Laurel Bank11 St. Leonards Road, Forres, Moray, IV36 1DN

A rare opportunity to acquire a home where every detail has been personally designed by the owner.

Acquired in early 2012 and immediately the subject of a meticulous and passionate renovation, this exceptional home is a masterclass in considered design. Inspired by extensive travel and a deep appreciation for traditional building techniques, the property artfully blends architectural influences from across the world. The result is a refined yet soulful residence where natural materials, authenticity and craftsmanship work in complete harmony. Every intervention has been undertaken with respect for the building’s original integrity enhancing, rather than altering, its inherent character.
Throughout the home, thoughtful design balances aesthetic beauty with modern living. Historical shortcomings have been sensitively resolved, while spaces have been reimagined to reflect contemporary lifestyles. Former servant quarters and cellular rooms have given way to elegant, flowing open-plan spaces that prioritise connection, light and family living, ensuring the house functions as beautifully as it looks. Each element, from structural work to the smallest interior detail, has been carefully considered with equal regard for form and function.

Curves and organic forms are a defining theme, echoed both inside and out. Soft architectural lines, rounded doorways and gently flowing transitions evoke the natural world, while the landscaped gardens mirror this philosophy, creating a seamless relationship between interior and exterior. There is a remarkable sense of cohesion throughout, where every space feels interconnected and alive with light.

At its core lies a truly spectacular kitchen, dining and living space. An expansive, light-filled environment created by combining four original rooms. Designed for modern life, it is both a social hub and a place of quiet beauty. Sunlight moves through the space from morning to evening, entering from the east, flooding through south-facing bay windows, and finally settling into the west-facing garden via the elegant orangery. This constant dialogue with the outdoors creates a warm and ever-changing atmosphere.
The bespoke kitchen is crafted entirely from solid elm, sourced locally from Altyre Estate, celebrating natural textures and the beauty of raw materials. The striking stone island, sourced in Sweden, brings warmth and durability, complementing the sandstone and granite-like finishes found throughout. A traditional AGA anchors the space, while carefully engineered structural work, including hidden steel reinforcements and alignment adjustments—ensures both stability and visual balance without compromising character.
The herringbone flooring, composed of about 14,000 blocks from a historic Sussex school, introduces depth and provenance.

Craftsmanship & Material Integrity: Great care has been taken to preserve and celebrate the property's original character. All original windows and doors were painstakingly stripped back, expertly restored and repainted using traditional Ålbäck linseed oil paint, ensuring both authenticity and longevity. Internally, all new ground floor timbers were hand stained and French polished to perfectly complement the original bay windows, which provided the only surviving examples of the property's historic colour palette and moulded detailing. These original profiles have been carefully replicated throughout the sitting room, kitchen and orangery, creating a seamless continuity between the original architecture and later enhancements.

Every inch of the home reflects an extraordinary commitment to craftsmanship. Original features such as windows, doors, architraves and skirtings have been painstakingly restored using traditional linseed oil paints, while locally sourced elm has been used extensively, showcasing natural grain and organic edges. Where replacement was necessary, materials and profiles were carefully matched to preserve authenticity.

Upstairs, the attic spaces have been transformed with custom-built walls, original flooring restored and enhanced with hand-fitted timber slips, and beautifully executed rounded doorways that echo the home’s flowing aesthetic. A handcrafted Douglas fir handrail, complemented by salvaged newel posts and spindles, adds both character and continuity. Fireplaces, bespoke-made in France from limestone and finished with subtle antiquing, bring a refined elegance to the principal rooms, perfectly aligned with traditional Victorian detailing.

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