Mains of Kebbaty looks like something out of a fairy tale, tucked away down a private track with roses growing around the door.
The only noise is bird song and the odd tractor ambling past, and it was the idyllic setting that drew owners Antony and Anthea Atha to the grade C listed Georgian country house in the first place.
The couple escaped the rat race of London after retiring and have spent almost 13 years living the good life at Mains of Kebbaty, at Midmar, near Inverurie.
Deceptively spacious, there are four bedrooms alongside four public rooms, and the unusual layout means the building is four-sided and has incorporated what was previously the steading.
There are dual aspect views from many of the rooms, with Hill of Fare to the south and the Mither Tap and Bennachie range to the north – with Corrennie Moor to the west.
Mains of Kebbaty was a working farm originating from the 17th century, and is now a sprawling hideaway for Bertie the dog.
“I think Bertie will be very sad to leave, he’s always nosing around the place and he has been spoiled with the beautiful walks we have on our doorstep,” said Anthea.
“Antony is allergic to traffic noise, so when we found this place it was just perfect.
“He worked as a publisher and I was in finance in London; we wanted somewhere where we could enjoy our retirement and my family are from Aberdeenshire.
“We have five grandchildren between us and now want to move to East Anglia to be closer to them, but it will be very difficult to leave.”
The couple spend most of their time in the lovely kitchen, and Bertie’s favourite spot is in front of the Aga while Antony is cooking.
There is an impressive dining room where the family come together over Christmas, and where once the range would have stood in the old farmhouse kitchen, there are now handy, concealed storage cupboards.
Following on from the dining room is a drawing room full of character and complete with log fire, alongside a smaller sitting area.
Just off the drawing room is a butler’s pantry, which will make a very handy drinks cupboard.
“We’re very lucky to have all this space, it’s what we’ll miss the most and we know there will never be another house like this one,” said Anthea.
“We’re spoiled for choice as to where to sit in the evening and our grandchildren have had plenty of rooms to explore and play games in – this is very much a house for entertaining.
“We love sitting in the lounge in the evening, especially when the fire is lit, it’s very cosy.”
There is also a beautiful library alongside a cloakroom and study.
“Antony has been able to indulge his love of books and I’ve had my space to tinker about, I love fixing things,” said Anthea.
“We’ve had the room to really enjoy our retirement and make the most of this house.”
All four bedrooms are of an excellent size, and the en-suite master bedroom is particularly lovely.
This room is split on two levels with its own dressing room, which can be also reached via an outside staircase.
This is a relic of the days when the dressing room would have been used as sleeping quarters for farm workers.
The en-suite has a central bath and concealed shower.
The remaining bedrooms are equally impressive, and the two attic bedrooms on the final level would be ideal for teenagers.
“We put a wet room in for the attic bedrooms; this top floor is very private and that’s what we love about the design of the house, you can relax with just your own company because of how big it is,” said Anthea.
Mains of Kebbaty is set in 1.6 acres, and it is perhaps the inner courtyard which makes the gardens truly stunning.
Previously a slab of concrete, Antony and Anthea have created a secret garden which is framed by the house and perfect for alfresco dining.
There is a huge workshop, garaging, wood shed, hen house, and stabling – with scope for further conversion.
The grounds are sheltered by mature trees, and despite the complete seclusion, Aberdeen is only a 30-minute drive away.
“We hope we’ll be able to find this sense of tranquility again, but there will certainly never be another place like Mains of Kebbaty,” said Anthea.
“We’ve been very lucky to live out some of our retirement here, and feel the time is right to let somebody else take over.”
Offers should be made in excess of £575,000.
Contact Savills on 01224 971122.
