Morayshire golfing estate well above par, courses designed by Euan McIntosh

A design for one of the 40 houses to be built on the Maverston Highland Estate, Morayshire.

A golf course on which only Maverston Highland Estate residents can play.

Morayshire golfing estate well above par,
courses designed by Euan McIntosh

PRESS RELEASE ISSUED BY FIFTH RING
INTEGRATED CORPORATE COMMUNICATIONS
Highland estate living – complete with exclusive, private golf courses - in one of the most picturesque regions of Scotland is within reach following the announcement of a unique development in Moray.
Forty luxury properties, built with state-of-the-art environmentally friendly features, are to be built at Maverston Highland Estate, which lies between the beautiful Moray Firth coast and the world-renowned Cairngorms National Park – one of the last great natural wilderness areas in Western Europe.
With two private golf courses and an incredible feeling of space, Maverston is unlike any other housing vision in the country.
The concept
Maverston Highland Estate is an ambitious project. Set in 126 hectares of Scottish countryside, the stunning homes can be built to the buyer’s individual specifications – providing prospective home owners with the opportunity to build their very own “grand design” and working with award-winning architect Ian Duncan to produce their dream home (subject to planning permission).
The unique feature that sets Maverston Highland Estate above many top-class housing developments is the establishment of its own, exclusive 18-hole golf course. Euan McIntosh, one of the most exciting young course designers in Scotland, has designed the course. There is also a nine-hole ‘wee course’, which offers superb practice facilities.
The location offers a wonderful natural environment, lending itself perfectly to outdoor pursuits such as rambling, shooting, fishing, horse riding, sailing, and of course, golf. Yet it is only five miles away from the charming Royal Burgh of Elgin, with its traditional country shops and modern-day supermarkets and conveniences. The development is under an hour of Inverness airport for national and international links. The Moray Firth coast enjoys some of the lowest average rainfall in the British Isles.
Maverston Highland Estate not only offers beautiful homes and a great golf course, it also offers a great opportunity to meet new people. The clubhouse will act as the social hub for residents and their guests.
Maverston Highland Estate is the fruition of a partnership between architects firm Ian Duncan Developments Ltd and the ANM Group Ltd, which owns and runs a portfolio of diversified businesses.
ANM Group chief executive Brian Pack added: “It is a unique concept to the UK, we are sure the houses will be greatly sought after, particularly among those who love golf.
Mr Pack added: “The golf courses will be private and only available for Maverston property owners and their guests with the annual upkeep shared between the householders.
He continued: “We are creating a high amenity community in a superb location, with plenty of freedom for residents to roam, play golf all year round on a quality course, or practice on a par-three course and enjoy their own clubhouse.”
The golf course will be supported by a maintenance fee from each household on the estate, however, Maverston will not only be for those who love the game of golf. Many people will be attracted by the beauty a golf course and landscaped grounds has to offer (each house will have its own grounds up to a maximum of two acres, ensuring privacy and tranquillity).
Maverston Highland Estate is likely to appeal to a wide range of homebuyers. Many younger families will be attracted by tranquil surroundings and a beautiful home to enjoy while not at the office. Older couples will like the idea of a private estate that is ideal for retirement.
The courses
With a total yardage of 6,330 yards and a par of 72, the 18-hole course is intended to be challenging yet enjoyable for the enthusiast. Utilising the natural terrain, abundant blackthorn and hawthorn bushes and existing woodland comprising ancient Scots Pine, Silver Birch and Downy Birch trees, the course is set in a stunning landscape with the Moray Firth to the north and east and offers spectacular views to the south where the imposing Cairngorm mountain range rises from the coastal plain.
The nine-hole par-3 course has a total yardage of 1,237 yards and is an ideal way to practise a short game and enjoy a relaxing couple of hours.
Euan McIntosh is the director of Golf Services Scotland. Euan, 25, studied in the United States on a golf scholarship and graduated from Texas Wesleyan University in Fort Worth with an honours degree in Business Management. Euan has represented Scotland as a player and is now making a name for himself as a golf course designer.
Out with the privacy of your own golf course, the Highland’s boast some of the world’s finest courses with two championship courses at nearby Nairn, the old and new course at Moray, Elgin’s parkland or the scenic holes of Cawdor Castle. For those who like to venture further, Royal Aberdeen, which hosted the British Senior Open in 2007, the Old Course and New Castle Course at St. Andrews are within two hours South of the Estate.
Work is well under way on the golf course and clubhouse. The golf course was seeded in October 2007 ready for play in Spring 2009 and the clubhouse is expected to be built by early 2009. A show home is scheduled to be completed by the end of March 2009.
The houses
The houses will be constructed of timber, and/or traditional Scottish harl and glass to walls and natural slate to roofs to allow the homes to complement the natural surroundings and allow an abundance of light into each home. Architect Ian Duncan has delivered 16 unique designs – offering an unparalleled level of choice.
These fabulous houses will vary in price according to individual’s demands. Each spacious four or five bedroom home can be designed to meet the client’s specifications – promising flexibility on a whole new level.
The houses boast an array of environmental features including geo-thermal heating – reducing energy consumption by up to 75% - solar panels, under floor heating, high levels of thermal insulation, triple glazing combined with high tech glass, whole house heat recovery and ventilation system and thermally broken window frames.
Award-winning architect Ian said: “With only 40 houses and access to a private golf course this exciting new development is, we believe, unique to the UK. Using mainly eco-friendly materials, buyers will have the opportunity to create their own grand design (subject to planning approval). I look forward to working alongside homebuyers to create their ideal property and creating an exquisite home to live in.”
To find out more about Maverston Highland Estate, to request a brochure or register your interest log on at http://www.maverston.com/ or call 01467 623850.