Bonnyview by name, bonny view by nature, this Georgian-influenced villa was a true labour of love for childhood sweethearts Fraser and Gemma Nicol.
Found at the Cross of Jackston near Rothienorman, every aspect of this gorgeous property was meticulously designed by the pair.
Their pursuit of perfection should perhaps come as no surprise, for the Nicols have been helping others to create dream pads for the past seven years.
A joiner by trade, Fraser took a leap of faith aged just 21 to set up his own local construction company. After building up a solid reputation, Fraser was joined by Gemma, who left her job as a dental nurse to further expand the company.
From light fittings to kitchen units, Gemma and Fraser have been hands-on with all their clients and their own grand design was no different.
So intent on getting their own home just right, the couple even took a year out from their business so they could focus on the build.
Their complete dedication has paid off.
Every corner of the five-bedroom property has been thoughtfully created with a nod to Georgian American style.
Not everything can be planned in life however, for Fraser came across the plot for Bonnyview quite by chance.
“I saw it online actually and I wasn’t sure it looked like much,” he said.
“But we decided to take a drive up here anyway and the views were just incredible.
“It really blew us away and it was in that moment we decided this was where we’d build our dream home.”
Originally from Alford, the couple were used to a relatively rural setting and had spent the last three years living in Inverurie.
It took a few months to get the ball rolling, but after selling their one-bedroom flat, the pair were ready to start work.
With great ambition comes great sacrifice – as Gemma and Fraser found when they decided to live on-site during the build.
“We lived in a caravan for a year,” said Gemma.
“I guess you could say it was cosy to live in each other’s pockets like that.
But I remember it being a really cold winter and it used to get pretty chilly.”
Once Fraser had laid the foundations and the structure was in place, it was time to get to work on Bonnyview’s swish interior.
“We spent ages pouring over tiles and paint,” said Gemma.
“Literally every evening would be spent looking at samples, as we wanted to keep with the American Georgian theme which was tough when it was a total blank canvas.”
The hours of careful consideration have clearly paid off.
At the heart of the house is the generous open-plan kitchen diner, where Fraser and Gemma spend most of their time.
“We designed it to be a really useable space and that’s just what it is,” said Gemma.
“I think we were also a bit more experimental in this room than when we were building other people’s homes, but we’ve loved it.”
The traditional dining table was sourced from an auction and has been perfect for hosting friends.
The breakfast bar offers space for more casual dining.
The lounge is spacious and perfect for relaxing, with stunning views from period-style sash windows.
It also features a vast 100-inch drop-down screen complete with projector, ideal for watching movies in your very own home cinema.
Completing the downstairs accommodation is a bathroom and large utility area.
Upstairs, the master bedroom offers an expansive en suite bathroom which doubles up as a dressing area.
There is a his and hers shower, roll-top bath and plenty of storage for clothes.
The four remaining bedrooms are all of a generous size, with one bedroom also offering an en suite.
The family bathroom has been fitted to a high standard with a white Burlington three-piece suite.
Outside, the large decking area is perfect for alfresco dining.
The hot tub is an added luxury, sure to impress friends.
And with panoramic views from Durris to Rhynie, and on a clear day even the Cairngorms National Park, Bonnyview is certainly aptly named.
“We will be sad to leave,” said Gemma.
“But in a way it’s lovely that another family will get to enjoy it.
“I hope someone lives here for a really long time and loves the house as much as we’ve loved building it.”
Offers should be made in the region of more than £500,000.
Contact The Law Practice on 01224 562870.
