WE ALWAYS consult Andrew when we’re buying things for the house,” Sandra McAvoy laughs.
“After all, it is his baby.”
Andrew, who is the practice principal of Glasgow-based Blast Architects, designed and had Barn o Braco built for his parents seven years ago using local materials and craftsmen.
All he required Sandra and James to do was find a suitable plot for him to start designing their dream home.
In 2001, after a year searching the north-east countryside to find the perfect spot, they came across the idyllic piece of land tucked away in lush green countryside in Chapel of Garioch.
Sandra and James immediately fell in love with the site, which was occupied by a farmhouse, a derelict mill, a bothy and a late-19th-century stable building – which was home to two Clydesdale horses and their stable hand at one time – and was where their new home would be formed.
Andrew started work on the house during a six-month stay on the Hebridean island of Tarnasay, where he oversaw the construction of the turf-roofed pods he designed for the reality TV series, Castaway.
The curved structure of the timber-framed pods provided the starting point for the carpenter oak-framed extension to the house.
The end result is an eye-catching mixture of traditional and modern features fused together to create a stunning home.
The clever use of glazed walls merge the indoors and outdoors, and its high vaulted ceilings are the first of many features to capture your attention.
“The glass really helps to heat the house,” Sandra said.
“On a hot summer day, you have to open windows as it gets so hot.”
A utility room and WC lead to the open-plan living room/dining-room – a stunning area complete with a log-burning fire and stack ventilation stretching to the ceiling.
“We got a call from Andrew one day to say he had found the fire for us when he was in Edinburgh,” Sandra recalled.
“We took his word for it. It’s perfect for the cold winters we experience in the north-east.”
A wall in the dining area has decorative glass-block alcoves – an eye-catching touch that plays home to Sandra’s collection of angels.
Andrew’s friend, Kim McCormack, designed the bespoke textiles in the room, including screen-printed Irish linen panels.
Sandra describes the kitchen/breakfast room as a “good working kitchen”, with its range of blue lacquered and stainless-steel units, Rayburn cooker and central island with Douglas fir worktop.
“I had always fancied a blue kitchen, and I was pleased when I saw the end result here. It’s certainly different.”
The downstairs bathroom has a giant curved shower enclosure, which was designed with the proportions of the tall family in mind.
“The first time I saw it, I have to admit, I wasn’t sure if I liked it as it’s so open,” Sandra said. “But I think it is lovely.”
If James goes missing, you’re sure to find him in the adjoining timber sauna.
“He’s going to miss it terribly when we move – he goes in there for an hour and comes out a new man,” Sandra laughed.
Accommodation on the ground floor is completed by two double bedrooms, one with doors leading to a courtyard area.
“This room is where Andrew stays when he visits – as this is his baby he does come to stay a lot.
“The courtyard area is relatively new, and the idea behind it is as a place for me to have a vegetable plot – I don’t know what I’m growing half the time, but the farmer’s wife keeps me right.”
The rustic slate flooring on the ground floor is complemented by its underfloor heating, making it a pleasure to walk on on a cold day.
Stairs lead to the cosy study/day room; master bedroom; double bedroom, and bathroom.
“We spend a lot of time in the upstairs living room. In the winter, the heat from the fire rises upstairs and it’s really snug. The views from up there are fantastic.”
A quirky feature in the master bedroom are the towel heaters that replace radiators.
“That’s another of Andrew’s ideas. He thinks that radiators are ugly, so we installed the towel heaters – they do look a lot better. His way of thinking was also that you could hang your clothes over them on a cold night and have warm clothes waiting for you in the morning.”
The upstairs bathroom is a relaxing area complete with a deep, freestanding bath with claw feet.
“I find when we stay in a hotel that the baths aren’t as nice as this one,” Sandra laughed.
After seeing the house for yourself, it’s no surprise to learn it collected the Aberdeenshire Award for New Housing in 2002, along with a highly commended mention in the sustainability category.
Outside is equally impressive. Patio doors from the living area lead to a large decked area with spectacular views out to Bennachie. Who could ask for more?
“It’s a great place to sit with friends and family. It’s really tranquil.”
The garage with studio is constructed in Douglas fir and looks like a small house – following the same design as the main property.
“The selling feature of the garage is the room upstairs – it’s huge. You can walk comfortably in it, and could use it for either a studio or games room.”
With grandchildren on the way, Sandra and James have decided to make the move south to be closer to their family.
“We will really, really miss it here.”
Selling agent Knight Frank is asking for offers over £550,000 for the property. For further information, call 0131 2229600.