Secluded and filled with original features, there’s something mesmerising about Carronbank House.
This grade A listed family home wouldn’t look out of place in a period drama, having been built by renowned architect John Smith in 1835.
It has been lovingly preserved by a handful of owners over the decades, meaning features such as the cupola roof light remain in all their glory.
You’ll also find Georgian bowed bay windows, marble fireplaces and gorgeous window shutters.
The final surprise is the two acres of land which have been landscaped by the current owner Magnus Wardle.
It is difficult to believe that this five-bedroom detached house can actually be found at 85 Cameron Street in Stonehaven.
The private grounds would have you believe that this abode is nestled in the countryside, rather than on the outskirts of a busy coastal town.
It has been seven years since Magnus fell in love with Carronbank, after arriving with his two children – 10-year-old Barnaby and Georgina, nine.
An engineer by trade, he believes a very special owner is needed to continue with this remarkable renovation project.
For Magnus is refreshingly honest as to Carronbank’s shortcomings, and believes a mixture of dedication and passion is needed.
“Carronbank House is a very big undertaking, there is no denying that,” said Magnus.
“I’ve always loved this house, but it is a huge project which needs to be developed.
“The new owner needs to have a love of historic houses, and also be passionate about gardening.
“That’s what sold Carronbank to me in the first place, it has fabulous gardens.
“The children love it here, they build dens and they do archery.
“We’ve got numerous pets as well, it’s a paradise here.
“I grew up on a farm, so it was always the dream to have a piece of ground.
“I’ve created a wild meadow and divided the grounds up into different parts.
“The Carron Water flows along the southern boundary, it’s bliss.”
While Carronbank may be a work in progress, it appears all the more beguiling in its shabby chic state.
The elegant lounge is framed by the stunning bay windows, and comes complete with a marble fireplace.
This is the ideal space for entertaining, or unwinding in front of a roaring fire.
There is a further sitting room which is currently in use as the cinema room.
French doors provide access to the garden via a wrought-iron staircase, which will no doubt come in handy in the warmer months.
You are spoilt for choice for entertaining, as there is also a dining room.
It offers a beautiful marble fireplace and dual aspect windows, which face south and east.
Currently in use as a traditional study, this room demonstrates the versatility on offer.
Two bedrooms can be found on the ground floor, including the master bedroom.
This room offers a dressing room and an en-suite bathroom, complete with free-standing bath.
The remaining three bedrooms can be found on the lower ground floor, alongside the dining kitchen.
This room has a more modern look, with a maroon coloured five-oven gas Aga and contrasting granite work surfaces.
Feature lighting above the dining table adds a trendy twist and you’ll also find the original dumb waiter with pulley, which travels to the upper hall.
French doors provide access to the garden.
A laundry room offers further space for white appliances.
The bedrooms are all of good size, with ample space for free-standing furniture.
One bedroom is used as boot storage and was formally known as the butler’s room. It could easily be transformed back into a bedroom, as could the play room if required.
The bathroom is fitted with a Jacuzzi bath and double shower cubicle.
There is a separate shower room and even a sauna, which completes the accommodation on offer.
“Downstairs was the old servants’ quarters, hence why one room is known as the butler’s room,” said Magnus.
“It is amazing to live in a house like this, although it used to be known as Carronbank Cottage.
“In the days of Georgian grandeur, it may not have been considered particularly extensive.
“Of course by today’s standards, it is rather spacious. Even the garden walls are listed and the land can never be built on.
“There’s something wonderful about that, the two acres will always remain as garden grounds.
“We have fishing rights and a children’s playhouse.
“It’s an amazing place to live, it just needs the right person to come along.”
Offers should be made of more than £730,000.
Contact Smith Solicitors Stonehaven on 01569 767778.
