It has been a decade since Douglas Reid arrived at No 3 St Margaret’s Court, near the King’s Gate area of Aberdeen, after having lived in exotic locations around the world.
The oil and gas worker was the first resident on site, after falling for the glittering showhome in the midst of new-build properties.
Swapping Tobago for the outskirts of the Granite City might seem challenging, but Douglas was in search of a forever home for his young children – Kieran and Yasmin.
The pair, who are now 22 and 18, have gone on to forge lives of their own, meaning the five-bedroom property is feeling a little empty.
Douglas has exciting plans of his own however, having decided to buy a home with his partner.
That does not mean to say he won’t miss No 3 however, which is still every inch the showhome.
The passing of time has not dulled the style on offer, and the property is in immaculate condition.
From tasteful decoration to versatile entertaining options, Douglas is hopeful that a new family will be eager to cross the threshold.
“When I found out we would be living in Aberdeen, I assumed we would end up in a granite house in the west end,” said Douglas.
“It’s amazing, the number of friends who have since told me over the years what a lucky escape I’ve had – because those types of houses are more difficult to heat and maintain in general.
“There were four houses on the site here, and the original occupiers are still here 10 years later.
“I think that says a lot about the community here, that people haven’t felt a need to move on.
“I couldn’t quite believe my luck in finding this place; a quiet cul-de-sac only two miles from the city centre.
“As this was the showhome, everything was in place.
“Even the curtains were up, we just walked in.
“We had lived internationally for 15 years, including three years in Egypt.
“But it grew tough on the kids as they grew older, and I wanted them to be settled in secondary school instead of moving again.
“My first impression of this place is that it was very modern, with huge rooms as well.
“I’m not the most enthusiastic at DIY, and the fact that nothing needed to be done also appealed to me.”
Douglas has made sure that No 3 remains up to date however, and the welcoming hallway gives way to a trendy lounge.
This is the perfect place for relaxing, complete with a stylish feature wall and plush carpet.
Long, tall windows overlook the front of the property and complete the elegant look.
“I love how much storage space there is, thanks to deep closets all over the house,” said Douglas. “This isn’t your standard new build where there might be just one cupboard for the hoover.
“The only downside to that is I keep accumulating more stuff.”
Family and friends tend to gather in the gorgeous dining kitchen/family room, where Douglas has taken great pride in learning how to cook.
“I used to cook out of necessity, but I’ve grown to quite like it now,” he said.
“I went goodness knows how many years without an in-built coffee machine – now I wouldn’t be without one.
“People always gravitate towards the kitchen, it’s the heart of the home.
“I like the fact that I can cook and still be part of the conversation.
“As the room is south facing, it’s fantastically light with the sun moving round throughout the day.”
There is ample space for a table and chairs, although there is also a separate dining room.
The kitchen is fitted with woodgrain units by Laings of Inverurie, alongside integrated appliances.
French doors provide access to the garden.
All five bedrooms can be found upstairs and are of an excellent size.
The master bedroom features a walk-in wardrobe, although a dressing room would perhaps be a more fitting description given the size.
There is also an en suite.
One bedroom is currently in use as a study, demonstrating the versatility on offer – while the family bathroom offers both a shower and double-ended bath.
Outside there is a lovely fully enclosed rear garden, complete with a large patio for alfresco dining.
“I always liked the fact that the garden isn’t huge, which means it has been easy to maintain,” said Douglas. “I can remember playing football out there with Kieran, it has been the perfect size for us.
“We’ve really loved living here after so much travelling, and No 3 has been ideal.
“But the kids are off doing their own thing, and now feels like the right time to move on.”
Offers should be made of more than £598,000.
Contact the owner on 07703 361140, or Raeburn Christie Clark & Wallace on 01224 564636.
