Buying a first home as a couple can, at times, be far from stress-free. With disagreements over size and price – and bickering over the room count and location – there’s bound to be several compromises along the way.
But when Paula and Gregor Aitkenhead returned to the north-east after spending a few years in New Zealand, they had no issues in landing themselves a permanent house.
“It wasn’t like any other flats we’d seen,” recalled Paula.
“It was really bright and spacious and it felt like more of a house than a flat. We’d actually been looking at both houses and flats to see what we could find.
“I think because this is on the top floor, and has an individual staircase leading to it, it doesn’t feel like a flat.
“You never hear anyone else coming and going – it’s really quiet.”
The Aitkenheads, who have been married for a little more than a year, moved into 21 Kincardine Court in Stonehaven four years ago.
Moving from Banchory, the pair, who are parents to 22-month-old Georgia, were looking for a minimum of two bedrooms and were already keen on the area.
“We were after somewhere we would be happy for a while instead of moving from one place to the next,” explained Paula.
“It’s been really easy living here. It’s served us really well for our first home together.”
The oil and gas workers spend a lot of their free time making use of the town’s amenities and appreciate that everything they need is right on their doorstep.
“The train station is just across the road. We really like just jumping on the train, going into town and heading back again. It’s one of the things we’ll definitely miss when we leave.”
The executive apartment, which is currently on the market for offers over £220,000, sits in a prime area of the town with restaurants and shops right at the occupants’ finger tips.
Built by Barratt homes only a few years before the Aitkenheads moved in, the flat is in great condition with Paula, 29, and Gregor, 30, only having to retouch a few things here and there.
“Because it was only a few years old there wasn’t a lot needing done to be honest. We’ve put in a new bathroom and decorated to suit our own taste.”
The home’s interior is styled in neutral tones, highlighting the property’s bright and airy ambience. The spacious lounge has double sloping windows which convert to a balcony-style arrangement, one of Paula’s most-loved features in the home.
“It’s definitely my favourite thing about the flat. Each half of the window pushes out and it’s almost like a sheltered balcony.
“It would be hard to find it elsewhere I think.”
Exploring the rest of the homely living space, the large dining kitchen boasts wooden-effect worktops and plenty of room for both formal and informal dining. The bedrooms both have the potential to serve as doubles while the master benefits from a built-in mirrored wardrobe.
Modern and bright, the three-piece bathroom features a vanity area with enclosed sink and traditional shower-over-bath.
Paula and Gregor, who have been together for 12 years, are aiming to stay in the same area.
“We’re looking to have an extra bedroom, so when Georgia grows up she has a bit more room. It’s just so easy living here so we’re hoping to find somewhere nearby.”
With great links to Aberdeen, Stonehaven is a popular choice for commuters and is equipped with a range of leisure facilities including an outdoor swimming pool, tennis courts, an 18-hole golf course, a large selection of sea-based activities at the historic Old Harbour and the beach, which is within easy reach.
“It’s only a five or 10-minute walk away which is great,” said Paula.
“It’s just a shame we haven’t been able to make the most of it this summer due to the weather.”
Contact The Mortgage and Property Centre on 01224 623400.