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Has Jamiroquai frontman Jay Kay finally sold his Wester Ross hideaway home?


By Hector MacKenzie

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Jamiroquai singer Jay Kay put the Highland bolthole on the market – and it may now have been sold.
Jamiroquai singer Jay Kay put the Highland bolthole on the market – and it may now have been sold.

Pop star Jay Kay has another hit - at last.

He has finally found a buyer for his hideaway home in Wester Ross after there were no takers at offers over £500,000.

The Jamiroquai frontman (53) bought the secluded cottage for £150,000 some 20 years ago when it was “just a barn”

But he sliced £5000 off the asking price after there were no takers at half-a-million.

It has been on the market for nearly a year.

But today a spokesperson for estate agents Macleod & MacCallum said viewings had been suspended after an offer for the property was accepted.

It did not give any details of the price or buyer.

The spokesperson said previously that there had been "lots of inquiries" from all over the UK, as well as some from abroad.

The singer previously told how he fell in love with the four-bed retreat in 2002 after being treated “like an ordinary bloke” in the local pub.

The property agent shared pictures on its particulars when the Wester Ross property was put on the market.
The property agent shared pictures on its particulars when the Wester Ross property was put on the market.

And while he is used to rocking the house, the surrounding area of his home near Gairloch in Wester Ross has also been hit by earthquakes over the years - though none caused damage.

Kay regularly visited his retreat at Redpoint west of Gairloch, sometimes by chartered helicopter.

Kay, best known for hits Space Cowboy, Cosmic Girl and Virtual Insanity, is listed as the seller of the cottage and as "Mr Jason Kay".

The singer's hideaway was previously damaged by a pine marten in 2006 while the star was in New York.

The furry fiend chomped its way through the star's croft, finally wreaking havoc in the kitchen. The stoat-like creature knocked over ornaments, shredded magazines and left droppings all over the floor.

Jamiroquai-JayKay

And two years earlier Kay was banned for six months after being clocked driving at more than 100mph on his way back from his cottage.

Lawyers for the star had argued at Perth Sheriff Court that he needed his licence so he could have "respite" from his busy professional life.

Kay has carried out a major upgrade of the home, installing a new staircase, ceiling joists, roof, windows and doors.

A garage was added about five years ago. In the sales material, the estate agent says: “This property represents an ideal purchase for someone looking for a peaceful private location, surrounded by a stunning ever-changing vista.

“Viewing is highly recommended to fully appreciate this charismatic property and much sought-after location.”

But despite the revamped interior of his home, a surveyor said of the retreat: “There is evidence of dampness to various locations.

“Concealed timbers may be defective and there is evidence of softness to timbers, particularly around external doors and within the living room.

“There is evidence of mice droppings within the property.”

The property agent shared pictures on its particulars when the Wester Ross property was put on the market.
The property agent shared pictures on its particulars when the Wester Ross property was put on the market.

It is around nine miles from the nearest town and sits in about eight acres of land.

The surveyor valued it at £475,000 in its current state, but reckoned it could be worth another £10,000 if repair work is carried out.

Macleod & MacCallum said it offers "a unique opportunity to purchase an utterly charming property which is situated in the hamlet of Redpoint, with its stunning scenery and close proximity to the highly desirable village of Gairloch".

"Built circa 1881, the original croft house has been sympathetically restored to a high standard and retains much of its original character, representing an ideal fusion of traditional and modern living.

"The property benefits from double glazing, oil fired central heating, exposed stone walls, amazing views from each principle room, a totally private location and comes with approx 8 acres (3.24 hectares) of owner occupied croft land. This property represents an ideal purchase for someone looking for a peaceful private location, surrounded by a stunning ever changing vista, with nearby village facilities.

"Redpoint is set among some of the most spectacular scenery on the West coast of Scotland, with many unspoiled sandy beaches and outdoor activities available nearby, including fishing, hill walking, and sailing. In both summer and winter, the area offers ever changing dramatic scenery.

"The nearby village of Badachro with its renowned Badachro Inn and Restaurant also has a village pier, ideal for recreational sailing. The village of Gairloch is approximately 7 miles away and offers an excellent range of facilities including supermarkets, hotels, restaurant, garage, Post Office, bank, health centre and small selection of retail outlets. The village also boasts a 9-hole golf course, horse riding, sports/leisure complex, community hall and stunning beach. Both primary and secondary education is available in Gairloch."


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