1 bed lodge for sale

Dalcross, Inverness IV2

The origins of Auld Petty Church possibly go back to the 6th century to Saint Columba and King Brude and the name Petty is derived from a Pictish place name. The church is steeped in Highland history from the Knights of Petty to the Battle of Culloden as documented in the Lordships of Petty by George Bain. The church is first recorded as a chapel to Inverness in documents from c.1200 By 1224 it was functioning as a full parish church which served Petty and Bracholy The present building was constructed in 1839, replacing an earlier 1769 structure. Built in a classic T plan with red rubble stone and hood moulded windows it features a truncated octagonal belicote and slate roofs Attached to the east gable is the Mackintosh Mausoleum built in 1686 as a burial vault for the chiefs of Clan Mackintosh, funded by Lachlan Mackintosh of Kinrara

The churchyard, which is in the ownership of the Highland Council and does not come with the sale of the church contains over 300 memorials including some tombstones of the Mackintosh chiefs and a mid 1820s watch house which was erected to deter "resurrection men* or grave robbers as they were otherwise known.

The building is Category B listed. It currently stands disused and in poor condition and was flagged on the Buildings ‘At Risk Register'. After closing in the 1950s, it briefly served as a workshop before becoming vacant and deteriorating even Further.

The church occupies a prominent elevated position just behind Castle Stuart across from Dalcross and overlooking the Moray Firth and two championship golf courses. The surrounding parish and churchyard are of great historical significance featuring clan burial mounds ancient tumuli, and a landscape rich in Highland history. Auld Petty is a remarkable relic of Highland ecclesiastical history. Built on centuries-old foundations it combines clan heritage, distinctive architecture and fascinating folkiore.

With appropriate planning consent this distinctive property could be converted into a unique dwelling or studio.

Directions from Inverness Turn off the A96 onto the 89039, go under the bridge continue on past an old barn on the left, after the sign for Castle Stuart Golf Links take the second slip road on the left, carry on to the crossroads then turn left, continue on to the end of the road, there is a small parking area (Council owned) park here and continue on foot
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