“There is an unusually large amount of storage owing to the developer cleverly using wall space that would otherwise have been sealed off and wasted.”
Breathtakingly beautiful from the outside, the penthouse apartment can be accessed by staircase or a lift that opens directly into the sunroom.
The sensational sunroom and the 29-foot balcony are where the postcard-perfect views can be soaked up all year round.
A central hallway leads through to the open-plan lounge, dining space with dual bay windows and sleek and stylish kitchen.
The kitchen, which has a clever sliding door to separate it from the dining area, has a breakfast bar, high-gloss storage cabinets and an array of modern integrated appliances – including a double oven and a wine cooler.
Judi loves the fact that the kitchen can be on open-plan or closed off when they are entertaining.
“The apartment has a sizable open-plan living/ dining area and kitchen,” says Judi. “I enjoy cooking but there are occasions when you want to shut off the working area.
“So we were able to work with the team and they created a pocket door.”
On the other side of the hallway are three spacious bedrooms – including a dual aspect principal suite with a spa-like en suite/ family shower room, while one of the other bedrooms also has a contemporary en suite shower room.
Outside, the property has well-kept communal grounds, one of which leads directly to the beach.
“The development itself is very special as the communal areas show the original grandeur of the building and the gardens are beautiful,” says Judi.
“There are a couple of different seating areas, one of which is a wind-free suntrap.
“Each November there is an incredible communityled fireworks display and bonfire held on the beach, which brings thousands of people to Rosemarkie, so having a rooftop view is very special.”
Although it will be a wrench to leave their amazing apartment behind, Judi and James are happy in the knowledge that it will bring the next owners so much joy.
“We have thoroughly enjoyed living on the beach and know the incredible view will stay with us wherever we end up,” says Judi.
“We reckon the next residents will love the spectacular sunrises and smile just as widely as we did the first time they spot a dolphin from the balcony.”
11 Marine House, Hawkhill Road, Rosemarkie, Ross-shire, is on the market for offers over £550,000. To arrange a viewing contact Strutt and Parker on 01463 723599 or struttandparker.com