The house that inspired Rudyard Kipling to write 'Kim' up for sale

London, April 22 : The Highland home where Rudyard Kipling wrote one of his most celebrated novels is up for sale for almost 500,000 pounds.

The Old Manse in Creich, by Ardgay in Sutherland, has a rich piece of literary history included in the price. The place inspired Kipling to write his masterpiece Kim.

Kipling started to write Kim - the story of an Irish soldier's orphan living on his wits in India - in 1899 and it was published in 1901.

The house dates back to the 1700s, when it was built on a site of an early settlement used by the monks of St Duthus, the patron saint of Tain.

The seven-bedroom property overlooking the Kyle of Sutherland is being offered for sale by property consultants CKD Galbraith for offers over 490,000 pounds.

It is built of harled stone, with a slate roof and retains many original features, including cornicing and open fires, with tiled surrounds and timber mantelpieces.

"The Old Manse is a spectacular family home," the Scotsman quoted John Bound, who is handling the sale for CKD Galbraith, as saying.

"The current owners have improved and extended the accommodation in keeping with the original period features and natural charm by building the conservatory, which provides panoramic views to the south and west of the spectacular Sutherland scenery," he added.

Kipling, was born in Bombay in 1865, but educated in England at the United Services College, Westward Ho, Bideford. His Jungle Book, published in 1894, became a children's classic.

ANI