Carolyn and Kenny Berry tell Cheryl Livingstone about their journey to finding their dream country home
They were living in the centre of Aberdeen but yearned for the country life.
Carolyn, a farmer’s daughter had grown up with horses and Kenny wanted to expand his sporting activities. And it was at Fetternear, near Kemnay, they found their ideal country retreat.
The couple fell in love with The Hush nine years ago during a wet and windy weekend visit.
“We wanted a project and the steading had not long been converted by the developer,” said Carolyn.
“We had looked in various areas but couldn’t compare the views we had from The Hush with anywhere else.
“Our intent was to develop our new home to accommodate horses, as the area is perfect for hacking. We had also long had a desire to start our own fold of Highland cattle and have now had two calves born here.
“We had been looking for a property with five acres for a long time and it’s not easy to find such a thing within an easy 20-minute commuting distance to both Dyce and Westhill – this type of property does not come on the market very often.”
The steading was converted in 2003 but the land was laid to grass and the barn was more or less just a shell.
Kenny and Carolyn have worked tirelessly to transform the home into what it is now.
Carolyn continued: “We firstly converted part of the barn into accommodation and office space, and in the last few years our hobbies, such shooting, fishing and horses, have drawn us into converting the acreage into paddocks and erecting the larder and workshop, dog kennel and stabling.
“The pond, which is stocked with brown trout, was our latest inspiration a few years ago, as Kenny is a keen fly fisher. He loves to come home after a hard day in the office and unwind by catching a trout for tea.”
The couple also worked hard to create a lovely garden at the back of the house complete with rockery and plants, which has become a haven for wildlife.
The second barn houses a wine cellar, workshop, heated dog kennel and two parking bays.
The Hush will be an excellent home for anyone looking to start their own business or work from home or just indulge in their hobbies and sporting pursuits,” said Carolyn. “There is still scope for anyone who wants to develop more of it.”
The house is a stunning detached steading whose highlights include spacious lounge with large wood-burning stove and French doors leading to the side patio, galleried dining room, striking farmhouse kitchen, gorgeous master bedroom with twin sets of sliding patio doors and two further good-sized bedrooms.
The couple have lived there for nine years and have been joined by three rescued German shorthaired pointers, two horses – a 16hh German Warmblood and a 15.2hh Hackney x Thoroughbred – and three Highland cows.
The couple’s favourite features?
“The views are 360 degrees of spectacular scenery,” said Carolyn.
“We love the courtyard area, which is south facing, for alfresco dining in spring and summer, while the lounge with its wood burner is a haven in the winter.
“We got married in the courtyard eight years ago and had our wedding reception in the garden and barn, before it was converted.
“The countryside and the amenities in the area are amazing. For horse lovers, the hacking in nearby Fetternear estate (by permission) is exceptional, Bennachie is on the doorstep for dog lovers and walkers, there are gym and pool facilities in Inverurie –which has something for everyone and some excellent eating establishments.
“Fetternear has its own village hall, which regularly holds farmers’ markets and social functions, and there is also a great livery yard nearby, full of like-minded equestrian people happy to join up for a hack in the beautiful surroundings.”
The couple have decided to put their home on the market – offers over £820,000 – to take on another project in the area.
“It was a very difficult decision as this has been our labour of love,” added Carolyn. “We will miss the views, definitely, as well as our wonderful next-door neighbours.
“We are looking at a property with more land to expand our love of animals, as well as having a new challenge.”
Contact The Kellas Partnership on 01467 627333
