An impressive private drive sets the scene upon approaching Sunnyside Lodge.
Set in six acres of its very own picturesque woodlands, the property rises out of a clearing looking every inch the luxury rural escape.
Located just outside the village of Cuminestown near Turriff, the five-bedroom lodge has an exclusive secluded setting which offers a quiet sense of stillness to visitors.
Despite its classic steading appearance, the property itself is a mere 40 years old, built mostly with reclaimed granite from original farm buildings which occupied the land decades before.
Eight years ago it was refurbished from top to bottom, but when Bill and Pauline Boyd purchased the property in 2013, they wasted no time in truly making it their own.
And it’s not just inside the lodge which has been transformed, as the pair, who run their own oil and gas business, were eager to make the best use of the outdoor space on offer too.
With six acres of land to play with, there has been plenty of room for chickens, treehouses and various luxury outbuildings, including a bar and barbecue hut.
But things could have been very different for the pair, who were lucky to find the lodge when they did.
“We were actually looking for a house in Inverurie,” said Pauline, 51.
“We had even found a house we really liked there but in the end the sale fell through.
“So we were a bit disheartened really when we went back to searching and saw Sunnyside Lodge online.
“The first time we came out and saw it we just loved it and virtually sealed the deal there and then.”
The pair have certainly enjoyed making their own mark on the property and one of their first jobs was knocking through some downstairs walls to create a fabulous open-plan kitchen and family room.
“When we moved in there was a dining room which hardly ever got used,” said Bill, 54.
“It made sense to just get rid of it and open the whole area up. We’ve got five children and now four grandchildren too and the new kitchen has been perfect for bringing everyone together.”
And with a whole lot of family to entertain, Sunnyside Lodge’s two generous lounges have certainly come in handy.
Both rooms offer a bright and modern space in which to relax, with wonderful exposed stone fireplaces.
A further conservatory offers yet more room to unwind, complete with wonderful views out over the grounds.
In total there are five generous bedrooms on offer, two of which offer en suite facilities.
The master bedroom in particular is a lovely space, with ample fitted storage and french doors leading out to the garden – perfect for that last glass of wine in the evening before bed.
Luxurious is the only word which befits the main family bathroom which comes complete with his and hers washbasins, a Jacuzzi bath and private sauna.
Completing the accommodation is a study with loft access.
Planning permission has already been granted for conversion of the upper floor, making the property perfect for buyers looking to take on a project of their own.
Where Bill and Pauline have really let their personalities shine however is in the garden, where a series of Scandinavian-style outbuildings make up the perfect area for entertaining.
“We love the space and privacy here and wanted to take advantage of it,” said Bill. “It’s such a sunny spot and all our friends and family love spending time out here.
“Everyone’s favourite is the Scandinavian barbecue hut. They are pretty rare in the UK but it is a fantastic space you can use summer or winter.
“It’s cleverly designed so the smoke for the fire rises and guests can sit in here all night and stay cosy.
“We’ve had some great barbecues out here I can tell you,” he laughed.
“The food cooks faster and just tastes better”
An open-air Jacuzzi sits next door, with a fabulous patio area primed for alfresco dining.
A few metres away sits Bill’s personal favourite – the bar.
And while the adults are being served their tipple of choice, the kids can run wild in their very own treehouse kitted out with the latest TV and gaming systems, ready to entertain even on the rainiest of days.
Completing the mini outdoor village is a home gym. Oh and not forgetting Cluckingham and Duckingham Palace, home to several families of ducks and chickens.
It’s easy to see why Bill and Pauline have loved Sunnyside Lodge, and the pair are truly sad to be leaving it behind.
“We are looking to move closer to the central belt to be nearer to family,” said Pauline.“But if we could pick up this house and move it then we would do it in a heartbeat.”
Offers should be made in the region of more than £570,000.
Contact Strutt and Parker on 01330 826800.
