The Washington, 85-87 High Street, Forres IV36 1AA

*****  AVAILABLE FOR SALE OR RENT *****


An incredible opportunity to consider a new lifestyle with the potential for a superb return on investment.

R&R Urquhart are delighted to bring to the market The Washington; beautifully presented retail premises occupying arguably the prime position in the High Street of the popular and busy town of Forres. A large, bright retail space that would be suited to a wide variety of retail or leisure opportunities on a thriving High Street.

This iconic shop has been a mainstay of Forres High Street for decades. Located in the centre of the main shopping street with substantial window frontage, this versatile space was, until recently, a busy, high-end gifts and cards shop, also offering newsagency services.  The Washington is only for sale, due to retirement, after over 20 successful, and enjoyable years of trading.  These premises offer a superb lifestyle opportunity for a person or couple who love the idea of living in a thriving, eclectic town with a wide range of cultural events and located in a haven for outdoor activities.

Despite the general downturn in recent years of the classic “High Street”, Forres has fared well, as demonstrated by 6 new shops opening within the last year. Forres High Street has a wide range of local shops including bakers, butchers, restaurants, cafes, hairdressers, pharmacies and home stores.  The Washington has continued to thrive over the years, producing an increase in business over the last 12 months.

In general, the local property market has been extremely buoyant and has experienced a rapid rise in prices over the last year with a high level of migration from urban areas, attracted by the outdoor opportunities, temperate climate, negligible crime rates and good schooling available. With a diverse population owing to its proximity to the military bases at Kinloss and Lossiemouth, the Findhorn Foundation and the popular holiday villages of Findhorn and Hopeman, business is relatively consistent throughout the year, with a peak over the Christmas period.

PROPERTY

The property occupies approximately 151m2. This comprises mainly retail space, with two store areas, a small staff area and a WC to the rear. The retail space is bright having been entirely renovated in recent years. Wall-to-wall windows face the front of the property providing incredible shop frontage onto the central part of the High Street. The shop is fully covered by the integrated CCTV system and has an alarm. Currently the space is divided into two areas with two separate doors opening to Forres High Street.

Car parking throughout Forres is free with ample parking available within a couple of minutes' walk of the shop, along the High Street itself and in the numerous car parks around the town centre.

 

LOCATION

Forres, a former Royal Burgh, is a beautifully kept town with an active community and within a few miles of the stunning white beaches that reach from the lovely coastal village of Findhorn to Burghead. Frequently recognised in both Britain in Bloom and Scotland in Bloom, the parks and gardens are meticulously maintained and provide fantastic outdoor spaces to relax. A vast range of outdoor activities is within easy reach with mountain biking, white water rafting, sailing, skiing, horse riding and golf to name a few. Set in the heart of Whisky Country and with multiple award winning golf courses in close proximity, Forres is a sought after area both to live in and to holiday.

From a schooling perspective there are 3 primary schools and a secondary school with the Drumduan private school also offering primary and secondary school education. Gordonstoun is within 13 miles with a daily bus running to and from the school. Forres is well serviced from a transport point of view with main road and rail links passing through and being only 19 miles from Inverness international airport at Dalcross, offering daily flights to London. Health care facilities are available in Forres, with the hospitals in Elgin (13 miles) and Inverness (26 miles).

Services: Electricity, Phone

Date of Entry: - early entry available

Viewings: to be arranged through R&R Urquhart, Solicitors and Estate Agents.