This lovely home in Huntly offers a host of opportunities, as Cheryl Livingstone found out.
I love those deals you see in the shops such as “buy one, get one free”.
Those deals might be a regular thing in the retail world, but when it comes to the property market they are few and far between.
However, I managed to find one that offers a lot for its asking price of just above £330,000.
For this you get a lovely family home filled with traditional features at 22 and 23 The Square, Huntly. You also get a retail unit, perfect for a range of business opportunities, including renting.
If a change of career isn’t something you are after, the property offers a fantastic development opportunity. The additional store with separate entrance could be developed into a three-bedroom house.
It was this combination of home and business that appealed to Sandra Cockburn and her family when they bought it in 1981.
They were living in Banchory when they spotted a gap in the retail sector in the busy market town of Huntly and decided to open Square Deal.
“We saw an advert for the property in the Press and Journal and we did have some local knowledge of the area,” Sandra said.
“The school was renowned and the area was perfect for bringing up a young family.”
The home itself was an attraction for Sandra. The building was constructed in the 18th century and offers a lovely combination of modern and traditional.
The contemporary decor complements the many period features that are dotted around the house. For me, the sitting room is the highlight. Three Georgian sash-style windows and a feature fireplace with coal-effect gas fire lends character. It is a lovely bright room.
Other features of note include the impressive traditional staircase in the inner hallway and the elegant Georgian-style lounge with marble fireplace, ceiling cornicing, picture rail, deep skirting boards and coal-effect gas fire.
There is also a dining room, four bedrooms with fitted wardrobes, a study and family bathroom.
Sandra said: “I like the unique outer hall with high walls and wooden ceiling which makes an impressive welcome to house. The inner staircase is beautiful and I like that both the front lounge and dining room have original fireplaces.”
In the ground floor retail unit there are two display windows to the front and double doors leading out to The Square. There is also a rear shop/office with shelved storage space, toilet and store with concrete floor and a timber staircase leading to the extensive upper storage floor.
Outside is a secluded garden at the back and patio area, garage and shed.
Sandra said having the business on the doorstep had its advantages.
“There was no commute to work, there was the security factor of living beside the retail shop, and it was nice being part of the community,” she added.
Huntly is a pleasant market town and commercial centre in the heart of west Aberdeenshire. Lying just 37 miles from Aberdeen, and with good bus and rail links, it is within commuting distance. It offers a range of sport options including shooting, fishing and an attractive golf course.
It has both primary and secondary school provision, shops, supermarkets and more.
“It is just an all-round family town,” Sandra said.
“There are lots of very friendly local people, excellent schools and the stunning River Deveron.”
Contact: Stewart and Watson on 01466 792331.
