Millions of viewers across the world will tune in tonight to watch the second episode of TV crime drama Shetland, which sees the return of DI Jimmy Perez, played by Douglas Henshall.
As well as trying to work out who the killer is, many viewers watch because they love seeing the rugged beauty and atmosphere of the Shetland Isles.
Glimpses of dramatic coastlines, windswept moors, historic sites and homes, many of which enjoy fantastic views, have played a part in boosting visitor numbers here.
Owning a house here, is a dream for many. For the last seven years, New Grind, a Scandinavian-style timber frame house painted a pretty shade of blue, has been a dream home for the Sandison family.
Built in 2009, with the upstairs accommodation developed a few years later, the spacious six-bedroom detached house is in the hamlet of Aithsetter, on the north side of the village of Cunningsburgh and within easy commuting reach of Lerwick which is just a few miles to the north.
Set in a large site with ample parking, the house enjoys totally unobstructed views northwards over the surrounding countryside towards the sea and beyond to the island of Bressay.
“The house was built nine years ago by C&M Building Contractors and designed by a local architect. One of the original owners was an American lady and I believe she worked closely with the architect to create the spacious American and Scandi-style look of the house,” said Marie who is married to William and mum to their six children aged from four to 26.
Originally from the north-east of England, Marie moved to Shetland when she was 14. Here she met Shetlander, William. His work previously took him to the mainland and for more than a decade they lived in Balmedie.
But when the chance came to return to Shetland, they took it.
“We loved the look and style of the house as soon as we saw it,” said Marie. “At that point it was a four-bedroom one-storey house but there were windows in place upstairs. We contacted the original architect and it was a fairly straightforward project to then add accommodation on the second floor.”
The end result is an enormously spacious house with a huge open-plan kitchen-dining room with an archway leading to the main living room with multi-fuel stove.
“It’s a great space for socialising and especially good when celebrating birthday’s and at Christmas time – seating 15 easily around two large tables,” said Marie, 46.
The formal entrance to the house is via a timber deck and covered porch area leading to a front door which opens into the porch – a pleasant place to sit and enjoy the views. However, people tend to enter via the utility room on the other side of the house.
From the main porch, double doors open into the large hall with Kahrs solid wood flooring. Turn right and there’s access to the living areas of the house while the left leads to the bedrooms. Ahead, a pine staircase leads to the brightly lit upper floor.
This is a home filled with nice features.
The kitchen has cream units and Corian worktops and complete with a range of stainless steel Neff appliances including a double electric oven, gas hob, stainless cooker hood and a concealed integrated dishwasher. The American-style Bosch fridge-freezer is included in the asking price.
There’s a breakfast area and an island unit topped by a solid wood worktop which provides a dining area and further cupboard space. In addition there’s a built-in desk ideal for a home office and a walk-in larder. With two windows and a full-height glazed door, this is a lovely bright space.
From the kitchen there’s access to a well appointed utility room and a cloakroom with WC. There’s also a dedicated area for formal dining while the lounge, a good-sized room with a large window making the most of the views north, has a contemporary style multi-fuel stove set on a recycled glass hearth.
“There’s no TV in this room, which makes it the ideal place for good conversation,” said Marie.
A carpeted lobby off the main hall, leads to four of the bedrooms and superb family bathroom which has underfloor heating, twin wash-hand basins, bath and separate shower enclosure.
The master bedroom has a large window to the north making the most of the lovely views; a chandelier-style light fitting, a carpeted dressing area and a walk-in wardrobe. The original plan was to have an en suite and this could be added, subject to the availability of services, at a later date.
The three further bedrooms on this floor have built-in wardrobes.
As you move upstairs, again you experience a great feeling of space as here you find a substantial second lounge, lit by a dormer window to the north and from where there are further fine views to be enjoyed.
From here doors lead to two sizeable double bedroom with large walk-in wardrobes; shower room; a large built-in shelved cupboard and a home office with two lines, which means the second line could be used for work purposes.
Outside, the house has an enclosed garden with drying area, plenty of space for parking and a large garden shed.
The house is on the outskirts of the village of Cunningsburgh which has a primary school with secondary school age pupils attending school in Sandwick or Lerwick. The village plays host to one of Shetland’s biggest agricultural shows each August.
“Within walking distance of the house is a new farm shop and cafe which opened recently. I make the cakes for the cafe and have really enjoyed getting back into baking again,” said Marie whose carrot cake is a best seller.
“We have decided to sell now as William recently started a new job in Edinburgh. The three oldest children have flown the nest so with just the three youngest at home, we’ll probably look to downsize as well.
“I’ll very much miss living in Shetland and I know I’m going to miss the views from here and the general cosiness of the house which is always lovely and warm.”
Contact the sellers directly on 07762 017 828 or selling agent Harper Macleod on 01595 695583. See www.estateagencyshetland.co.uk