DESCRIPTION
Spindrift of Tomintoul is a well-respected and popular gifts, books, clothing and outdoor shop with arts & crafts gallery, situated in the charming highland village of Tomintoul. This highly attractive retail unit was built in 2001 and provides a modern facility in every respect. Positioned in an exceptionally prominent location with a high level of passing trade, the business operates all year round. The main tourist season is from April-October, with consistent demand over the winter months primarily from local residents and day trippers. Trade is mainly driven through the sale of a carefully considered and sourced mix of high quality gifts, art prints, books & maps, toiletries, clothing, greeting cards, glassware, jewellery, outdoor accessories and traditional Scottish gifts/souvenirs.
Internally the shop is arranged at ground level in a ‘U’ shape and offers flexible retail floor space with well laid out aisles. The sales area is spacious and well-lit, making the presentation of the business most pleasing. To the rear of the main public area is a further large facility that could be utilised to extend the current business, subject to the relevant consents.
The business is currently run by the two owners and one seasonal part-time member of staff.
A most attractive feature of this business is the fabulous and completely separate owners’ accommodation which has 3 double bedrooms, 2 bathrooms, spacious lounge, separate large kitchen/diner and extensive storage space.
The business is ideally situated to take full advantage of the custom from the many self-catering holiday lets, bed & breakfasts and hotels within the area, as well as the regular coach tours and other holidaymakers who stop in the village during the main season.
THE PROPERTY
Built in 2001 on the main street of Tomintoul, the main property is of modern construction, with rendered block walls and internal timber frame, all under a pitched tile roof. Arranged over two levels, the shop and back office/workspace/storage areas are situated on the ground floor, with the attractive living accommodation on the first floor.
TRADING AREAS
This shop is situated in a prominent roadside location within the village of Tomintoul, and the premises enjoy a well signed frontage with easy access. The retail areas are bright and modern, having a good range of flexible fixtures and fittings. The main sales counter is to the centre of the sales area providing strong security coverage. The shop has excellent natural lighting and boasts an attractive feature stained glass window. This, coupled with excellent spot and strip lighting, presents the merchandise to its best.
The business is profitable and these levels have increased steadily since the current owners took over the shop in 2015. The opening hours from April-October are 9.00am-5.00pm Monday-Saturday and 11am-4.30pm on Sunday. During the months of November, December and March, this timetable reduces to 6 days a week, and in January/February to 5 days a week – both on reduced hours.
REASON FOR SALE
The present owners commenced trading in 2015 and have immensely enjoyed their time developing the business. However, after over 30 years of self-employment and due to a desire to retire, they present this fine home and business to the market. They genuinely believe that enthusiastic new proprietors could continue to develop and grow the business.
OWNERS ACCOMMODATION
This business opportunity provides attractive and generous private accommodation for the owners, much of which has been recently upgraded and is in walk-in condition. There is a substantial kitchen/dining room, spacious lounge, 3 double bedrooms (master en-suite with shower) and family bathroom. There is ample cupboard space in the hall, large built-in wardrobes in two of the bedrooms and a large floored attic which is accessed at the same level from the master bedroom. The owners also have a private entrance to the rear of the property, as well as convenient indoor access to the shop from the rear entrance hall.
SERVICE AREAS
The premises are well laid out to support the business, keeping the living accommodation completely separate from the shop areas. There is a large workspace area to the rear of the main retail area, with two separate storerooms, staff WC, boiler cupboard and sink. This area has considerable further development potential, and could be used to extend the sales area of the shop or for the introduction of a cafe.
GROUNDS
The property is substantial, with a large footprint, great signage and a prominent roadside frontage with unrestricted roadside parking. The grounds to the immediate rear and side of the building are laid with block-paving and are used for owners’ car parking.
There is a large stone-built workshop to the rear (approx. 10m x 5m) with an insulated metal profile roof, strip lighting and a number of fixed workbenches. There is also a large wooden shed with light and heat (approx. 6m x 3m) in the garden, currently used for additional storage of shop fittings. The mainly south-facing rear garden is accessed via a block-paving path, and is paved and pebbled, with planting at the borders.
DEVELOPMENT OPPORTUNITIES
There are a number of income development opportunities which the vendors have considered may be possible. These are:
Renting out the flat as self-catering holiday let or long-term let, if potential purchasers do not wish to live there themselves.
With an internal timber framed construction, the property could be fairly easily adjusted for other uses with the appropriate consents, such as artist’s studio, café area, etc.
Increase trading hours in winter months.
SERVICES
The property benefits from mains electricity, water and drainage. LPG fuelled underfloor heating is provided throughout the main building; external buildings are heated by electricity. The property is fully double glazed. There is a centralised fire alarm system throughout the property. There is Wi-Fi throughout, with superfast fibre broadband available.
