Almost a century after Duncan McMillan and his son J Ross McMillan designed a section of Fonthill Terrace in Aberdeen, a letter dropped through the letterbox of Number 4 acknowledging the significance of their work.
The communication from Aberdeen City Council in the autumn of 1999 gave notice that “the building known as 2 to 14 (even numbers) Fonthill Terrace” had been included in the List of Buildings of Special Architectural or Historic Interest under the Listed Buildings and Conservation Areas Act 1997.
Enclosed were papers from Historic Scotland that revealed more about the McMillans and the houses they designed at Fonthill Terrace in 1901.
Combined skills
The report said: “Duncan McMillan (1840-1928) and his son J Ross McMillan (1867-1959) were father and son respectively, J Ross McMillan taking over his father’s practice when he died.
“Duncan McMillan is perhaps best known for his work on Archibald Simpson’s Marine Terrace while his son’s finest design was his own house at 2 Devanha Gardens.
“There is no doubt that the combined skills of father and son were highly successful at 2 to 14 Fonthill Terrace.”
The report went on: “The varied but balanced facade hangs together extremely well, complemented by the extremely fine doors and doorways, all of which survive and the fine detailing.
“Even the rear elevation with its canted oriels shows clever design, maximising light in the darker north-facing rooms.
“The basements were designed to contain the coal store, laundry and wash house.”
Townhouse
The Category B listed mid-terraced townhouse in Ferryhill has now been put on the market by current owners Andrew and Jackie Stannard.
Andrew said they have lived there for just over eight years and that it was the character of the property as well as its location that first attracted them to it.
“It mixes traditional granite with modern features,” said Andrew.
“It’s a lovely versatile home with a well-balanced layout and regular, functional living space.
“A great space for entertaining and barbecues in the summer and the purpose-fitted home office was a major benefit during the Covid pandemic.
“The home had been updated by the previous owners to create the basement lounge by combining the separate basement rooms which we now use as a sports/entertainment room.
“We have kept on top of general painting and decorating, installed fitted wardrobes into the two large first-floor bedrooms and had the back of the house completely repointed along with having the roof overhauled for wear.”
Andrew said that they enjoyed being “within walking distance to Union Square, Union Street, several local bars and Duthie Park”.
“The location is both safe and peaceful and the community and residents in the terrace are friendly and welcoming.
“The property is versatile for either families or a couple who like to entertain and accommodate grown-up children; we have five plus two grandchildren scattered around the UK.”
So why the move?
“We have been considering a move and retirement to the Algarve for a number of years, and with me recently being made redundant after 38 years in the oil industry, we decided to grab the opportunity to make it happen,” said Andrew.
“We will miss Aberdeen, but not the weather!”
The four-bedroom townhouse spans four floors and offers spacious accommodation in a convenient central location.
Accommodation comprises entrance vestibule with stained glass door and original floor, entrance hall with storage space stairs leading to upper floor and a front-facing lounge with feature fireplace.
The dining room has a vaulted ceiling and feature fireplace and overlooks the rear garden, while the kitchen has a good range of base and wall units, a walk-in pantry and stairs that lead to the lower floor.
The master bedroom is on the top floor and has a walk-in cupboard and fireplace.
Also on the top floor there is a shower room with vanity sink unit and Velux window.
On the first floor there are three further double rooms, two of which have built-in wardrobes, and on the mezzanine level there is a modern shower room with underfloor heating and vanity unit.
Basement
The basement level of the property is currently being utilised as a games room but could easily provide further living space and it features patio doors to the rear garden.
Also on this floor there is a home office, a utility room and a bathroom.
Price over £495,000 with Aberdein Considine on the aspc website.
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