Imagine waking up to fresh croissants and coffee on the balcony while soaking up postcard-perfect panoramic views of the rolling countryside.
That is the idyllic life on offer at Rowanbank, a beautifully detached four-bedroom family home in Tullochvenus, not far from Banchory.
Bringing tears to her eyes when asked what she’ll miss most about the stunning property, it’s evident that Evelyn Coull and her husband Derek will sorely miss the wonderful place they’ve called home for the past 25 years as they prepare to downsize.
“The reasons we bought the house in the first place really sums up what we’ve loved most: the space internally, creating a home we love, the space around the house, creating a garden, the rural location and having such good access to both the city and beautiful Deeside and Donside,” said Evelyn.
“We love the area and don’t plan to move very far.”
Passion project
It was back in 1997 when the couple, who have been married for 44 years and are now retired, first set eyes on Rowanbank.
And despite the property requiring a major makeover, having been left unlived in for two years as the previous owners had moved abroad, it didn’t put them off.
“With the house and garden being unattended for the previous two years we had to set ourselves a lengthy improvement plan which included a full internal renovation as well as having the garden levelled, landscaped and terraced to make the most of the site,” said Evelyn.
“As I’m sure can be imagined our home has gone through several refreshes in the last 25 years.”
Beautiful balcony views
One of the main talking points of the house is the open-plan style staircase.
“Replacing and re-modelling the original staircase was one of the most satisfying internal improvements,” said Evelyn.
“In the last few years we’ve upgraded the balcony from the main bedroom, re-rendered the whole house, upgraded the double glazing, replaced soffits and guttering and built a deck accessed from the patio doors in the dining room.”
A passion project like no other, the couple have transformed their home from top to bottom starting in the charming hallway which is on open plan with the naturally bright dining room where the breathtaking views can be savoured.
Perfect for parties
They also added their magic touch to the spacious lounge where floor to ceiling windows bring the outside in and a living flame gas fire makes it the perfect place to snuggle up on the sofa.
Stylish and sleek, the fitted dining kitchen also comes complete with a built-in oven, hob, dishwasher and free-standing fridge/freezer.
Meanwhile, entertaining is taken care of in the informal dining and kitchen area while a useful utility room provides extra storage space.
“We have had many lovely family celebrations here over the years,” said Evelyn.
“Our parents’ 80th birthdays springs to mind as do many extended-family Christmases.
“The house has, at times, managed to sleep 10 and cater for 14 for several days at Christmas.
“I think we once managed to sleep 12 for one of the 80th birthdays, but that was a bit of a stretch!”
Sumptuous master bedroom
Also on the ground floor are two double bedrooms both with built-in wardrobes and a modern bathroom as well as a study and cloakroom.
Upstairs there is an exceptionally spacious master bedroom with en suite shower room, walk-through dressing room and balcony.
The remaining bedroom is also a good size with plenty of room for free-standing furniture.
With its rural yet central location, spacious accommodation and excellent garden, Evelyn, believes the home is ideal for the next generation of young homeowners.
“It’s a spacious four double bedroomed house which, without any effort, would suit a growing family,” said Evelyn.
“However the possibilities are endless.
“One of the large, upstairs bedrooms could even be developed into a more self-contained teenage or older offspring bedsit.
“And with two bedrooms downstairs it could also be ideal for anyone wishing to accommodate elderly parents, even creating a ‘granny apartment’ allowing them some privacy and self-sufficiency.”
Working from home
An added bonus is the fact that the house is ideal for those who are working from home.
“The house has a small room we use as office space but there is also sufficient land around the house to build a larger home office should working from home be an option,” said Evelyn.
“And there would still be more than enough space for a poly tunnel for any keen gardeners.
“While our location here at Tullochvenus has always given us easy access to the city, some beautiful countryside and the Cairngorms, the opening of the Aberdeen Western Peripheral Route has dramatically increased access to the employment areas both north and south.”
To book a viewing
Rowanbank, Tullochvenus, Lumphanan, Banchory, is on the market for offers in the region of £480,000.
To arrange a viewing contact Aberdein Considine on 01330 827280 or go to the website www.acandco.com