House For Sale £375,000
Overview
Great opportunity to acquire a popular, beautifully presented, 8 bedroom guest house in the village of Brae, approximately 23 miles north of Lerwick.
Housed in a former school & schoolhouse, the guest house which enjoys views over Busta Voe, is a well known and popular business offering bedroom accommodation as well as evening meals.
The business is well placed to serve the oil and other related industries nearby although it also has a healthy tourist trade.
Brae is the main population centre in the North Mainland of Shetland and the location of the area's main amenities including a leisure centre & swimming pool which is within walking distance.
The 8 bedrooms all offer high quality, well-equipped en-suite accommodation, the flexible layout offering scope for owner's accommodation if required.
General Information
Location
Drumquin Guest House is situated in a prominent position on the main A970 north road which runs through the village of Brae which is clustered around the head of Busta Voe, Brae lying approximately 23 miles north of Lerwick, Shetland's capital. Thanks to Shetland's excellent road network the location is a great base from which to explore the North Mainland of Shetland and also the outer isles of Yell, Unst & Fetlar, the Yell & Fetlar ferries running from Toft about 10 miles to the north.
Brae lies in close proximity to several of Shetland's major employers including Sullom Voe Oil Terminal and the 'Total' Gas Plant, whilst the main road puts Lerwick within easy reach both by car or public transport. Brae being the main population centre for the North Mainland area is the location of the area's main amenities most of which are within walking distance, these including a superb leisure centre & swimming pool with games hall, fitness suite and all weather sports pitch, a High School providing nursery, primary & secondary schooling, nhs health centre including dental suite, several shops including a Co-op mini supermarket, plus an award winning Fish & Chip shop. There is also a boating club and marina.
The Shetland Islands themselves, the most northerly part of the United Kingdom, are located 100 miles north of Mainland Scotland and just over 200 miles west of Bergen, Norway. With over 100 islands of which 15 are inhabited, the islands are home to around 23,000 people and offer a vibrant and safe environment with dramatic and unspoilt scenery, an abundance of wildlife as well as many places of historical and archaeological interest. Shetland is an increasingly popular tourist destination thanks to a huge amount of TV exposure in recent years, in particular the 'Shetland' detective series and many wildlife programmes. The islands were one of the Lonely Planet's top ten European destinations in 2019.
A daily overnight ferry service from Lerwick operated by Northlink Ferries () provides a sea link with Aberdeen whilst Loganair () operates direct flights from Sumburgh Airport at the very southern tip of Shetland to Aberdeen, Edinburgh & Glasgow.
The Business
Drumquin Guest House has been established for around 30 years initially mainly servicing the oil industry however in recent years there has been an increasing emphasis on the tourist trade. The current owners took over the business in 2010 and since then have built up an excellent reputation for the quality of the accommodation and service provided attracting a loyal local following in addition to visitors. The owners have adopted a very proactive approach to the business with a policy of continuous improvement and upgrading, a number of rooms having recently been redecorated.
As well as providing meals for resident guests, evening meals are also offered on a meal only basis (the premises is licensed) utilising local produce wherever possible, the business, which is presently run by the two owner managers with additional casual staff as required, being open all year round.
Although the business is listed on major accommodation websites such as (where it has a 9.8 rating, the highest rating for a guest house in Orkney & Shetland), Visit Scotland & Airbnb, the bulk of bookings now come directly through their own website which will be included in the sale and provides further information on the business.
The business would most likely appeal to an owner / manager. Due to its manageable size and potential for more flexible use, perhaps providing in-house owner's accommodation with slightly less bedrooms, it could particularly suit someone new to the business looking for a change of lifestyle. Alternatively the building could revert to its previous use as a large family home.
Premises
The business is housed in a detached building, originally the local school & schoolhouse dating from the 1880's, then a family home before being refurbished and turned into a guest house in the early 1990's. It now provides eight en-suite letting rooms in additional to a guest lounge, conservatory dining area and kitchen.
The main building which is stone-built below a natural slate roof, benefits from double glazing and central heating throughout, the gas-fired heating being supplemented by two 'Panasonic' air-to-air units in the lounge and dining room.
The building is accessed via a ramp which leads to the main entrance with doors to the guest lounge and a passageway leading to bedrooms 2 to 5. The lounge (approx. 8m x 4.2m overall) is an attractive space sub-divided by a stair to bedrooms 6 to 9, the dining area at one end providing additional seating for 8 to 10 diners, the lounge area at the other end housing a solid-fuel 'Rayburn' which provides a cosy additional heat source, both areas having windows looking out over the garden which is accessed via a lobby.
Off the lounge is a large south-facing conservatory dining area (approx. 5.2m x 3.9m), another very attractive space with seating for 16 to 18, windows to three sides making it particularly light and airy, a glazed door providing further access to the garden.
Thanks to a rolling programme of redecoration all the comfortable bedrooms are bright and modern, and well-equipped with full en-suite and tea / coffee making facilities, WiFi & satellite TV.
A door from the main entrance area leads past a toilet with WC, wash hand basin & baby changing facilities, to four ground floor en-suite bedrooms, three doubles and a single, bedrooms 2 & 3 both facing south, bedroom 3 having a large bay window.
Accessed via a stair from the lounge / dining area, are four further double bedrooms, two of which (6 & 7 both doubles), enjoy a view of the voe. Bedrooms 8 & 9, again both doubles, are served by a hallway with its own entrance door therefore allowing this space to be used as a family suite or it would be ideal as separate owner's accommodation.
Off the living room is a pantry / store (overall approx. 5m x 2.4m) with fitted shelving and several larder fridges & freezers, plus a further space at the end with a sink & dishwasher.
The large kitchen (overall approx. 7.25m x 2.95m) is equipped to commercial standards with fitted units including an integral gas hob and two ovens, plus two deep fat fryers, a bain marie, several fridge / freezers and dishwasher.
Externally the large site is estimated to extend to just over ¼ acre or thereby, the site being mainly enclosed by a low stone dyke. There is a substantial parking area for guests, a lawn / drying green and seating area to the rear of the building, plus a large laundry / store with rotary ironing machine, three washing machines, three tumble dryers and a sink, and a separate garden shed.
Equipment
All the equipment, fixtures and fittings are included in the sale. All equipment is understood to be owned outright.
Accounts
Trading information can be made available to seriously interested parties after viewing.
Rates
The Rateable Value is understood to currently be £13,100 however Shetland Islands Council currently provides 100% small business rates relief (excluding water & sewage). Prospective purchasers should however check the position by contacting the Council directly.
VAT
The price is exclusive of VAT, if applicable.
Great opportunity to acquire a popular, beautifully presented, 8 bedroom guest house in the village of Brae, approximately 23 miles north of Lerwick.
Housed in a former school & schoolhouse, the guest house which enjoys views over Busta Voe, is a well known and popular business offering bedroom accommodation as well as evening meals.
The business is well placed to serve the oil and other related industries nearby although it also has a healthy tourist trade.
Brae is the main population centre in the North Mainland of Shetland and the location of the area's main amenities including a leisure centre & swimming pool which is within walking distance.
The 8 bedrooms all offer high quality, well-equipped en-suite accommodation, the flexible layout offering scope for owner's accommodation if required.
General Information
Location
Drumquin Guest House is situated in a prominent position on the main A970 north road which runs through the village of Brae which is clustered around the head of Busta Voe, Brae lying approximately 23 miles north of Lerwick, Shetland's capital. Thanks to Shetland's excellent road network the location is a great base from which to explore the North Mainland of Shetland and also the outer isles of Yell, Unst & Fetlar, the Yell & Fetlar ferries running from Toft about 10 miles to the north.
Brae lies in close proximity to several of Shetland's major employers including Sullom Voe Oil Terminal and the 'Total' Gas Plant, whilst the main road puts Lerwick within easy reach both by car or public transport. Brae being the main population centre for the North Mainland area is the location of the area's main amenities most of which are within walking distance, these including a superb leisure centre & swimming pool with games hall, fitness suite and all weather sports pitch, a High School providing nursery, primary & secondary schooling, nhs health centre including dental suite, several shops including a Co-op mini supermarket, plus an award winning Fish & Chip shop. There is also a boating club and marina.
The Shetland Islands themselves, the most northerly part of the United Kingdom, are located 100 miles north of Mainland Scotland and just over 200 miles west of Bergen, Norway. With over 100 islands of which 15 are inhabited, the islands are home to around 23,000 people and offer a vibrant and safe environment with dramatic and unspoilt scenery, an abundance of wildlife as well as many places of historical and archaeological interest. Shetland is an increasingly popular tourist destination thanks to a huge amount of TV exposure in recent years, in particular the 'Shetland' detective series and many wildlife programmes. The islands were one of the Lonely Planet's top ten European destinations in 2019.
A daily overnight ferry service from Lerwick operated by Northlink Ferries () provides a sea link with Aberdeen whilst Loganair () operates direct flights from Sumburgh Airport at the very southern tip of Shetland to Aberdeen, Edinburgh & Glasgow.
The Business
Drumquin Guest House has been established for around 30 years initially mainly servicing the oil industry however in recent years there has been an increasing emphasis on the tourist trade. The current owners took over the business in 2010 and since then have built up an excellent reputation for the quality of the accommodation and service provided attracting a loyal local following in addition to visitors. The owners have adopted a very proactive approach to the business with a policy of continuous improvement and upgrading, a number of rooms having recently been redecorated.
As well as providing meals for resident guests, evening meals are also offered on a meal only basis (the premises is licensed) utilising local produce wherever possible, the business, which is presently run by the two owner managers with additional casual staff as required, being open all year round.
Although the business is listed on major accommodation websites such as (where it has a 9.8 rating, the highest rating for a guest house in Orkney & Shetland), Visit Scotland & Airbnb, the bulk of bookings now come directly through their own website which will be included in the sale and provides further information on the business.
The business would most likely appeal to an owner / manager. Due to its manageable size and potential for more flexible use, perhaps providing in-house owner's accommodation with slightly less bedrooms, it could particularly suit someone new to the business looking for a change of lifestyle. Alternatively the building could revert to its previous use as a large family home.
Premises
The business is housed in a detached building, originally the local school & schoolhouse dating from the 1880's, then a family home before being refurbished and turned into a guest house in the early 1990's. It now provides eight en-suite letting rooms in additional to a guest lounge, conservatory dining area and kitchen.
The main building which is stone-built below a natural slate roof, benefits from double glazing and central heating throughout, the gas-fired heating being supplemented by two 'Panasonic' air-to-air units in the lounge and dining room.
The building is accessed via a ramp which leads to the main entrance with doors to the guest lounge and a passageway leading to bedrooms 2 to 5. The lounge (approx. 8m x 4.2m overall) is an attractive space sub-divided by a stair to bedrooms 6 to 9, the dining area at one end providing additional seating for 8 to 10 diners, the lounge area at the other end housing a solid-fuel 'Rayburn' which provides a cosy additional heat source, both areas having windows looking out over the garden which is accessed via a lobby.
Off the lounge is a large south-facing conservatory dining area (approx. 5.2m x 3.9m), another very attractive space with seating for 16 to 18, windows to three sides making it particularly light and airy, a glazed door providing further access to the garden.
Thanks to a rolling programme of redecoration all the comfortable bedrooms are bright and modern, and well-equipped with full en-suite and tea / coffee making facilities, WiFi & satellite TV.
A door from the main entrance area leads past a toilet with WC, wash hand basin & baby changing facilities, to four ground floor en-suite bedrooms, three doubles and a single, bedrooms 2 & 3 both facing south, bedroom 3 having a large bay window.
Accessed via a stair from the lounge / dining area, are four further double bedrooms, two of which (6 & 7 both doubles), enjoy a view of the voe. Bedrooms 8 & 9, again both doubles, are served by a hallway with its own entrance door therefore allowing this space to be used as a family suite or it would be ideal as separate owner's accommodation.
Off the living room is a pantry / store (overall approx. 5m x 2.4m) with fitted shelving and several larder fridges & freezers, plus a further space at the end with a sink & dishwasher.
The large kitchen (overall approx. 7.25m x 2.95m) is equipped to commercial standards with fitted units including an integral gas hob and two ovens, plus two deep fat fryers, a bain marie, several fridge / freezers and dishwasher.
Externally the large site is estimated to extend to just over ¼ acre or thereby, the site being mainly enclosed by a low stone dyke. There is a substantial parking area for guests, a lawn / drying green and seating area to the rear of the building, plus a large laundry / store with rotary ironing machine, three washing machines, three tumble dryers and a sink, and a separate garden shed.
Equipment
All the equipment, fixtures and fittings are included in the sale. All equipment is understood to be owned outright.
Accounts
Trading information can be made available to seriously interested parties after viewing.
Rates
The Rateable Value is understood to currently be £13,100 however Shetland Islands Council currently provides 100% small business rates relief (excluding water & sewage). Prospective purchasers should however check the position by contacting the Council directly.
VAT
The price is exclusive of VAT, if applicable.
