Impressive family home with exceptional mature, tiered and landscaped gardens of about 1.4 acres. A true oasis in the city.

Description

Located in an elevated and commanding position on the bank of the River Don, the house immediately to the west is historic Thomas Glover House. The origins of the house begin between 1800 and 1820 (listed in the Census 1820) where a cottage was built into the walls that surround the gardens. The house was enlarged in 1880 upon being gifted as a marriage settlement. All the wood in the front extension is Baltic pitch pine including the main staircase. There are three open fireplaces within the main reception rooms with a wood burning stove in the sitting room. In abundance are period features including high ceilings, wooden flooring, dado rails, column radiators, elongated bay windows, working window shutters, bookcases, panelled doors and picture rails.

ACCOMMODATION
This substantial detached granite and slate house must be one of Aberdeen’s best kept secrets.
It is an absolute oasis in the city with cultivated, tiered and landscaped gardens providing peace and tranquillity. A large entrance vestibule has tiled flooring and glass doors flood light into the reception hallway. The split level drawing room is extremely elegant and bright with a feature archway, dual marble fireplaces and bay window with window seat overlooking the front garden. Double side doors flank a fireplace with garden access. With its intricate wooden carved fire surround with open fire and bay window, the dining room is formal yet inviting. The family room is perfect for relaxed living with twin aspect windows and a log burner within a marble fire surround. A substantial staircase with carpet runner and brass stair rods leads to a large landing with an opaque window and skylight. The principal bedroom has triple aspect windows overlooking the front garden, an alcove and shelving. En suite is a large shower enclosure, Heritage white wash basin and WC, chrome ladder towel rail and window with a garden view. There is a comprehensive range of wardrobes incorporating hanging and shelf space and original built in drawers.

Double bedrooms two, three, four and five are serviced by a family bathroom, a feature of which is the roll top free standing bath with ornate feet and separate shower enclosure. The ground floor rear inner hall offers good under stair storage cupboards. For everyday tasks there is the laundry room with fitted units. This room is home to a Nordic sauna and separate shower and w.c has a stained glass panelled door.

At the heart of the home is the dining kitchen fitted with hand made ash wood cabinets incorporating glass fronted dresser style units. These are complemented by black granite worksurfaces and tiled splashbacks. There is an island with storage and seating at one end and ample space for a further dining table. French doors lead into the side garden. A more self contained aspect to the house is the side vestibule with striking black and white chequered tiled flooring and cloakroom with WC and wash hand basin. The rear internal hallway gives access to bedroom six with dual aspect windows. The library with bay window overlooking the side garden has a decorative cast iron open fireplace and charming arched glass fronted bookcases. A wooden staircase with garden views leads to bedroom seven which overlooks the courtyard. Adjacent is a fully tiled bath with over bath shower, making this part of the house ideal for guests.

Stable block
Constructed of granite and slate, this was the original stable block with double doors and windows to the courtyard and would be ideal as a garage. Stairs lead up to the hay loft area, which is fully floored with light and power.

Coach house
Former coach house of brick and timber construction with a pitched and slated roof. Currently used as a workshop area with power and light and a side area with secured outside storage.

Formal gardens
The grounds are bounded by large sections of stone and brick walls to the front and side and a low stone wall fronting onto the River Don which has metal railings. Tiered over many levels the garden grounds have a flow of terraces, borders, lawns and ornamental flower beds which have been carefully cultivated and landscaped over the 16 years of current ownership. There are a number of mature trees and shrubs and a variety of seating areas to enjoy the ultimate alfresco experience.

A sweeping horseshoe driveway is enclosed by large metal gates and leads to a lock block courtyard with parking and turning for numerous vehicles.

Location

Brig O’ Balgownie is a 13th century bridge spanning the River Don in Old Aberdeen and extensively renovated in 1605. Throughout its history the bridge has been considered an important asset. For five centuries possession of the bridge was the only way to move large armies quickly along the eastern coast of Aberdeenshire. It also provided a trade route to the wealthy areas of the northeast of Scotland.

Old Aberdeen is a hidden gem in the northeast. Here, almost uniquely in Scotland, you can visit a medieval cathedral, a late medieval bridge and a late 15th century college. A small town that was independent from Aberdeen between 1489 and 1891, Old Aberdeen, situated on the northern edge of the city of Aberdeen, is largely a conservation area, and retains a wonderful sense of history and an intriguing mixture of architecture. It is rich in historic buildings: some, like St Machar’s Cathedral, date from the Middle Ages, and there are many period buildings of the 18th to early 19th centuries, mostly built in the local grey granite which is famous for its silver sparkle on sunny days. The King’s College campus of the University of Aberdeen is in Old Aberdeen, its buildings ranging from its 15th century chapel to the stunning new library by architects Schmidt Hammer Lassen, opened in 2012. There is also a pub, range of shops and a bank. Seaton Park, with its hidden walled garden and numerous riverside walks, is within minutes of the property; a wide range of wildlife can be seen there including ducks, swans, herons, otters, seals, red squirrels and deer. The Donmouth beach is also nearby.

Situated relatively near to a main arterial route with an excellent local bus service, you are minutes from Aberdeen city centre which provides the amenities one expects of a modern city, including six malls. There are numerous pubs, bars, cafés and restaurants, with a fantastic theatre, concert halls, art gallery and cinemas to enjoy. Aberdeen is renowned for its superb educational and recreational facilities; there are extensive indoor and outdoor activities all near the property. As well as the excellent bus services within the city, there are good links by air, rail and coach to places within Scotland, UK and further afield; with national and international flights being provided from Dyce International Airport. The main LNER line operates from Aberdeen providing a link to Edinburgh, to the north of England and to London. ScotRail provides services throughout Scotland including to Glasgow, Perth and Inverness.

Square Footage: 4,348 sq ft


Acreage: 1.4 Acres

Directions

From Union Street in Aberdeen city centre take King Street/A956 north, cross bridge at River Don onto Ellon Road turn left onto Balgownie Road and the property is about 0.5 miles on the left side of road.

Aberdeen International Airport 6.7 miles
Railway Station 3.7 miles
Royal Aberdeen Golf Club 0.9 miles
Aberdeen Beach 1.1 miles*

*Please note that all distances are approximate