Driving along a country road, it’s not common today to come across a traditional red telephone box. Before mobiles, sat navs and Google maps, the K6 was a vital asset to its surrounding community.
People would use the devices as a main communication line, or a marker point on a long journey. And sitting just two miles from Dyce, Aberdeen, there’s one which did exactly that.
“It’s such a big part of the landscape,” says Anne Smith, 70, who lives in the former Cothal Post Office with her husband Alex, 71.
“Years ago, people would be directed to the phone box and would then be given more directions from there.
“My mother, who ran the shop and the post office, knew the area so, so well.
“She would direct folk to various farms and people in Fintray.
“People just knew to stop at Cothal Post Office if they needed directions.”
Built in 1906, the property has been in Anne’s family for around 200 years. Initially leased by her grandfather, it was bought in 1941 by her father, Alexander Fraser, a well-known cattle dealer, for £500.
Mostly run by Anne’s mum, who had the same name as her daughter, the business thrived, but ceased trading in 1997 when she retired aged 75.
“It was always busy and there were always people coming and going,” recalls Anne.
“It’s now just a lovely family home.
“The family love coming here to visit and we’ve spent Christmases here for years.”
The Smiths, who are parents to Gill, 47, and Denise, 51, married more than 50 years ago after meeting at the Beach Ballroom in Aberdeen.
“Our children are now settled in their own homes and their own lives,” said the grandmother of four.
“I think, because we are getting older, now is the time to move as we are still fit and able to settle in somewhere new.
“It will be sad to leave the house – I was brought up here.”
With three bedrooms and plenty of space, the historic property is on the market for offers over £330,000.
Walking through the front door, the high-ceilinged home boasts character and charm. Ideal for a family, the humble residence is equipped with a dining area and three-piece bathroom.
“I don’t really have a favourite room,” said Anne, a former CAD operator.
“The lounge is beautiful and we spend a lot of time in it.
“There’s also a smaller siting room with its original fireplace which I use when Alex is watching the football.”
The master bedroom is elegant and benefits from a fitted mirrored wardrobe.
Included in the sale is the landmark phone box.
“When it went up for sale around five years ago we decided to buy it.
“It’s very much a landmark here and the neighbours really like it.”
And with a Royal Mail post box embedded in the house’s wall, the new owners will have no excuses for forgetting to send their Christmas cards.
Back inside, the galley-style kitchen has been recently modernised and is styled with wall and base-mounted white units. The rear vestibule gives access to the garden, which Anne has looked after well over the years.
“I do everything in the garden except cut the grass. I enjoy doing it, but it’s getting a bit much.
“It’s one of the reasons we’d like to move somewhere a little smaller.
Anne and Alex aren’t sure where they are off to yet, but they are considering Balmedie or Portlethen.
“Our daughters live in these areas, but we’ll wait and see what comes on the market.
“We’ll miss living in Cothal, it’s a great community and a lovely place to stay.”
Just a short journey from Aberdeen, the property offers splendid views of the surrounding scenery.
“We’ll never have a house with a view like this one has again.
“It’s great to be able walk along the nearby river and over the hill and through the woods.”
Fondly thinking of the home she grew up in with her parents, Anne will always see the old post office as a family home.
“It would be lovely if another family bought the house.
“It’ll be such a wrench for us to leave it behind, there is no question of that.”
Contact Aberdein Considine on 01224 589589.