It is a gorgeous sunny day at Borrowfield steading, and the owner can be found making the most of the warm weather in the garden.
Angela Connelly takes in the view at the idyllic spot in Netherley near Stonehaven, while her two children happily play outside.
Nine-year-old Leo is jumping up and down on a trampoline, and Amy, four, is feeding ponies in a nearby field.
It is exactly the sort of upbringing which Angela and her husband Paul envisioned for their family, when they moved to the steading six years ago.
They were drawn by its peaceful location and the fact that it had already been converted, having previously been used as a horse shelter.
It is now a gorgeous family home which the couple will be sad to leave.
But Paul has relocated to Dublin for work in the pharmaceuticals industry, and travelling back and forth each weekend hasn’t been conducive to family life.
“It’s pretty tiring, so we have decided to take the plunge and join Paul in Ireland,” said Angela.
“It has been a really tough decision because we have loved living here.
“We previously rented a steading in Ayrshire when Paul worked in the oil industry, and we knew we wanted something similar when we came to this area.
“Borrowfield surpassed all expectation, and our children have loved it too.”
It’s not difficult to see why, as Borrowfield Steading offers spacious accommodation with ample room for entertaining.
It’s also a children’s paradise with open fields and safe cycling routes.
Step inside where you’ll find a lovely dining kitchen, ideal for informal meals and late night dinner parties.
This room is flooded with sunlight thanks to a picture window and French doors, the latter of which provides easy access to the gardens.
Neutral colours have kept this space simple and tasteful, while modern integrated appliances means there is still plenty of room for a dining table.
Angela and Paul spend most of their time in the gorgeous lounge and dining room.
It offers a wonderful vaulted ceiling, complete with a wood burning stove set upon a stone hearth with an inglenook fireplace.
Triple aspect windows and skylights continue with the theme of light at Borrowfield.
“We have always loved this room and quickly discovered that it would work for any occasion,” said Angela.
“We love sitting in here after the kids have gone to bed, it’s just a lovely relaxing space.
“I picked out the mantlepiece above the fire by choosing the tree trunk which it was carved from.
“Christmas is fantastic in here and Borrowfield is very popular with visitors.
“We recently had 12 people to stay, but it still felt like there was plenty of room.
“This has been a house for entertaining and we’ve really made the most of that.”
The dining area in the lounge could easily be turned into further living space, such is the versatility of the room.
One en-suite bedroom can be found on this level, and would be ideal for guests.
It also offers oak wood flooring with underfloor heating.
The remaining three bedrooms can be found upstairs.
The master bedroom enjoys stunning views over the open countryside, and comes with an en-suite.
You’ll find a shower over bath in the family bathroom.
Outside, the gardens have mainly been laid to lawn and extend to the rear of the property.
Beds and boundaries are planted with shrubs, and eager gardeners could easily add a splash of colour.
A paved patio area makes the perfect spot for alfresco dining.
Angela believes the semi-rural community will be difficult to leave behind.
“There is always something happening in Netherley, it is a real community here,” she said.
“We love the rural lifestyle, and have enjoyed walking at Crathes, or using the cycle path to Stonehaven.
“We often head to Aunty Betty’s for ice cream, the kids love it.
“The school is also excellent and I believe people have recently been coming to the area for that reason alone.
“There is hardly any traffic on the little lane outside our house, so I have never worried about the children playing outside.
“They’ve been able to have freedom here and that’s exactly what we wanted.”
Offers should be made of more than £420,000.
Contact Raeburn Christie Clark & Wallace on 01569-762947.
