When Mairi and David Walker embarked on their house search, they viewed dozens of properties after moving from Edinburgh with a dog and new born baby in tow.
Fast forward four years and little Cara has now made friends in Aboyne, while Cleo the Labrador loves the countryside walks on offer.
The couple finally decided to settle at Kinfauns after falling in love with its period features, as the four bedroom home dates back to the 1890’s.
David is now relocating due to work and it is only with the benefit of hindsight that the couple realise how lucky they were to stumble across Kinfauns in the first place.
“We previously lived in Edinburgh when we started the property hunt and it feels like we looked at thousands of houses,” said Mairi.
“David came across Deeside on a lovely sunny day and really loved the area but still we continued in our search, we honestly looked at so many houses.
“I actually almost ignored Kinfauns because it was so unassuming from the outside, but we went along for a viewing.
“Thank goodness we did, because we quickly realised that the house was in excellent condition and there was so much space on offer.
“It sounds silly but at the time we thought the dog would love the garden, time has flown by and now Cara is four and she loves the garden too.
“She had her first birthday here and has lots of little friends so it’s going to be really hard to leave.”
Kinfauns oozes period style but the interior has been tastefully modernised.
The lovely reception hall retains original features including plaster corbels, moulded coving, centre rose and exposed wood flooring.
There is a charming sitting room with large bay window and marble fire surround with matching hearth housing an open fire.
Double doors lead through to the dining room, one of Mairi’s favourite spots.
“I love the fact that the sitting room joins on to the dining room because it means you can really maximise the space,” she said.
“Both rooms are painted in this traditional Victorian red which is actually a really warm colour.
“I love the style and sense of tradition.”
The family room offers further options for entertaining and could even be turned into a games room for the children.
There is an exposed granite inglenook fireplace housing a wood burning stove set on a slate hearth, while a picture window and original flooring finishes off the period look,
There is an archway to the study area and access to the dining kitchen.
This room is perhaps the greatest surprise as it has been tastefully modernised, and offers an alternative to the more traditional dining room.
Modern appliances include a Britannia gas range cooker and integrated dishwasher, while a deep-fitted larder cupboard provides further storage.
There is plenty of space for a dining table so you’ll be able to chat to guests as you cook.
A handy utility room features a Belfast-style sink, and will be ideal for any mucky paws and muddy shoes. The cloakroom features a two piece suite.
Completing the ground floor accommodation is a good size double bedroom which is currently being used as a playroom.
On the upper floor is a generous master bedroom with large dormer window, and a luxury en-suite shower room complete with under floor heating.
The remaining two bedrooms are both of good size while the family bathroom has been completed to a high standard.
Outside the south-facing rear garden has an elevated timber sun deck and has mainly been laid to lawn.
“The garden feels really private and I’ve started to enjoy gardening since moving here.
“It’s very easy to potter about and Cara loves the garden,” said Mairi.
A detached bothy is equipped with power and light and there is a further outbuilding for storage.
Large wrought iron gates give vehicular access to the side lane and lead to the driveway with off-road parking and access to the detached garage.
Aboyne itself is a thriving community with plenty of amenities, not to mention stunning countryside on the door step.
“It’s a nice size community and Cara has grown up here,” said Mairi.
“We’ve loved the house and the location, we hope another family will be able to enjoy it.”
Offers should be made of more than £515, 0000.
Contact Raeburn Christie Clark & Wallace on 01330 82293.