There is always a special amount of nostalgia reserved for our childhood home, be it a fond memory of the wonky garden gate or faded posters on the bedroom wall.
It has been decades since Kimble Howard raced through the gardens of Mill of Dyce farmhouse but he can remember it vividly, probably because he tends those very same gardens today.
The 64-year-old semi-retired oil and gas worker grew up in the farmhouse and has seen it undergo major changes over the years.
When the opportunity arose to buy it five years ago Kimble just couldn’t resist, as it had been 30 years since the family owned the property.
Occupying a picturesque position on the banks of the River Don, it can be found down a winding track and it’s hard to believe that the buzz of Aberdeen city centre is only a short drive away.
The farmhouse is clearly Kimble’s kingdom and he’s sad to leave with his wife Tanya, who is a businesswoman.
“I grew up here and we had the most brilliant time as kids exploring by the river, it’s been quite strange but it was nonetheless lovely to move back in again,” he said.
“I’ve got so many memories here, it’s undergone some changes but I think our aim was quite simple – we wanted to maintain the character.”
The farmhouse certainly has character in abundance and the original steading has been sympathetically converted.
The large dining kitchen was once a barn but is now the perfect spot for entertaining.
It is a mixture of rural kitchen with modern appliances, and includes an Aga range cooker, concealed dishwasher, and American style fridge freezer.
There is also a central island and further large dining area. Cherry wood flooring completes the look.
“I think this is our favourite room, cooking in here is a dream,” said Kimble.
“I can’t say I am an amazing cook but I always help out for Christmas dinner, it’s mandatory.
“We’ve had some brilliant dinner parties in here, there’s just so much space and I think it’s a nice mixture of old and new.”
There is a further dining room, formal lounge, and family living room, meaning you can take your pick when it comes to relaxing after dinner.
Kimble’s favourite spot is the formal lounge where there is a stove set on a stone plinth.
Period features such as a picture rail have been retained and there are beautiful views towards the river.
“I love sitting in here because it’s the perfect otter watching spot,” said Kimble.
“They play on the banks of the river, I have a great vantage point and sit here watching with my telescope.”
The family living room is equally lovely with a south-facing bay window and brick feature fireplace.
The dining room has a feature alcove and the cherry wood flooring is extended from the kitchen.
Completing the downstairs accommodation is a utility room, boot room, shower room, and store room where Kimble brews his own rather potent wine.
There are staircases at either side of the U-shaped house leading to the upper floor.
The en-suite master bedroom has river views and a step down dressing room area.
“It’s rather lovely to have a dressing area and the bathroom is pretty luxurious as well,” said Kimble.
There is a modern four-piece suite with full sized bath and corner shower unit.
A door enables the use of the en-suite as a Jack and Jill bathroom for the guest bedroom.
The remaining four bedrooms are all of good size with charming eaves storage.
The family bathroom also has a four-piece suite.
“We’re spoilt for choice when it comes to bedrooms and bathrooms – it’s marvellous when guests come to stay,” said Kimble.
“It’s a double edged sword though, we simply don’t need all this space with just the two of us here.”
Outside there are extensive well-maintained gardens, and Kimble’s huge workshop has enabled him to carry on barbecuing in winter.
“Sitting on the banks of the river with friends during summer is just beautiful but we don’t let the cold weather put us off either,” said Kimble.
“We just open up the workshop come garage, which is rather big, and carry on. It has been a novelty for a lot of our guests over the years.
“We also have the perfect location for fishing with an angling group on our doorstep.
“We know we need to downsize so it’s goodbye for good this time.”
The farmhouse is only a short drive from Dyce where there are plenty of local amenities.
Offers should be made over £495,000.
Contact A.C. Morrison & Richards LLP on 01224 573321.
