Life in a ground-floor flat doesn’t bring to mind echoes of history and grandeur, unless you happen to reside in a Grade A-listed building where the Earl of Kintore once lived.
Flat One at Keith Hall House, near Inverurie, offers a rare slice of Scottish history where the trends from centuries ago can be traced from room to room.
Atmospheric stonework in the bathroom, oak panel walls originally installed thanks to a dowry nearly 100 years ago, and a sweeping entrance hall are just some of the features which give Flat One a romantic castle-like feel.
Owners Mike and Linda Winstanley have adored living at Keith Hall House for nine years, and are close friends with the Baron and Baroness of Pitcaple Castle, which is only 15 minutes away.
From fairytale weddings to picture-perfect Christmases, Keith Hall House has provided the perfect backdrop to every occasion for the Winstanley family.
The couple plan to move to somewhere bigger to accommodate their growing brood of grandchildren, but will never forget their time spent at Keith Hall House.
The winding driveway surrounded by plush lawns sets the tone and the property is entered via a mutually shared period hallway with log fire.
The family have made repeated use of this communal space over the years with family celebrations, but have their very own sanctuary behind the door of Flat One. 
“We’ve always said that you never truly own a flat at Keith Hall House, you’re simply a custodian taking care of the place,” said Mike, who is honourable secretary, treasurer and factor for the building as well as a company director.
“As soon as we saw the place we knew it was meant to be, and living here has been a life experience,” he said.
Keith Hall House was converted into eight flats and six houses in 1986, and Flat One is the only apartment which has oil-fired central heating.
Mike, 58, and Linda, 56, have furnished Flat One in keeping with its past, with the lounge at the front reminiscent of a scene from Downton Abbey.
Wood panelling is a beautiful feature in the lounge and was installed following the gift of a dowry sent to Helena, Duchess of Manchester, in 1937.
“We love the lounge because we feel there are a great deal of quirky features in here such as the oak walls and concealed cupboards,” said Mike.
“We have had seven children between us alongside four grandchildren and another on the way.
“We are at our happiest surrounded by our family, and when everyone gathers in here round the fire it’s just magic.”
There are also concealed cupboards behind the panelling to add to the period effect.
The dining kitchen come dining room is spacious with bespoke wooden units and modern appliances, with a window seat overlooking the garden.
“We often sit here having coffee over breakfast and watch the wildlife, as our garden seems to be a bit of a hotspot for birds,” said Mike.
Along the hallway is a shower room which retains the inner wall of the spiral staircase in Keith Hall House.
There is also a utility room with traditional lath-style clothes pulley and a range of units.
“People are always surprised when it comes to the size of the flat; the layout is very clever and we love walking through and seeing different periods from history,” said Mike.
The master bedroom is an elegant room with double wardrobes, while there are two further good-sized bedrooms.
A spacious bathroom comes with a three-piece suite and has been beautifully decorated.
“We love having two bathrooms and I would say the larger bathroom is my domain,” said Linda.
“We wanted each room to have a character with a mixture of old and new, and there are feminine touches throughout the flat which make it seem very cosy.”
The flat also comes with extensive loft space.
The new owner will be spoilt for choice when it comes to gardens, as there is a well-tended private garden which comes with the flat, alongside acres of landscaped parkland.
The gardens of Keith Hall House were landscaped by Thomas White Senior in the 18th century and much inspired by the works of “Capability Brown”.
The Winstanley family have enjoyed many happy times boating on the garden’s very large lake.
“I built a jetty and called it Mike’s Point.
“We’ve been ice skating on that lake and even had jet skis on it,” said Mike.
“It’s hard to put into words what it’s like to have gardens like these.
“Autumn is stunning and we’re always seeing red squirrels and woodpeckers alongside deer.
“It is very tranquil here, but we have Inverurie on our doorstep.”
The home is well placed for Keith Hall primary school and Inverurie Academy, and is also ideal for those commuting to Aberdeen.
Linda and Mike believe the moment they leave Keith Hall House for the final time will make for an emotional parting, and they’ve done so much more then merely live in this very special place.
“Some of our neighbours have been here for decades because they simply cannot leave,” said Mike.
“It has been a privilege to live here but we never truly owned Flat One, we were merely passing through.”
The flat is on the market at offers over £350,000. Contact Ledingham Chalmers on 01224 632500.