Simple in name, The Cottage manages to capture that nostalgic feeling of home in just two short words.
With a wonderfully traditional exterior, this family home is deceptively spacious – and manages to charm from the outset.
With five bedrooms, it is the perfect escape to the countryside, nestled in the Deeside hamlet of Strachan in Aberdeenshire.
For owners Jane and Gordon Ritchie, it was love at first sight after they moved in two years ago. They quickly became part of the close-knit community, and Gordon, who works in consulting, even started producing the local newsletter.
From quiz nights to Hogmanay celebrations, the couple have made the most of a busy social calendar.
Children Morgan, 16, and Charlotte, 14, have also been able to enjoy their own space, while Indy the Jack Russell has roamed the surrounding countryside to her heart’s content.
The family are sad to relocate due to work commitments, and hope new owners will be just as taken with The Cottage and its many charms.
“I’ve always dreamed of having a cottage in the countryside,” said Jane.
“I didn’t think I’d find something which fitted the description so literally.
“It is everything I thought it would be, and the views are beautiful.
“I remember seeing it online and thinking ‘wow’.
“Having lived in Westhill, moving to the countryside was a big change. Part of the appeal was the chance to have a new way of life, though. We grow our own vegetables now.”
Whoever takes over the reins could therefore enjoy the good life, and the perks of surprisingly modern accommodation.
The cottage may appear traditional from the outside, but cross the threshold and you’ll discover quirky features combined with a classic look.
The reception hall offers moulded ceiling coving and stone effect Amtico flooring. Head through to the lounge, which feels instantly cosy, thanks to warm orange decor. This charming room features windows on two aspects, with modern shutters to the front and original shutters to the side window.
There is even an open fire with an ornate wooden fire surround. This is the ideal room to relax with a good book and hot chocolate, or enjoy time with family over the festive period.
You don’t need to worry about seating everyone for Christmas dinner, thanks to the trendy dining kitchen.
It features a peninsular breakfast bar, which separates the kitchen from the dining area, alongside integrated appliances and a range of work units plus storage. There is ample space for a large table and chairs, and the kitchen also has a beautiful inglenook fireplace which houses a wood-burning stove.
You can enjoy underfloor heating, and it’s worth noting the stove forms part of the dual heating system – supplementing the hot water and central heating.
One bedroom can be accessed via the rear hall. This room offers a deep fitted cupboard and two high-level windows.
Completing the accommodation on the ground floor is the versatile family room, which could also be used as a bedroom, alongside a dressing room/study and the elegant family bathroom.
The remaining bedrooms can be found upstairs, with the potential for one to be used as a home office.
The sun lounge completes the accommodation, thus saving the best till last.
“We always eat in the sun lounge, our guests love it,” said Jane.
“There are beautiful views towards Clachnaben and because there are French doors to the garden, it has been great for barbecues.”
The south-facing garden completes this picture-perfect property, with a tiered rear garden where you’ll be able to admire the Dee valley.
You can enjoy the harvest from several fruit trees each year, and have a choice of patios for alfresco dining.
An electric car-charging point is located on the drive, and there is a tandem double garage for further parking.
A stone outbuilding with large wood store, greenhouse and further timber shed will be included in the sale.
“Gordon always says he loves looking out the window at the cows,” said Jane.
“It’s the sense of quiet, it’s very peaceful here.
“There’s still plenty to do, though, so it feels like the best of both worlds.
“We are very sad to leave, because The Cottage really was my dream house.”
Offers should be made of more than £430,000.
Contact the owner on 07818 432010, or Raeburn Christie Clark & Wallace on 01330 822931.
