New build home with Victorian-style features offers best of both worlds

The idea of finding a period-style property but with all the benefits of
new-build may seem like an impossible task and yet Will and Vicky Neish did just that five years ago in Bridge of Don.

Now the four-bedroom terraced family home with garage at 44 Shielhill Avenue in the Dubford development by Scotia Homes is back on the market and in walk-in condition.

Will explained: “We have a passion for older, period properties. Coming from a flat that was more than 100 years old, we were used to high ceilings and big rooms with great period features.

“We always fancied a renovation project, however we were hopeful for a family and knew that a major renovation combined with children wasn’t practical for us.

Blank canvas

“That’s when we found Scotia at Dubford. The house was brand new, a blank canvas for us to put our own stamp on, but had the style and features of a Victorian-style house and we reserved the property about 30 minutes after viewing of the show home!

“Buying new, we had the option of a few different house styles but this one ticked so many boxes.

Dressing room

“The fourth bedroom on the ground floor meant versatility for a second living area, dining room or bedroom if required, the kitchen was a great size for entertaining, the upper hallway screamed ‘dressing room’ for Vicky, and we don’t think we have ever seen so many cupboards and storage options in a house. For us, it was perfect.”

Vicky said: “The feature that sold the house to us was the 2.7 metre ceilings. They instantly give a sense of space and light, in keeping with the style of the property and a massive bonus to have them both downstairs and upstairs, as typically in new builds, high ceilings only feature downstairs.

“We are also very fortunate to have a west-facing garden which we have only just recently finished renovating.

“Will built the pergola and decking area at the back beside the garage as this is where the sun hits first thing in the morning and it is so lovely to sit and have breakfast there.

“By lunch time the whole garden is in the sun and we get it until the evening. The orientation of the houses around us means that, other than our direct next door neighbours, we have no-one overlooking us and there is rarely a breeze, it’s a little hot spot.

“We would also say that our heating costs are low, which at the moment is a massive selling feature.

“We have installed Nest which makes it easy to control but we rarely have to out the heating on, the house is so well insulated.”

Asked what they have done in the way of renovating or decorating, Vicky said: “You might be better asking ‘what haven’t you done?’.

“Within eight hours of getting the keys, Will was knocking down walls and rebuilding them.

“The open landing area in the upstairs hall felt like the ideal dressing room space. Being next to the master bedroom, it was an easy job to knock through and build a stud wall to separate it from the rest of the hallway.”

Will said: “A local joiner created the bespoke dressing room of dreams and it is definitely the room Vicky loves and will miss the most.

“For the rest of the house, you will see we are big fans of panelling which features in a lot of the rooms.

“We have also added coving, ceiling cornices and picture rails to add to the Victorian period character.

“Although we have only been in the house five years, some rooms have been decorated twice within that time.”

And what have they enjoyed most about the location?

“Aside from our beautiful house, the walks and amenities on our doorstep are something we will really miss if we don’t get something similar in our next home,” said Will.

“There are three children’s parks in walking distance too and we also have great neighbours. There is a great sense of community in the area.”

The couple, who have two children, Thomas and Madeleine, are moving to be closer to friends and family, and added: “We really wish it was physically possible to pick up your house and move it, because we would!”

Offers over £295,950 with Aberdein Considine and aspc.

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