A real hidden gem
When Rod and Denise West went to view their beautiful family home for the first time they had doubts about its size. Thankfully, they didn’t let first impressions put them off, writes Donna Ross
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FOR some people, the decision to live in either the city or the country can be the first stumbling block in their house-hunting quest.
But the Wests’ family home in the centre of Aberdeen offers the best of both worlds – a large townhouse with a country feel.
When Rod and Denise went to view the charming home at 42 Mount Street eight years ago, they sat in the car outside wondering whether or not they should view it as they thought it looked too small from the outside.
“What a big mistake that would have been,” Rod said.
“You need to walk through the gate to experience what it’s really like – it’s something special. Not only is the house really spacious, but there is open green space and open views as well.”
The large family home and its neighbouring property were used by the procurator fiscal and court officials in Aberdeen at one time.
“We believe that the house is pre-1880 and, although we have given the house a contemporary feel, it still retains a number of traditional features.”
Eye-catching details include traditional pine doors, thick walls, high ceilings with plaster cornices and exposed granite walls, as well as a number of charming and quaint features throughout.
Over the years, the couple have renovated the kitchen and bathroom, built a garden room, fitted a downstairs cloakroom, carried out a loft conversion, fitted double-glazing throughout and converted the outside sheds into a large bothy, which is used as the children’s playroom.
“Our children, Stein, 5, and Jess, 2, have been brought up here, too, so we have great memories.”
The end result is impressive, with spacious accommodation spanning three floors.
The inviting reception hall leads to the accommodation inside. There’s a cloakroom; a comfortable lounge with feature granite wall and inset open fireplace, and a dining kitchen, which is comprehensively equipped and leads to the stylish garden room. This room, with underfloor heating and french doors to the rear garden, is suitable for entertaining and creates a continuous living space from indoors to out.
“We spend a lot of time in the garden room at the weekend, reading the papers and enjoy watching the wildlife from there. There are squirrels, songbirds, rabbits, hedgehogs and a pair of magpies. It’s also Peter the cat’s favourite room,” laughed Rod.
“The kitchen is a chef’s dream with its real hardwood flooring, professional Delonghi six-gas hob and American-style fridge-freezer.”
On the first floor, you’ll find the master bedroom with extensive built-in wardrobes; two double bedrooms with lovely views to the back of the house, and a quality fitted modern bathroom.
From the first-floor landing, a doorway gives access to a concealed staircase which takes you to the fourth bedroom, which has been thoughtfully converted and could also be used as an office, playroom or den.
Outside, the extensive garden grounds are a pleasant surprise, and with the wealth of wildlife on your doorstep, you really do feel as if you have walked straight into the countryside. The grounds have been thoughtfully planned and planted, and the tranquil back garden has been divided into two areas, with a large flagstone patio area which leads to a grass area bordered by deep, well stocked shrubbery borders. A flagstone pathway gives access to a pretty seating area.
The low-maintenance garden has a variety of interesting and attractive shrubs and flowering plants, and a pear and apple tree.
“The garden is almost as long as a football pitch,” Rod laughed.
“As soon as we shut the large gate at the front we are effectively in the country.”
The easy-to-maintain, enclosed grounds are perfect for Stein and Jess, who love playing on their trampoline and in the renovated bothy.
“I was worried that the trampoline would be too big for the garden when I bought it, but it actually looks small out there. The children have had lots of trampoline parties over the years,” Rod explained.
“The bothy is a fantastic space for keeping toys and for the children to play in. It makes it easy for us to keep the house tidy. We have a monitor in the garden room so we can hear them as well as see them from the house.”
There is also a large store suitable for outdoor equipment.
Rod and Denise, who are originally from Angus, love the Rosemount community and had lived in the area for two years before buying 42 Mount Street.
“Rosemount is a thriving community with a real village feel thanks to its selection of small specialist shops. We try to buy our shopping from them as much as we can.”
There is also a doctor’s surgery and schools in the area, including Aberdeen Grammar.
“Denise can be seen regularly in Rosemount biking to school with the kids in a Hurley trailer – at times, Stein goes behind my bike on a tag-a-long.”
It seems a shame to leave such a lovely home, but Rod and Denise have decided to try their hand at renovating another property in the area.
“We have to accept that we are sacrificing such a large enclosed garden. I don’t think there’s another one like it in Aberdeen, or at least in Rosemount.
“Maybe we can make another unique home in Aberdeen.”
42 Mount Street is on the market for offers over £359,000. For further information, call selling agent Raeburn Christie Clark & Wallace on 01224 564636.
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