From dark and dismal to bright and friendly, this beautiful steading near Alford has been dramatically transformed into the perfect family home. Cheryl Livingstone finds out more
Some things are just meant to be. That’s what I thought when I heard the story of how Gordon and Alison Muirhead came to buy Lynturk Manse and steading six years ago.
Alison explained that both her grandfathers were ministers – one living at Drumoak Manse and the other at Lynturk Manse.
After her parents got married they spent some time living at Drumoak Manse. So when the manse came on the market, Alison and Gordon decided to try and buy it.
Unfortunately their bid was unsuccessful and it was back to the drawing board. But luckily fate was on their side.
“When we found out we didn’t get it, Gordon went online and found another manse for sale,” Alison, mum to Hayley and Aaron, said.
“It was the manse that my mum had lived in for a while. It was so bizarre that they were both up for sale at the same time. My grandfather was the last full-time minister at Lynturk Church so we went to see the manse and my mum was telling stories about her time there. We just decided we had to have it.”
Along with the manse, the couple also inherited a derelict steading. Built in 1865, it was previously used by folk visiting the church as a place to keep their horses.
Gordon explained that the building did have planning permission to be converted into a studio but they had no plans to do anything with it at the time. Then they had a change of heart.
He said: “It got to the point where we were close to losing the planning consent and we thought if we don’t do something with it now, we will have to go through the whole process again if we change our minds later.
“We didn’t really need a studio so we decided to make it into a house.”
The building itself was structurally sound but inside it was completely derelict. Alison said she never liked visiting it, describing it as a dark and dismal place.
You would never know it now. The beautiful steading has been transformed into a bright and airy home thanks to the hard work of Alison and Gordon and a whole bunch of contractors.
Large windows throughout flood the steading, which is deceptively large, with natural light. Original features such as beams and slate tiles have been retained while traditional doors ensure it has not lost its rural charm.
The couple worked with architect Alexander Reith to create the design, which includes a large kitchen, sure to keep any budding chef happy with its ample work surfaces and integrated appliances, dining area, and a spacious lounge where folding doors create a lovely focal point.
It is a lovely room which would be great to be in all year round. In the hot summer you can imagine opening up the doors and enjoying the gorgeous weather while in the winter you could lie on the sofa with a good book and watch the winter wonderland appear outside.
The steading also boasts two generous sized bedrooms and a family bathroom, with both shower and bath.
Outside the garden is mainly laid to lawn while a gravel driveway offers parking for several vehicles. A paved path, with lighting, leads around the steading to a paved patio which is also accessed from the lounge. Sheltered and private, the garden is enclosed by fencing with a stream forming the boundary to the west.
It’s clear that a lot of effort has been put into making sure this steading reached its full potential. And now that is has been completely transformed, it is could be yours for offers over £289,000.
“The house is totally different now,” Alison added.
“It’s so bright and airy, it has a lovely friendly atmosphere. I think it’s really quirky and unique, it’s amazing what we have been able to achieve with it.
“I really wanted to keep the oldey worldy feel about it and keep it as original as possible.”
The work took around two-and-half years to complete and while they admit they have had enough property developing, they are glad they did it.
“It we hadn’t, it would have just crumbled away and the building would have been lost,” Alison added.
Looking over the old Kirk of Lynturk, the property is within walking distance of the Muggarthaugh Hotel, a popular country restaurant and pub.
It is situated close to the thriving village of Alford which provides a range of services including a health centre, library, supermarket and a wide array of shops and restaurants. An 18-hole golf course, swimming pool, dry ski slope and Grampian Transport Museum are just some of the local attractions while a new community campus is currently under construction to provide primary and secondary education along with a community centre, sports facilities and swimming pool. It is due to be completed in October 2015.
Aberdeen City, its airport and industrial developments at Westhill and Kingswells are all well within commuting distance.
Contact: Mackinnons on 013398 87665.
