Turn back the clock 11 years and the Press and Journal ran stories about home buyers being so eager to snap up one of the new properties being built at the Bett Homes’ development in Newmachar, they were willing to queue overnight to secure a home.
Developed on the site of the old Kingseat Hospital, and set amid beautiful countryside, the properties proved to be hugely popular with those looking to live the village life while still being within easy reach of the bright lights of the big city.
With good road links, a regular bus service and easy access to Aberdeen’s airport in nearby Dyce, it’s easy to see why there was then – and still is – a high demand for the homes.
Emma Chalmers, an accountant with Dolphin Drilling, was a little too young to buy a home here when they were first launched, but for the past four and a half years, she has owned Number 16 Bacchante Way, Newmachar, a lovely two bedroom ground floor executive apartment.
“The flat is within a lovely old building which was once part of Kingseat Hospital,” said Emma, 31.
“I grew up in Stoneywood and the first property I bought was in Dyce, so I really like this area.
“I had a couple of friends who lived in the development which has a nice mixture of apartments and house styles and I used to visit them. The more I visited, the more I liked it here. The outside of the buildings are full of character and look old, but inside everything is new and modern.
“The rooms have lovely high ceilings and the windows are big, so there’s lots of natural light coming in. In the living room for example, there’s windows on two sides of the room so it’s naturally bright yet cosy.”
The luxurious ground floor apartment sits within a lovely, rural woodland setting, which was also part of the appeal for Emma.
“Sometimes I feel like Snow White living here as it reminds me of the scene from the film where she lives in a cottage in the woods and all the woodland creatures come to see her.
“You constantly hear birds singing; there’s rabbits running around and you can often spot deer.”
Emma believes her building was converted in 2009, and she is the second owner to live here since it was converted from a hospital building.
“All I had to do was move in and unpack my bags because it was perfect.”
She’s leaving it in a similar condition…
Tastefully decorated throughout, the accommodation comprises a welcoming entrance hallway with large built-in cupboard, elegantly proportioned lounge with dual aspect windows, and a stylish fitted kitchen with a range of quality appliances including an integrated fridge, washing machine, dish washer and gas cooker.
There are two excellent sized double bedrooms with built-in wardrobes, one of which also benefits from a luxurious en suite shower room. Completing the accommodation, the bathroom has an opaque window to the front and is fitted with a white three piece suite.
Having been sympathetically converted from the original building, the apartment has many nice features including generously sized rooms with lovely high ceilings, stylish sash and case double glazed windows and a contemporary modern layout.
Finished to a high standard throughout, it enjoys the comforts of gas fired central heating, full double glazing and has plenty of superb storage space.
The apartment sits in a particularly quiet part of the grounds. “There are huge landscaped grounds here and everyone pays a factoring fee towards the care of them,” said Emma.
“The fee also includes building insurance and covers maintenance for communal areas for this part of the building – I share a front door with two other apartments, both of which are upstairs.
“What I have enjoyed best about living here is that it is lovely and quiet, with lots of nice walks on your doorstep. It feels like you’re living on an country estate but you’re only 10 minutes from here to Dyce or the Bridge of Don.
“There’s a cycle path, one which runs from Dyce to Fraserburgh, within easy reach and a path which takes you directly to Newmachar which is ideal as there’s a good mixture of families with children who live here, plus the paths are popular with dog walkers.”
Emma is selling now as she and her boyfriend, John Easton, a project manager, are looking to buy a house together and are hoping to find somewhere suitable in this area.
The apartment she leaves behind may suit a singleton, professional couple or a family as it has spacious adaptable accommodation on one floor. All carpets, curtains and blinds will remain together with all kitchen white goods, and early viewing is advised.
Kingseat is a quality residential development of executive family homes with easy accessibility to all parts of Aberdeen. The immediate area is very peaceful and locally there is a nursery school, primary school, NHS dentist, community and sports centre, library, a variety of shops and a post office.
The location is particularly convenient for the airport and oil related offices at Dyce, Bridge of Don and Westhill. A wide range of outdoor pursuits are available in the area including hill and forest walks, salmon and sea trout fishing and various golf courses including a Championship course.
Contact: Andersonbain on 01224 456789.