Cheryl Livingstone explores a unique home in a unique location.
Having lived in a stunning place such as Brazil, some people might find it hard to imagine why the Crawleys would ever have wanted to move to Scotland.
Being close to their family was one of the reasons John and Avril decided to make the move 10 years ago with kids Jessie, now 20, and Calum, 18. It’s certainly a different climate, but 50-year-old Avril admits she loves Scottish winters.
It’s not surprising given the location she gets to enjoy them from. Her home at 1 Smiddy Lane in Ellon sits alongside the River Ythan which is a spectacular view whatever the season is outside.
“Location has always been really important to me when we’ve been choosing our homes,” she said. “I loved this house because it was so quirky and because it was in a great location.
“The river is just stunning, the riverside walks are great, and the park is absolutely beautiful at any time of the year. The views are forever changing.”
The traditional detached home is more than 100 years old and was once, as the name suggests, a Smiddy, and Avril said she still has people come up to her saying they remember when there were horses there.
It was later converted into a home by the previous owners but has managed to retain its charm and character. It is a unique looking home from the outside in and definitely stands out from the crowd. As fans of period homes, it’s no surprise that the couple fell in love with the place.
It’s also no surprise that they ended up adding an extension to the four-bedroom house, having put their stamp on each home that they have owned.
The house was previously a three-bedroom and had a large shed-type space attached to the left side of the front door. It took three months and help from some labourers to transform the space into a large and gorgeous bedroom with a stunning en suite as well as a particularly special room requested by Avril.
She said: “I really wanted my own gym. This is technically the garage and could be used as that if someone wanted to.”
The space itself would make a fantastic granny annex for those looking for accommodation for older relatives but equally could be used for extra accommodation for visitors. It can be difficult to find a home that has a granny flat opportunity that isn’t in a very remote location. This great advantage is another reason which makes Number 1 Smiddy Lane an extra special find. And to make the space even more useable, Avril and John have converted the area above the bedroom and garage into a super large storage area, a plus for any family.
The annex is just one of many delightful rooms in this unique home. On the ground floor, you will find the three further really great-sized double bedrooms, two of which have built-in wardrobes and a family bathroom which has a lovely contemporary decor, a double-ended bath and separate large shower cubicle.
A staircase leads you to the spacious lounge where you will get great views of the river and the rest of Ellon. It is a huge space but one that Avril and John have managed to make feel very cosy and welcoming. The great atmosphere is enhanced by the large windows drawing in ample natural light and a modern gas fire spreading warmth around the room.
Another feature that is a particular favourite of mine – and of the owners as well – is an external spiral staircase leading from the lounge down to a private, enclosed rear garden which has been landscaped. It is a gorgeous courtyard which has been the perfect setting for barbecues and alfresco dining for the family. The spiral staircase gives the house a contemporary feel while it is also a great viewing point to look out over the stunning countryside. And it’s not just the humans of the house that enjoy the staircase.
“Our collie dog Indie loves to sit on the staircase and watch people going up and down the lane,” Avril said.
“It’s great as well for giving her a place to dry off after she’s gone for a swim in the river.”
The stunning kitchen is also a favourite of the Crawleys, who have decorated the room with a fantastic life-like exposed granite wallpaper which is a great example of how well contemporary and traditional touches have been blended in this home.
The house is nestled in a lane in the centre of the town and to be honest, if I hadn’t been looking for it, I would never have known it was there. One minute I was in the middle of a town and the next I felt like I was in the countryside with the river providing the perfect rural backdrop. It really is the best of both worlds and would definitely suit those looking for a rural property with lots of amenities still on your doorstep.
Now with the children both leaving the nest, John and Avril have decided to find their next project. The house is currently on the market for offers over £399,000.
She added: “I think I will miss the novelty of everything being done but it’s exciting to be moving on to something else.”
Contact: Aberdein Considine on 01358 721893.