Live like a rock star - first look inside characterful cottage of Scottish singer, Fish
A characterful cottage, belonging to former Marillion frontman Fish, has gone on the market.
A rare chance has arisen to snap up a charming property with unique features and a colourful back story. This is the home of one of Scotland’s favourite rock singers.
Fish, former frontman of cult prog rock band Marillion, has been living at Spittalrig, near Haddington, since 1988. The cottage for sale has the best of both worlds. Surrounded by lush rolling countryside, but within a 30-minute drive of Scotland’s Capital City.
But now, as he prepares to start a new life as a crofter in the Outer Hebrides, the singer and songwriter is selling up the converted farm cottage. It holds more than 30 years of memories for him – both personal and professional.
The Studio, Spittalrigg Farm, Haddington
The Studio is a characterful four-bedroom house with spacious and flexible accommodation across a single level. It is set in around an acre of land and has been modernised, with an extensive open-plan living and dining space with vaulted ceilings. Exposed stone walls and a wood-burning stove feature at its centre.
Myriad windows at various levels ensure the home is flooded with light. French doors in the dining kitchen, main living area and three of the bedrooms give direct access outside. The large principal bedroom has an en-suite bathroom, there are two further shower rooms and a useful office space.
And as the name suggests, the property is more than just a home!
It is also fitted out with a fully sound-proofed recording studio. Here Fish – real name Derek Dick – and many other artists, have laid down tracks over the years. Nazareth, the Blue Nile, Then Jericho, PJ Harvey and Radiohead are just a few of those who worked there. The premises were run as a commercial operation, between 1988 and 1998.
The Studio’s beautifully tended and bountiful grounds, which include a mature orchard, raised beds, patio areas and terraces, are also celebrities. The property has featured on Beechgrove Garden and Gardeners’ World in recent years.
The property also comes with a separate cabin and large garage and workshop. Ample parking space is available on the driveway outside.
Message to the new owners
Fish says he is sad to leave the property, but is looking forward to new adventures with his wife Simone up north.
“I recorded all 11 of my solo albums since Vigil here, the last being my designated final album Weltschmerz in 2020,” he said."
“There are a lot of incredible memories from my time here. The dramas, the craziness, the laughter and the tears that filled this building over the years. It’s saturated with great energies."
“It has been a fantastic place to live and work in. Everyone who has been here has been blown away by the vibes, the space and the layout."
“There are a lot of mixed feelings about leaving the Studio, but we feel it’s time to move on and let someone else enjoy what we have created here, bring their own ideas and imagination in and take it to the next level."
"It would be great to think that a musician might carry on the legacy of the original studio in some way. I know that whoever takes it on will have a creative soul and they will know it’s their home as soon as they walk in the door."
“The Studio is that sort of place. It’s different and very special and a unique dwelling that will capture the heart of someone who belongs to live there.”
