Looks can be deceiving as this quirky Tardis-like Inverurie property proves.
Taking on the appearance of an attractive bothy on the outside, stepping over the threshold is a jaw-dropping revelation.
Inside, the five-bedroom house covers the ground floor and an amazing lower ground floor with niche features including an art room, a music studio, a huge laundry room and a teenage den.
But it was the home’s bustling yet quiet location that first caught Courtney O’Grady and her husband John’s eye.
Music studio
“We were first attracted to the location – it is right in the heart of Inverurie, within a two minutes’ walk of almost everything (train station, M&S, Tesco, pubs, restaurants, school) but on a private plot in a very quiet residential street,” says Courtney.
Built 40 years ago, the property’s pull is evident as before the O’Grady family there has only been one other previous owner.
“We bought the house directly from the gentleman who built the house and raised his entire family here,” says Courtney.
Art room
‘We’ll miss being so close to everything’
John, who works offshore, and Courtney, who formerly owned the Dreamy Goat Coffee Company in Inverurie, have reluctantly put the wonderful property they share with their daughter Kayleigh on the market as they prepare to move to Glasgow to be nearer their two sons Spencer and JP.
After two-and-a-half happy years, moving will be a big wrench for the family as they don’t think they’ll find another house like 4 Albert Road.
“What I’ll probably miss most are the hobby rooms – I doubt we will ever find a house that can accommodate a music studio and an art studio all under one roof.
“We will also miss being so close to everything.”
Precious memories
It’s no wonder that the family will be emotional to bid farewell to their home as every inch of the ground floor is superb.
Undoubtedly the hub of the home, the open plan kitchen and living area is made to accommodate busy family life with the added bonus of a woodburning stove – ideal for those icy winter nights.
And although lockdown was a tough for everyone, Courtney says the size and space of the home really helped.
“During lockdown, the whole family was living here, including my three adult children,” says Courtney.
“The house was incredible because it has so many different rooms, everyone was able to designate a space and have a bit of privacy and freedom to get on with their own activities, yet come together for meals and evening movie-watching sessions.
“Both of my boys are musicians and my daughter is an artist, and this house provided the space for all of their creative endeavours to take place under one roof.”
Five bedrooms
Two years ago, the couple redecorated the property in an industrial style.
“We redecorated throughout, put in a new kitchen, replaced bathrooms, put new flooring throughout, new doors, new boiler and finished off some spaces that were previously just used for storage,” says Courtney.
On the ground floor alone there are four spacious double bedrooms, three of which have built-in storage while the master bedroom has a modern ensuite shower room.
Modern bathroom
An additional shower room completes the accommodation on this floor.
Downstairs, on the lower floor, there is a large bedroom with fitted sink and bar area which could also be used as play room, guest room or granny flat.
Off this room is a modern bathroom with separate shower and bath.
There is also a large utility room which leads through to a home business area, currently used as a music production studio with separate vocal booth, a home office and an art studio.
Asked what she thinks will most appeal to buyers, Courtney says: “The space for the money as it offers a fantastic amount of internal space in a great location.
“It has the flexibility to suit a family looking for extra room, or someone who runs a business from home, or just someone who needs room for all their hobbies.
“The ability to walk to the shops, the train station, or the schools within a few minutes is also very appealing.”
Outside, the handsome home has a pleasant low maintenance garden area as well as a large driveway which can accommodate multiple cars.
To book a viewing
4 Albert Street, Inverurie, is on the market for offers over £390,000.
To arrange a viewing contact Kellas on 01467 627300 and for more information go to the website www.aspc.co.uk
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