Sutherland councillor slams 'ludicrous' cost of housing as four-bedroom property on NC500 route in Clachtoll goes on market at asking price of over £800k

A croft and house on the NC500 tourism route has gone on the market for offers over a staggering £800,000, shocking locals.

The property at 145a Clachtoll near Lochinver, is believed to be the most expensive four bedroom residential home to go on the market in the area.

Featured on BBC2’s This Farming Life, the property is described as offering the prospective purchaser "a magnificent lifestyle opportunity".

It is being marketed as either continuing as a holiday let or a "stunning" private home.

But local Highland councillor Hugh Morrison, who represents North, West and Central Sutherland, said prices had reached "ludicrous levels" in the Far North.

"I know this house and this is the most expensive that has come on the market. There has been an influx of people from the south who can sell a flat in London for £1.5m and still have plenty of change left after buying up here," said Mr Morrison, who runs the Smoo Cave Hotel at Durness.

"They can home work in a stunning location, but it has pushed prices up and beyond the reach of local young people, especially families who want to stay in the area but are being priced out.

"You cannot blame somebody asking or accepting such high prices for their property, but the council needs to look at providing more affordable housing because without it jobs in Sutherland and other remote and rural places will not pay enough to afford a decent home."

The house and garden have been de-crofted and there is also a one bedroom "crofter's lodge" and outbuildings as well as direct access to the beach.

Selling agents Strutt and Parker said the des res home on the North Coast 500 road trip that it was "a traditional owner occupied croft in a stunning area of the North West Highlands of Scotland, located on a spectacular peninsular jutting into the Atlantic Ocean".

For more details of the property and to see images, click here

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