When Tracy Georgeson bought Pinehill, it was little more than a humble two-bedroom cottage, which she planned to renovate quickly before selling on.
With no upstairs and plenty of work needed, Pinehill was the perfect opportunity for those eager to climb the property ladder, but it would seem life had other plans for the Georgeson family.
Fast forward 22 years, two kids, two dogs and one horse later – Pinehill is now a stunning three-bedroom family home complete with a beautiful upstairs balcony which offers views across Banchory from a secluded spot on Burnett Road.
It is with a heavy heart that Tracy will leave the family home which has wedged a place in her heart, but she has exciting plans to start afresh and extend her dog-walking business.
“I never planned on staying here for long, let alone 22 years, but I just fell in love with the place and as work was completed over the years, it made it even harder to leave,” said Tracy.
“I worked in property and had just sold my first flat before coming here. It was a simple little house that needed upgrading.
“When the architect came back with the plans I was hooked; I wanted a home which would be full of light and space but I didn’t want to lose the traditional elements which attracted me to Pinehill in the first place.”
The cottage is a reassuring mix of old and new with a few quirky details, as on Tracy’s own admission she likes a sprinkling of the unusual.
The heart of the home is clearly the beautiful kitchen diner where many a dinner party has been held with the neighbours.
Modern white units contrast with a cream tiled floor and there are lovely views of the rear garden. There’s plenty of room for dining furniture, and with the sunlight streaming in you’ve got the perfect spot for that morning coffee.
“Guests don’t tend to make it past the kitchen because it’s a brilliant entertaining space; I’m lucky in that the neighbours are my best friends and we’ve made lots of happy memories in here,” said Tracy.
“I enjoy cooking, and the kitchen is the place we’ve always gathered as a family.”
Also on the ground floor is the en-suite master bedroom and it’s hard to believe the dressing area was once a potting shed.
The bedroom comes with excellent storage and the en-suite has a walk-in shower which feels that little bit luxurious.
“I love having a dressing room; the master bedroom has always felt like my very own space for pampering and I’m proud of the en-suite as well,” said Tracy.
There’s a further double bedroom to complete the downstairs accommodation alongside the impressive family bathroom.
“We actually designed the bathroom around a special mirror which has been passed down through the family; I like to think the bathroom is modern and different though,” said Tracy.
“Having a freestanding bath and walk-in shower was something I really wanted; I envisaged it from the moment I arrived in the cottage, although it seemed a far-off dream at the time.”
It is the upstairs extension which has completely transformed Pinehill Cottage, however, and has created an extra bedroom alongside a stunning lounge.
This impressive space is filled with light thanks to Velux windows, and Tracy’s two dogs, Plum and Lola, can often be found basking in the afternoon sunshine.
“Having this extension was the ultimate dream for me. It was the architect who came up with the idea of a balcony and from the moment I saw the plans I knew this was the ultimate vision,” she said.
“The lounge has that lovely relaxed feel to it and I love the fact that it’s upstairs. We don’t have the traditional layout and that’s the lovely thing about Pinehill.
“It’s the balcony that really has my heart though; in the winter, I love sitting out here with a glass of red wine watching the snow come down. It offers our very own view over Banchory and we have spent hours sat here when there’s long summer nights. It makes Pinehill that bit more special and I’m going to miss it dearly.”
There is also a double bedroom upstairs.
For 13-year-old Prue, Pinehill’s great location means she’s only a short walk from her horse and she even rides past the front door.
Banchory itself is also only a few minutes away where there is a great range of amenities.
“I’m going to miss everything about Pinehill, but we have been so lucky with our location; we are only a short walk from the village but this is our very own slice of paradise tucked away here,” said Tracy.
“Every morning I hear our resident woodpecker and we’ve also got hedgehogs and the odd roe deer in our garden.
“We’ve been very lucky to enjoy Pinehill for as long as we have – it worked out perfectly.”
Offers should be made in excess of £340,000.
Contact Tracy on 01330 822269 or 07774 671778.
