Most houses place their main living accommodation on the ground floor, but Whinhill in Fort Augustus takes a rather different approach.

Set within approximately 2.5 acres at Auchterawe, this substantial four bedroom Highland home has been designed with its entire upper floor devoted to living, dining and enjoying the surrounding countryside.

It is an unusual arrangement, but one that makes considerable sense when you consider the property’s elevated position and commanding outlook.

Built around 2008, the detached house makes use of its different levels, separating the bedrooms from the principal living accommodation above.

The upper floor is one continuous space, with a sitting area centred around an open fireplace, a dining area opening onto a private balcony and a substantial kitchen.

Large windows and glazed doors make the surrounding landscape an important part of the room, while the balcony provides an outdoor vantage point overlooking the grounds and countryside beyond.

The kitchen has sage green cabinetry, dark worktops and a traditional range style cooker, with timber flooring extending through the main living space.

Below, the accommodation is arranged across two levels, providing four double bedrooms, three with their own ensuite facilities.

The principal bedroom is particularly spacious, with a bay window, a substantial walk in wardrobe and an ensuite bathroom featuring a freestanding bath.

Two further bedrooms have their own shower rooms, while a fourth double bedroom and separate shower room provide additional accommodation.

There is also a utility room with direct access outside, a practical feature in a rural property where muddy boots and outdoor clothing are part of everyday life.

Two lined and floored loft rooms, accessed by a ladder, provide additional storage or hobby space, although they are not classified as formal living accommodation.

Outside, Whinhill House has considerably more to offer than an ordinary garden.

Its approximately 2.5 acres comprise lawns and grazing land, with a sweeping driveway leading towards a detached garage and substantial stable block.

A separate summer house and wood store add to the collection of outbuildings, while the grounds provide considerable space around the house.

The stable block is an especially interesting feature, giving the property a practical rural character without the scale or responsibilities of a substantial farm.

The house is heated through a combination of oil fired radiators and electric underfloor heating, with a private water supply, an EPC rating of D and Council Tax Band F.

Auchterawe forms part of the Fort Augustus area, close to the southern end of Loch Ness and the Caledonian Canal.

The village has local shops, schools, places to eat and other services, with the A82 providing connections towards Inverness and Fort William.

The decision to place the principal living accommodation on the upper floor is central to Whinhill’s distinctive design, making the most of its elevated position and the surrounding Highland landscape.

Combined with approximately 2.5 acres of grounds, substantial outbuildings and an impressive countryside outlook, Whinhill is a property whose architecture and setting work particularly well together.

The property is being marketed by Hamish Homes.

The asking price, full property details, photographs, floor plans, Home Report where available, and viewing information can all be found on the official listing.

Click here to view the official listing