For Alan and Alison Stewart, creating a dream family home in the Buchan countryside has been a labour of love.
The couple, along with their daughter Helen, have lived at Millbrex, near Fyvie, since 2001.
To those in denial about the march of time, that’s almost a quarter of a century.
But the large-scale conversion of agricultural buildings to create a family home took place more recently.
Alison said: “The conversion from an agricultural building to a family home was completed in 2018 after about three years of blood, sweat and tears.”
The result is ‘The Steadin’ – a remarkable six-bedroom detached home with a self-contained annexe.
But how did such a large-scale renovation come about? And why is it now on the market?
The Steadin at Millbrex: A dream family home
Alan and Alison run a property rental business, so know a fair bit about the subject.
They were attracted to North Millbrex all those years ago because they thought it would perfectly suit their needs.
Alison added: “The area is a great place to bring up a family, with plenty of space and great views.
“We decided to build our dream home here.”
As hard as it is to believe now, the house was previously traditional farm buildings, housing cattle.
Part of the property was originally used as a crop threshing mill.
In some ways, all that is a distant memory now.
Alison added: “The site was stripped back to the bare walls and additional doors and windows were created.”
But at the same time, the couple worked hard to ensure any new stonework tied in with the existing style.
She said: “We wanted to create a look that gave the impression that it had always been like that.”
The Steadin is on approximately two acres, including a paddock, an equestrian practice area, stables, and two substantial sheds.
The stunning L-shaped entrance hallway gives a perfect welcome to the property, and the kitchen and dining area makes for quite a package.
In terms of practical fittings, there is a Rangemaster cooker, an integrated fridge and dishwasher, and an island with storage.
Well-lit with dual-aspect windows, the kitchen leads into the stylish dining area.
High ceilings and French doors
As showstoppers go, the lounge is right up there. It has two sets of French doors and a wood-burning stove, and the high ceilings add a grand touch.
The ground floor also houses a family bathroom and two bedrooms, one of which is ensuite.
Upstairs, the master bedroom is the focal point, giving views of the lounge below it, along with more traditional vistas of the impressive local landscape.
Alongside additional bedrooms, there is also a games and entertainment room upstairs.
Quite importantly, The Steadin also has a self-contained annexe, which can either be treated as part of the main residence or securely closed off.
It boasts an open-plan lounge and kitchen, a generous bedroom and a stylish shower room.
It provides an excellent opportunity for independent living or guest accommodation.
Who would live in The Steadin?
Alison says the space and the “fantastic views” were what attracted them to North Millbrex.
She thinks The Steadin will catch the eye of someone who likes the rural location and appreciates the opportunity to “put their own stamp” on the property.
So if it is a dream home, why are the Stewarts moving?
Alison added: “We feel it’s time to move on to pastures new and allow future owners to enjoy the property as much as we have.”
As to who would be the perfect fit for The Steadin, Alison thinks it all revolves around a “country-loving, large” family.
The couple are also selling Chaumer Cottage nearby, which is listed separately.
They think that could be an option for a family with older parents who would “like to have their own space but live close by”.
And what will the Stewarts miss about their home?
Alison said: “We will miss the space the house affords, the buildings and land – but also the great community spirit we have enjoyed here.”
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