When a psychic told Liz Rhodes she would meet the love of her life and have a son within two years, she laughed out loud and carried on with her life.
Liz, 44, a divorcee, didn’t believe she’d get a second chance at love.
She had already met Zahid, 46, on the squash courts, but their brief hello was yet to turn into romance when she met the psychic who predicted their future.
The couple went on to discover they both worked for the same oil company.
Love blossomed and they now have 10-year-old Zeb and Jezzica, eight.
For the past 11 years, they’ve happily lived at North Steading in South Linn, near Peterculter.
The fabulous six-bedroom converted steading comes complete with a granny flat and a heated swimming pool in the garden.
It has been a major but happy project for Liz and Zahid and they will be sad to leave the family home behind when they move closer to Aberdeen city centre.
Jezzica was even born in the house, but it is feeling a little empty now Liz’s oldest two daughters, Robyn, 25, and 23-year-old Lauren, have left home.
North Steading has been a busy family home and Liz and Zahid have made dozens of changes over the years.
“We have been so happy here and I have to pinch myself when I look back at it all,” said Liz, who is granny to Lauchlan, one, and five-month-old Piper.
“North Steading has been a hectic family home and we’d like a new build now, having done so much work here,” said Liz.
The reception hall leads to the kitchen, which is open plan with the formal dining room and lounge.
“We redesigned this space and it has been the heart of the home, you don’t really appreciate how much space is on offer until you walk in,” said Liz.
“We’ve done a lot of the work ourselves and redecorated several times.
“When everyone is home it’s just brilliant, we all gather in here.
“The kids are running about whilst we’re putting dinner together, and we love the look of the rooms as well.”
The lounge has dual aspect windows and a log fire, so it’s particularly cosy during winter.
There’s a large family room which is currently in use as a play room but could also be turned into a bedroom.
A further double bedroom enjoys an outlook to the courtyard at the front of the house, and would make a lovely guest bedroom.
A staircase leads to the mezzanine level where there is another double bedroom and sitting room.
Liz and Zahid’s biggest project by far was converting the garage to a charming granny flat.
It has a double bedroom, lounge, shower room, and open-plan kitchenette.
“We originally wanted to do something with the garage because it was a bit draughty and then the project snowballed from there,” said Liz.
“It would be perfect for anyone who has an elderly relative or even if you’re having guests to stay.”
The master bedroom is upstairs and has a Jack and Jill shower room.
There is a further double bedroom.
The beautiful family bathroom has underfloor heating and a Jacuzzi bath with shower.
The family have made the most of the extensive grounds and the house is set in three and a half acres of grounds.
There is stabling for two horses and a tackroom.
“We inherited the swimming pool from the previous owner and the gardens are very private,” said Liz.
“It’s very popular with guests and neighbours often pop over for a spot of relaxation.
“If the children aren’t playing hide and seek in the house they’re tearing around the garden or playing on the huge trampoline.
“We’re only a short drive from Peterculter but I’m pretty sure that being out here helped my two daughters get good exam results because there weren’t too many distractions.”
Liz and Zahid are excited to move to the city centre but will be sad to leave North Steading behind.
“We have a lot of happy memories here, and it’s extra special because Jezzica was born here,” said Liz.
“It feels like the right time to leave, we hope another family can have just as much fun.”
Offers should be made over £700,000.
Contact the owner on 07714 756964.
