There cannot be many Highland homes where an ancient castle is simply part of the view from the bedroom window.
At Castle Ley in Blervie, near Forres, that is precisely what you get, with the ruins of historic Blervie Castle standing just beyond the garden gate of a striking contemporary home.
It creates a wonderful contrast between old and new.
Castle Ley is a bespoke, energy efficient detached house designed around its rural setting, with four or five bedrooms, generous gardens and extensive views across the surrounding countryside.
The centrepiece of the house is undoubtedly the enormous open plan living, dining and kitchen space.
Triple aspect windows flood the room with natural light, but it is the floor to ceiling cathedral style window at the rear that really makes its presence felt.
From here the view stretches across farmland and countryside towards Califer Hill and the Moray Firth, while large Velux windows in the vaulted ceiling bring even more light into the room.
A cylindrical log burner set on a slate hearth gives the living area a natural focal point, particularly when Highland weather makes staying indoors considerably more appealing.
There is plenty of room for a large dining table seating six to eight people, with a breakfast bar providing another informal place to sit.
The kitchen itself is finished with pale grey cabinetry and includes integrated AEG appliances, with a double oven, fridge, freezer, dishwasher and ceramic hob, while a wine fridge adds another useful touch.
A separate utility room provides the practical space needed for laundry and storage, with direct access from there into the double garage.
The layout also gives the house considerable flexibility.
Two double bedrooms are positioned on the ground floor alongside a shower room, and both bedrooms look across the front garden towards Blervie Castle.
Upstairs, the accommodation becomes even more interesting.
One large triple aspect bedroom has views towards open fields and the bay beyond, as well as windows looking towards the castle.
Adjoining it is another substantial room which could serve as a dressing room or further bedroom, while the principal bedroom also enjoys open countryside views and generous built in storage.
The upstairs bathroom is arranged in a Jack and Jill configuration, with access both from the landing and principal bedroom, and includes a freestanding bath and separate rainfall shower.
Outside, the approach to Castle Ley is every bit as considered as the house itself.
A wooden gate set within attractive dry stone walls opens onto a sweeping driveway, with ample parking leading towards the house and double garage.
The garage has light and power, an electric roller door and an EV charging point.
The fully enclosed gardens are beautifully maintained, with generous lawns providing plenty of space for children, pets, entertaining or simply enjoying the tranquillity of the setting.
And through all of this, Blervie Castle remains an extraordinary presence.
The house may be thoroughly modern, but having an ancient ruin immediately beyond the garden gives the setting a sense of history that no amount of contemporary architecture could manufacture.
The location balances that rural character with reasonable access to everyday life.
Rafford and Forres are nearby, Findhorn and its beaches are around seven miles away, while Newtyle Forest provides extensive opportunities for walking, cycling and riding.
Forres provides schools, shops and services along with rail connections towards Inverness and Aberdeen, while Inverness itself is around 26 miles away.
Castle Ley is therefore a house of contrasts.
It is contemporary and comfortable, surrounded by open countryside yet within reach of town, and filled with modern conveniences while looking towards a reminder of a considerably older Scotland.
Most people have to travel somewhere to visit a castle.
Here, you can simply look out of the window.
The property is being marketed by R & R Urquhart
The asking price, full property details, photographs, floor plans, Home Report where available, and viewing information can all be found on the official listing.
