Cheryl Livingstone speaks to Kay and Michael Sutcliffe about what it’s like to live in the hidden gem of Aberdeen
The sun was shining and the house – and the location – looked fantastic. Even if the weather hadn’t been on my side, I still think this place would look amazing.
It is, as owners Kay and Michael Sutcliffe described it, a hidden gem in the city of Aberdeen, and I would agree.
The location I am talking about is Don Street in Old Aberdeen, and the house is Brig House, a stunning 18th-century home set beside the historic Brig o’ Balgownie.
It is a quaint and peaceful street with cobbled pavements, old-style street lamps and lots of architecturally interesting and beautiful buildings. Brig House grabs your attention the most, though.
It certainly grabbed Michael’s attention when he came across it 12 years ago. The 52-year-old, who works in the oil and gas industry as a business development manager, had just moved to Aberdeen and was looking for a new home.
Brig House came on the market and after viewing it, he decided to take it on. Looking at the house now, it’s easy to see why someone would fall head over heels for it. But as Michael told me, it didn’t look like that when he first saw it.
“It was basically derelict”, he explained.
“You couldn’t even really walk on the floorboards. I wasn’t particularly looking for a project. I just really liked the house and I could see the potential. I could see that it really needed renovated.”
Working with an architect and contractors, Michael spent two years transforming the house into the stunning abode it is now. Everything needed done – even the layout was changed.
“If someone who had seen it before came in now, I don’t think they would recognise it,” Michael said.
“I wanted a house that was contemporary and modern inside but still retained the history and the character on the outside.”
And it seems his vision has panned out: he has created the perfect blend of traditional and modern. The contemporary style inside complements the historic structure housing it. And while breathing new life into a home that was in dire need of some TLC, Michael also ensured it made the most of the stunning surroundings.
From every window you are given a different view of the River Don and its woodland surroundings. Standing in the kitchen looking out, it’s hard to believe that you are in the Granite City. Here was more like a location out of a fairy tale.
The house spans three floors – something you won’t believe if you see it from the front – and offers lots of lovely spacious, bright and welcoming rooms as well as lots of storage opportunities. There are four bedrooms, a kitchen, lounge, conservatory, shower room, bathroom and en suite.
Five years ago, Brig House also became home to wife Kay and later, son James, now three, and more recently, son Andrew, now three months old. As more people have been added, the house has changed with them – offices becoming children’s bedrooms and so on, highlighting the flexibility of this property.
For the 44-year-old, who runs her own marketing and communications company, Marbles, Kay has been able to see this restoration project from the outside and she was impressed.
“I always admire people who can see a vision for a property, I can’t do that,” she said.
“I would be one of those people who would look around and probably be put off but I admire those that can see what it could be and what they want to create.
“It’s great that Michael was able to take it on and make the most of the house. When you see the scale of the renovation, it is amazing. The house matches its beautiful setting now.”
For the mother-of-two there are a few rooms that are standouts. And top of the list is the kitchen and conservatory; two rooms which are flooded with natural light and are great to spend time in.
She also has another space that is all hers: an office in the top floor of the building.
“I can sit and look at the views down the river. It’s very inspirational,” she said.
“I love the lounge,” Michael added. “It’s got a wood-burning stove and it’s lovely in the winter, very cosy.”
It has been a fantastic family home for the Sutcliffes, but now as the house is at its best – both inside and out as it was repointed in recent times – they have decided to put it on the market for offers over £500,000.
Kay said: “This was Mike’s project and it was a fantastic project and it’s been a great family home. But now we want to create a home together. We are just looking at the moment for a house, not sure
where we will go next.
We want our own project but maybe not as big as this one.
“We will miss living here though, and having all this nature and amazing views on our doorstep.”
Contact: Ledingham Chalmers on 01224 632500.
THE LOCATION
The 14th-century Brig o’ Balgownie is a popular landmark in a quaint residential area that is hidden away from the hustle and bustle of the nearby city centre but is served by bus links to it.
Seaton Park, its hidden walled garden and numerous riverside walks are all within minutes of Brig House and all offer exceptional views and the promise of a variety of birds and wildlife, including heron, seals and deer. It offers all the benefits of country living in a conservation area within the heart of Aberdeen city.