If you are familiar with Methlick, then you’ll be sure to recognise Primrose Cottage. The Scandinavian-style property was built by Andrew and Karen Vaitkus two years ago, and its striking timber exterior, finished in Siberian larch, makes it stand out from the crowd.
When the couple, who hail from Australia, bought the picturesque plot of land on which to build their home in April 2009, planning permission was already in place to build a house, but they decided they wanted to design something a bit different.
“We were living in Tarves when we bought the plot and as our son went to the Methlick school we were familiar with the area. We were attracted to the plot because of the views and the fact that it was nice and quiet, yet isn’t far from the village,” Andrew, 54, said.
“There were plans in place for an off-the-shelf design of house but we went to the architect with some alterations to make the house our own. I like timber as a building product and thought it would make a nice house.”
The building was completed in 2010 and the couple set to work to put their stamp on the interior of their new house.
Andrew said: “Even though it was a new-build house we ended up changing a couple of things as what we did in the first instance didn’t look right.
“A lot of the interiors were actually finished when we realised we didn’t like them and we decided to change them. I originally put down carpets throughout the house and we ripped them up and put down laminate as it matched the colours here better, and I tried putting various colours of stain on the doors but we weren’t happy with the end result so we went for painted panel doors.
“We don’t go for lots of bold colours as we like neutral colours. I think the end result looks nice and will appeal to lots of different people.”
Inside, the Scandanavian theme is continued throughout Primrose Cottage with wide spaces and open-plan living, and there are a number of important features including a multi-fuel stove which operates the central heating system – a wet system consisting of underfloor heating in the ground floor and radiators on the upper level, and the house also has solar panels linked to both the central heating and hot water systems making it extremely eco-friendly.
The large four-bedroom house – on sale for offers over £310,000 – has been the perfect size for Andrew and Karen, 51, and children Ryan, 17, Natalie, 20, and Lauren, 25, and spacious accommodation includes the welcoming hallway on open plan with the lounge/dining room, kitchen, utility room, double bedroom and shower room on the ground floor.
Upstairs there is a family area with a balcony, master bedroom with en-suite shower room, two further good-sized bedrooms and family bathroom.
The house sits within extensive grassed garden grounds, offering the next owners the chance to work from a blank canvas. There is also a driveway and detached double garage.
Andrew said: “When we got the plot it was wild and overgrown so we cleared it out and only took away a few of the trees that had to go for the actual build.
“It’s still quite a wooded area which makes it feel secluded.”
A lot of people might think that living in Methlick would result in a long drive to work, but Andrew said it’s certainly not the case.
“I work at an oil company in Dyce, and it’s an easy commute as I’m not bothered by city traffic.
“It doesn’t take long.”
After living in the house for two years, the couple have decided the time is right to move.
“Now that the house is done we’ve discovered it’s actually a bit big for us and there is space we don’t use.
“We built a house in Australia before we moved in 1989, and always said we would buy another plot. I’ve learned a few things that I’d do differently but building the house hasn’t put me off. I’d definitely do it again.
“We didn’t take the decision to put the house on the market lightly, and we will miss it here. We’ll not look back, we’ll look ahead to the future.”
Contact: Aberdein Considine & Co on 01358 721893.
