Living in a caravan during the depth of winter shows the incredible lengths Mike Naysmith and his wife Lynne went to when building their dream home from scratch.
But it was a chilly sacrifice that paid off as the couple created a warm and welcoming five-bedroom detached home rooted in love, strength and perseverance.
From the four en suite bedrooms and home offices to breathtaking views and a beautiful garden, Stonefield Cottage offers the perfect blend of idyllic family living with all the local amenities in nearby Inverurie.
Blissful 25 years
It’s for this reason that Mike, Lynne and their daughters Rachel and Rebecca will find it so hard to leave.
But after a blissful 25 years, Mike, who is a managing director of a national housebuilder, and Lynne, who is a fitness instructor/personal trainer, are ready for a fresh property challenge.
“We designed and built the house ourselves so the attraction was firstly the plot which, although close to Inverurie, was sunny and quiet with stunning views over open countryside but sheltered by the woods,” said Mike.
“We were then able to design a house which took advantage of the views while being able to position the house and rooms to take full advantage of the sun over the whole day.”
Perfect plot
Mike says they instantly fell in love with the plot, which is located between the hamlet of Durno and Pitcaple.
“I had always wanted to design and build my own house and Lynne was keen to continue to live in the countryside, so we were looking for a plot for a few months before we got married,” said Mike.
“We both worked at the council and a colleague who knew we were looking for a plot had been at a wedding with the farmer who owned the plot and came to tell me about it.
“After we saw it we instantly fell in love with it and the local community, and did a deal to buy the plot from the farmer and started to develop our plans.”
Character building
Everything moved extremely quickly as the couple sold their previous house and ended up moving into a caravan during the construction of their new home.
“When we were on honeymoon my dad phoned to say my house in Inverurie had sold so on our return we were homeless and had to buy a caravan and put it on the site as we started to build through the winter which was character building,” said Mike.
Newly married, the couple threw themselves into creating their dream home.
“We agreed on most things in the house design and each had our own ‘must have’,” said Mike.
“For me it was an open fire and for Lynne it was a step down into the lounge.”
Extension
Over the years, as the couple’s family extended, so did their property.
“The original house was a two-bedroom bungalow and then as our two daughters arrived we firstly extended into the attic, adding more bedrooms and en suites, and then as they grew up we extended the house to create a large dining kitchen and family room, where we now spend most of our time,” said Mike.
Beautiful garden
And the couple weren’t afraid to get their hands dirty.
“As it was a new-build we had to layout and landscape the whole garden,” said Mike.
“We did this all ourselves from digging over the land, sowing grass seed and planting all of the plants, trees and bushes.
“When we extended the house and built the garage we took the opportunity to remodel the garden to add more interest.”
Fantastic location
With so many amazing features it’s hard for Mike and Lynne to pin down what they’ve enjoyed most about their home.
“There are so many things – the house is only five minutes from all the amenities and transport links of Inverurie yet is so peaceful and quiet,” said Mike.
“Step over the garden fence and you are immediately able to walk for miles through mature forests and beautiful countryside.
“There is also a great local community with a fantastic primary school and village hall with many classes and events on throughout the year.
“It has been a great place to bring up a family and we have all enjoyed summer days in the outdoors.”
To book a viewing
Stonefield Cottage Durno, Pitcaple, Inverurie, is on the market for offers over £475,000.
To arrange a viewing contact Peterkins on 01467 672800 or go to the website.