Charming cottage feel, picturesque country views and stylish contemporary design all blend together perfectly at Stewart Milne’s new development on Deeside. Cheryl Livingstone finds out more
I knew that it was a new build and yet it had that cosy and charming feel that a cottage in the rural countryside would have.
That was my first thought as I was given an exclusive tour of the showhome at Stewart Milne’s development, The Gardens at Crathes.
In a nutshell it is a collection of 35 four and five bedroom family homes set within the beautiful Deeside countryside and in one of the most desirable areas in Aberdeenshire.
There are two brand new house types exclusive to The Gardens designed by Stewart Milne Homes’ team of award winning architects: The Cramond – which is also the show home – is a magnificent five bedroom detached home. Its large entrance hallway is a focal point for the whole house. It has a spacious family kitchen area with beautiful French doors to the garden. Downstairs there’s also a well -spaced dining room, large living room and utility room. Upstairs there are four double bedrooms and a fifth bedroom / study. The luxurious master bedroom has an enviable walk in wardrobe and en-suite bathroom, while the third and fourth bedrooms have a joint Jack and Jill bathroom suite.
The aptly named – Crathes – is another completely unique home – never before seen in any other Stewart Milne Homes development. The four bedroom home has an extremely spacious living room and family kitchen area with a separate utility room. It also has a dining room and sitting room – so there’s plenty of space to accommodate a growing family. The master bedroom upstairs has a walk-in wardrobe and en-suite and the guest bedroom also has its own en-suite. The home also boasts its own detached single garage.
Other home types available at the development include the luxury five bedroom Armstrong home. This impressive property boasts an arched porch that leads to a double ceiling hallway. There’s a large lounge, dining room where you can enjoy views of the rear garden and expansive kitchen and family room with top of the range designer kitchen units and a floor to ceiling sun room which floods the room with natural daylight.
The feature staircase leads to the master bedroom with dual windows, dressing area surrounded by double built-in wardrobes and an impressive en-suite with separate bath and large walk-in shower, along with his and her wash basins. The guest bedroom boasts an en-suite and a double wardrobe. The remaining three bedrooms all have opulent double wardrobes.
Other home types available at The Gardens include the five bedroom Marlborough, Thornewood, Sandholme, Melton and the four bedroom Gordon.
The showhome is definitely an impressive home. It is clear that this house has definitely been designed with its location in mind – even the name of the development relates to the importance of the outdoors in this area.
I loved how the design of the house took cues from homes in the surrounding area ensuring that it is in keeping with neighbouring properties. Features such as double aspect windows in the lounge and the gable ends of the roof mirror what has been used in an older property across the road. It gives the home the character that many people buying a property in the countryside want.
Mike Sutcliffe, sales and marketing director, Stewart Milne Homes North, said Crathes was chosen for the location of this development for its its beautiful surroundings, desirable postcode, welcoming community and the idyllic countryside that has made Royal Deeside famous the world over.
He added: “The Gardens is an ideal location for families to set up for the foreseeable future. You can enjoy the rural setting of Crathes while being five minutes from the thriving town of Banchory that has a Tesco store, plus many more amenities on its well established high street. Crathes is also in good commuting distance from Westhill and Aberdeen.
“These homes are ideal for families. This development boasts four and five bedroom homes that will see your family through from being small children, to teenagers and onto young adults before they flee the nest. The houses are adaptable and allows for children and adults alike to have their own space within the house, and then they can come together in one of the many communal areas.”
Homebuyers can visit The Gardens show home from 11am on Saturday, January 10. Over opening weekend, visitors will be treated to a luxurious afternoon tea from 12pm until 4pm on both Saturday and Sunday. A selection of delectable miniature cakes, sandwiches and scones with homemade jam, and of course, teas and coffees, will be available for guests to enjoy as they explore the new showhome. Prices have yet to be released.
The show home is open Thursday to Monday 11am – 5pm. For more information contact 0845 672 9358 or visit www.stewartmilnehomes.com