SITUATED on the east coast of Scotland between Forfar and Brechin, the Davidson cottage where the story all began (before they emigrated to Milwaukee and Harley-Davidson was formed) has been put up for sale.
Before you have any bright ideas of buying it, restoring it, and putting it on AirBNB for fans of the historic American outfit to visit and stay in - that’s exactly what the current owners did.
For £320,000 the tourist destination could be yours, a cottage which dates back all the way to the 1720s (literally older than America itself, born on the 4th of July 1776) and was originally known as Netherton Cottage.
Originally home to Alexander ‘Sandy’ Davidson in the 19th Century, the Davidson family lived there until 1858 when they moved to Milwaukee - with William C Davidson born in the cottage in 1846, a boy said to be born with a love for all things mechanical… We all know the story from there, with brothers Arthur, Walter and William Davidson setting up the bar & shield firm with Bill Harley.
Where the Harley-Davidson story all began
Current owners (and Harley-Davidson fanatics) bought the cottage in 2008, restoring it to it’s former glory as an 1858 show-home for the Davidson family - and has become a tourist attraction ever since, known as ‘The Davidson Legacy’.
Ruaraidh Ogilvie for marketing agents Savills said in the Daily Record:
"A truly unique proposition, Davidson Cottage has already gathered quite some following from Harley-Davidson aficionados around the world, as a place of pilgrimage and an intriguing holiday destination.
“It has been a real labour of love by the sellers, who have recreated an entirely authentic early Victorian rural dwelling.
"The new service block provides the modern comforts required without jeopardising the historic nature of the original cottage, and together they make a fascinating addition to the market.”
So, here’s your chance to own the Davidson cottage! If you become the new owner, let us know at Visordown... Saying that, I wouldn't be surprised if Harley-Davidson themselves get involved, and include it in their Hardwire strategy.
