It has been 30 years since Mary Miller first walked into the kitchen at 143 Hamilton Place, and she can still remember the weather on that cold November morning.
Alongside her husband, Murray, she had come to view the new-build in the hope of moving closer to the city centre where the pair both worked at a dental practice.
The impressive five-bedroom property in Aberdeen’s west end seemed like it would make the perfect family home.
It was the south-facing position which really clinched the deal for Mary, however.
“We had looked at lots of Victorian-style properties and found that many of them were north facing,” she said.
“This meant the rooms that we would use most as a family didn’t get any sun.
“It was a cold frosty morning when we came to see number 143.
“I love cooking and can remember walking into the kitchen thinking it was just perfect.
“Despite the cold outside, the room was bathed in sunlight.”
Mary and Murray were the first owners to move into 143 with their young son.
They went on to add to their family with two more boys, who now live in Australia.
Mary is hoping to spend more time there having made the difficult decision to sell up.
“It was a wonderful home for the boys and despite living on the other side of the world, I think they are rather put out that we are selling it,” said Mary.
“It will be difficult to leave but we aren’t using many of the rooms.
“This is very much a family home and we hope to free ourselves up so we can spend longer periods in Australia for visits.”
There is plenty of space on offer, especially when it comes to entertaining.
A formal dining room is at the front of the property and offers a bay window alongside folding doors, which lead through to the lounge.
The lounge offers that all important south-facing position and will make for the perfect entertaining space.
With easy access to the dining room, you’ve got the perfect spot for a big family Christmas.
It is the dining kitchen and family room where the Miller family have spent the most time, however.
“Having open plan space was actually a very novel ideal when we first moved in,” said Mary.
“I wanted to be able to get busy in the kitchen without the children getting under my feet.
“Having that family space really suited us and I was able to keep an eye on all three boys.”
The kitchen is fitted with solid wood Shaker-style cabinets, granite worktops and there is ample dining space.
One double bedroom can be found downstairs, making it the ideal guest bedroom.
On the mezzanine level is a spacious games room/conservatory and a study.
The remaining four bedrooms are all of good size and the master bedroom offers an en suite shower room.
Head outside where both the front and rear garden have been well maintained.
“We always meant to lay grass at the rear garden but with the boys constantly on their bikes and skate boards, it wasn’t worth it,” said Mary.
“It was still a fantastic enclosed space and made for a brilliant sun trap with barbecues.”
The front garden has a variety of established shrubs and manicured lawn.
The city centre is within walking distance and Mary says the family has enjoyed community life over the years.
“Having moved from Newburgh, it was amazing to have everything on our doorstep,” she said.
“The boys went to scouts and there are so many good schools within the catchment area.
“Number 143 has given us so many happy memories and we hope another family can now take over.”
Offers should be made in the region of more than £720,000.
Contact Simpson and Marwick on 01224 622622 or the owner on 07732 360486.