When Adam and Kathleen Reid decided to downsize from eight bedrooms to four, they still dreamed of a house which would suit their every need now their children had flown the nest.
It’s fair to say they didn’t take the simple option of extensive house hunting and instead chose to build a spacious bungalow in rural seclusion.
Kirkton House can be found in Fyvie near Turiff and stands as testament to the couple’s desire not to compromise on space or design.
After 15 very happy years they have taken the difficult decision to sell up whilst, in Kathleen’s words, “the going is still good” but their young grand-daughter is none too pleased with the decision.
Kathleen who is a talented baker, is hoping she can put the finishing touches to a wedding cake in her gorgeous kitchen before a new owner is found, and she’ll miss the peace and quiet which the location offers.
“We had already built one house before we embarked on Kirkton and whilst we were downsizing, so to speak, we didn’t want smaller rooms or a house which didn’t entirely suit us,” said Kathleen.
“We gave our plans to an architect but I don’t think you can ever be entirely sure of your vision until it’s standing in front of you.
“I needed an operation recently and I think it was a bit of a wake up call, whilst we have adored living here we’ve decided to leave whilst we’re still relatively able.
“We won’t be building again and our grand-daugher Rachel, who is 11, is most annoyed that we are selling up.
“This is the only house she’s ever known when coming to visit us and we’ve had so much fun here as she’s grown up.”
Kirkton House boasts high ceilings and cosy hideaways, with a public room for practically every occasion.
It’s certainly not your average bungalow, evident from the moment you walk into the long and stylish reception hall.
The lounge boasts a beautiful fireplace where you’ll be able to stoke the flames over the winter months, and entertain guests after dinner.
Adjacent to the lounge is the study; a wonderfully unique hideaway complete with bespoke book shelves and charming fireplace.
You’d be hard pushed to find a home office with more personality, and this room will make a lovely snug as the cold weather sets in.
Kathleen and Adam spend most of their time in the sun room, which was an important part to their design.
“We really thought about the sun lounge, we wanted a room where we could drink in the gardens but we also wanted to sit in here all year round,” said Kathleen.
“The gardens are a haven for wildlife although I’m not sure Adam is too keen on the rabbits hopping round the lawns, and we’ve even seen deer when sitting in here.
“It’s wonderful in the summer but the multi-fuel stove set within the fireplace keeps it warm come the winter, this is our go-to room.”
There is also a formal south-facing dining room, but this room could easily be converted into a bedroom.
The fabulous dining kitchen which is of German design, is very much Kathleen’s domain.
Cream colonial-style cabinets contrast against the polished granite work surfaces and Amtico flooring finishes the look off nicely.
There is plenty of space for dining furniture so you’ll be able to chat to guests as you cook.
“We don’t entertain much but I really enjoy cooking, and the kitchen has more than served my needs,” said Kathleen.
“I only hope I can get a wedding cake order finished before we sell up.”
Every detail has been thought of when it comes to practicality and there’s a cloakroom/WC alongside a bootroom/scullery.
So whether you need somewhere to store your wellies or space for four-legged friends, it’s all taken care of.
The en-suite master bedroom is south-facing and a fabulous bay window makes the most of the views.
There’s even a dressing area whilst the en-suite includes bath with handheld antique style shower.
The remaining two bedrooms are both of good size and come with excellent storage.
“We feel Kirkton House would suit a wide range of people because there’s lots of versatility and the loft could be converted into further bedrooms as it’s fully floored with power and light,” said Kathleen.
“We wanted to strike a balance between having a lot of space and easy maintenance, and we’ve continued that theme in the garden.
“I love gardening but most of the garden is laid to lawn so we haven’t had to spend hours outside.”
The enclosed gardens come with woodland and there’s three acres of land to play with.
From the vegetable patch to a workshop and south-facing summerhouse with deck, Kirkton House offers your very own oasis.
“Rachel loves the garden and has really enjoyed playing tennis on the lawn in the summer,” said Kathleen.
“Whilst we love rural life, we’re not too far from Turriff, Peterhead, and then there’s Ellon and Inverurie.
“We’re never stuck for amenities but as we get older, we’re thinking we might want to live more centrally so we can walk to the corner shop.
“It will be really difficult to leave but it’s time to let someone else enjoy our little slice of paradise.”
Offers should be made in the region of more than £460,000.
Contact the owners on 01771 644776.
