Being able to wake up in the morning surrounded by a plethora of nature is priceless. It’s the kind of backdrop to the perfect holiday home, the place where you’d want to spend a long weekend in the quiet countryside.
Luckily for those living in the north-east, there’s plenty of these dreamy spots available.
From the scenic Royal Deeside and the more northerly corners of Aberdeenshire, there are plenty of idyllic locations to set up home in, and sharp-eyed buyers will be quick to snap them up.
Moss-Side Stables, a detached bungalow close to the quaint picturesque village of Milltown of Rothiemay near Huntly, is one of these spectacular houses which will make even the busiest of workers feel like they are on holiday when they arrive home from the office.
Its current owners, Colin and Jacqueline Murray have lived in the four-bedroom home for nearly 25 years. Moving from Keith, the couple were looking for a home with plenty of land.
“It was all to do with our love of horses,” said Colin, 61.
“We had seven and four were for breeding, two were children’s ponies and one was for my wife to ride.
“We’d had them with us out in Keith but we’d been looking for the perfect place which took us about a year to find.
“It had to be in the Keith and Huntly area as we didn’t want our children having to move school.”
The stunning home, which is on the market for offers over £329,995, sits on nine acres of land. Its interior is extremely modern and it’s clear Colin, an offshore worker, and Jacqueline, 53, a care manager, have put a lot of effort into making the house what it is today.
“Let’s just say it was an 80s house when we moved in and we’ve updated it yearly and now it’s a 2016 house,” said Colin.
“We just continually updated the house and as fashion changed we just went with it.
“Most of it was done by professionals, it’s all too scary doing things yourself.
“You don’t want to be changing plumbing and electrics yourself.
“I love it. It gets 10 out of 10 and I would move into this house tomorrow.”
The first room which will catch buyers’ attention is the fabulous lounge which has a lovely big window and striking feature wall with a fire, which brings warmth to the room.
At the heart of the home is the dining kitchen and its style is the perfect example of how to blend the traditional with the modern.
With a contemporary breakfast bar as well as room for a large dining table, this space is where all the family will gather at tea time, sharing stories of their days.
The bedrooms are all a fantastic size and if there’s no need for all four, one could be used as an office or games room.
The modern touch to the home is continued in the family bathroom which has twin basins, a heated towel rail, separate shower cubicle and freestanding bath tub.
Colin and Jacqueline also love the location. Just eight miles from Keith and Huntly and with easy access into Aberdeen by road or rail, it’s great for those who love the countryside but like to feel close to the thick of the action, too.
“Everything about it is nice,” said Colin.
“It’s just a nice area, it’s quiet, we don’t live on a main road.”
Now that Colin and Jacqueline’s children are settled with families of their own, the couple are relocating so that they will be closer to their grandchildren.
“My two sons have just bought houses in Buckie, so to be closer to the grandchildren and as we get older we’ve decided to move.
“We’ve only got one horse left, Storm, who’s 20 this year, and he’s coming with us.”
The Murrays however will miss the lifestyle the home offers, especially the opportunity to spot the surrounding wildlife.
“It’s just a lovely place to stay and when the spring comes you hear all the birds once they’ve returned,” said Colin.
“Getting up in the morning and looking out the window you see so many different things.
“You’ve got falcons and red deer, every morning is different and it’s a picture that keeps changing outside.”
Contact McEwan Fraser Legal on 01542 280444.
