A family whose historic mansion was destroyed by fire have unveiled ambitious plans to restore it to its former glory.
John and Steph Christie were left devastated when a blaze engulfed B-Listed Blackhills House and reduced their home and treasured possessions to cinders.
But now the couple have learned that the 19th century building can be salvaged – and aim to have it back to its old self by 2020.
They were forced to flee their property near Lhanbryde and huddle under blankets as it burned after being wakened by their fire alarm.
Mrs Christie said blaze, which broke out around 4am on November 26, had left her “stunned”, and that investigators still had little idea of what caused it.
Mrs Christie said: “It could have been electrical but no single cause has been found.
“The only way to describe what happened is that it was quite stunning, we were all just standing there stunned as we watched the fire.
“It took hold gradually but it was strong – the firemen were trying everything but it seemed they just couldn’t put it out.”
More than 50 firefighters battled the blaze, and eventually had it under control by 7.30am.
The manor, which was built in the 1830s, has been owned by three generations of the Christie family.
Mrs Christie said that, although only she and her husband lived there at the time of the incident, it was a “busy house” with family regularly visiting.
The professional music teacher lost her entire stock of instruments, but said she was now rebuilding her collection.
She also expressed her gratitude to the friends and well-wishers who had rallied around the family following their ordeal.
Mrs Christie said: “I was struck by how kind and generous people were.
“Even people we didn’t know would arrive with gifts, including instruments so that I could carry on teaching.
“You feel a bit pathetic after something like that, and don’t know how you will be able to start again, but people’s kindness really helped us.
She added: “We didn’t know if the house would be salvageable, but now we have learned that we can rebuild.
“It was such a beautiful house, we will try to make it look like the old one.”
Mr Christie said: “It should look as it did before, as we will be able to re-use the existing walls.”
Tomorrow, the Christies will celebrate their good news by throwing open the gates of Blackhills Estate’s 60-acre garden to the public.
During the open day, youngsters attached to the Feis Moray music competition will greet visitors with a selection of traditional tunes.
The children are busy tuning up for the contest, which is organised by Mrs Christie and will take place next weekend at Moray College.
Fochabers Lhanbryde councillor Douglas Ross said neighbouring residents would be heartened to see the restoration of the country house.
He said: “I’m delighted that, after such a devastating fire, the future is far more positive for this historic and beautiful house.
“The Christie family are extremely well regarded locally, and I know how much shock and concern there was after the fire.
“I’m pleased for the family that, after such a difficult time, there is a positive future for their house and I know the local community will also welcome this good news.”
