7 bedroom detached house for sale

A once-in-a-generation opportunity to acquire a home of great stature and creativity in one of the most exclusive residential areas of Aberdeen.

Description

In 1877 Rubislaw Estate was bought by the City of Aberdeen Land Association, who sold the estate in plots. Prestigious architects then produced bold and unusual designs to reflect the wealth and individuality of the clients. Kimberley was no different and was built around 1908 for Patrick Cooper an advocate in Aberdeen who had invested in the Kimberley diamond mine in South Africa. Today the current custodian has created something incredibly special, and creatively adapted this magnificent building into an extraordinary home.
Kimberley presents a rare opportunity to acquire a residence of exceptional stature, where grandeur meets style in perfect harmony. Set in one of Aberdeen’s most prestigious avenues, this magnificent granite mansion is as a landmark of architectural elegance and sophisticated living.
Behind two remote-controlled gates, a secluded horseshoe driveway, has six antique London street lamps and leads to one of the largest detached granite-built houses in the area. The approach sets the tone for a property that is both impressive in scale and rich in character.
The entrance is marked by a striking arched Kemnay granite portico and solid oak storm doors, opening into a reception hallway designed to captivate. Here, the wow factor is immediate. Mandala fan-shaped oak panelled walls, a mirrored ceiling plate and cleverly concealed compartments add layers of intrigue but also practicality.
While Kimberley’s current configuration is ideal for entertaining on a grand scale, it remains a much-loved family home, radiating warmth and welcome throughout. The spectacular glass extension, garden-level state-of-the-art swimming pool, and rooftop terrace together create a private oasis in the heart of the city.
A cloakroom of remarkable character showcases reclaimed 500-year-old Scottish oak panelled walls, paired with a concealed throne-style WC seat. A Queen Anne period console supports a magnificent 300-year-old giant clam shell, ingeniously repurposed as a wash basin creating an inspired fusion of history and design.
The Cannon Room, a formal dining space overlooking the manicured rear gardens, exudes elegance. A statuary marble fireplace by Sir John Soane and a polished steel register insert anchor the room. Double doors lead into the breathtaking dining kitchen and garden room. An expansive, light-filled, almost 100 foot long space designed for entertaining at scale, it boasts floor-to-ceiling windows which bathe the room in natural light, while two garden doors seamlessly connect indoor and outdoor living.
A media wall with integrated fireplace offers a cosy retreat, with striking Carmine red lacquered steel columns injecting vibrancy and architectural drama. The bespoke contemporary kitchen is a masterclass in style and functionality, featuring St John diamond white lacquered cabinetry and luxurious marble worktops. A statement marble island with dining space hosts an induction hob, wok burner, Teppanyaki hob, and a stainless steel chimney-style cooker hood. Other high-spec appliances include Siemens refrigeration, wine cooler, steam oven, main oven, microwave, and three warming drawers.
To maintain the pristine aesthetic of the main kitchen, a preparation kitchen is discreetly positioned nearby. This includes a commercial sink, Fisher & Paykel double drawer dishwasher, Siemens freezer and wok burner, and a Falcon extractor hood.
The principal bedroom suite offers views over the rear garden through a large bay window. A dressing room with wall-to-wall mirrored wardrobes leads to an en suite, featuring a vanity unit, WC, and oversized rainfall shower enclosure. Bedroom Two is equally impressive, with a front-facing bay window and a hidden staircase that descends to the lower floor games room. Its en suite includes a deep double-ended spa bath, separate shower, WC, and vanity basin. Bedroom Three, accessed via an inner hall for added privacy, enjoys a front-facing aspect and a sleek en suite shower room with a black star galaxy finish. A stylish home office, complete with a feature wall mural of Cullen Beach, brings a touch of coastal charm.
Descending to the lower garden level, Kimberley continues to impress, with a versatile games room offering ample space for leisure and entertainment, while the adjacent snug provides a more intimate retreat. With its warm, cocooning atmosphere, this room is centred around a Norwegian wood-burning stove, set within a bespoke neo-classical Rubislaw granite fireplace, an exquisite focal point. French doors open directly into the rear gardens.
The utility room is thoughtfully designed, featuring a comprehensive range of wall and base units for extensive storage. Discreet, wall-to-wall cupboards conceal essential utilities, maintaining the clean, streamlined aesthetic of the space.
A true connoisseur’s delight, the wine cellar is finished with 60mm reclaimed Greenland granite and 17th-century London red brick, creating a dramatic and atmospheric setting for wine storage and tasting. Adjacent to this is a secure vault.
A contemporary wet room, fully tiled and sleek in design, adds further convenience to this level. Nearby, a bright and generously proportioned room is currently used as a gym and exercise studio. Features include wall-to-wall built-in storage and direct garden access, making it ideal for wellness and fitness pursuits.
A biometric locking system leads into one of Kimberley’s most extraordinary features: the indoor swimming pool. This exquisitely designed space is more than a pool – it’s a luxurious extension of the home’s entertaining and relaxation zones. An integrated sound system and infinity ceiling create an immersive experience, while the trompe l’oeil wall treatment of the Île St Louis evokes the sensation of swimming beside the Seine.
In the southwest corner, sliding storage doors reflect vintage Au Livre signage, adding a touch of Parisian charm. Mood lighting and a counter-current jet propulsion unit enhance the swimming experience. Finished with Miami porcelain tiled flooring, the pool area is completed by a picture window with Danish granite seating and sills overlooking the garden terrace, a tranquil view that elevates the entire space.
A discreet connecting door links the study of 9 Rubislaw Den North with the ground floor hallway of 9A Rubislaw Den North, marking a graceful transition from contemporary sophistication to a more period-inspired ambience. This architectural shift is both subtle and striking, offering a seamless blend of styles across the residence.
A self-contained vestibule leads to the upper hallway, where a sweeping staircase with a solid timber balustrade and handrail ascends to the magnificent Gothic Revival galleried landing. This space is a true architectural statement, with eye-catching gothic architraves and a detailed cupola, which floods the area with light and enhances the scale and grandeur.
The gothic arches continue throughout the principal bedroom, bedroom two, and the gallery landing, lending a cohesive and romantic character to the upper floor.
The drawing room is an imposing and elegant space, with a large bay window overlooking the rear grounds. A feature marble fireplace with cast iron insert anchors the room, offering both warmth and visual splendour. Adjacent, the formal dining room is bright and welcoming, with expansive windows and a glazed door leading directly onto the roof terrace. Perfect for alfresco dining and entertaining, this room also features a marble fireplace with cast iron insert.
The dining kitchen has a range of cabinetry, complemented by luxurious marble worksurfaces. Appliances include a refrigerator, freezer, double electric oven, ceramic hob, and cooker hood. A utility room has matching cabinetry, marble surfaces and space for appliances. Three bedrooms on this level are served by two stylish shower rooms. A curved staircase leads to an en suite bedroom. The opposite wing, provides practical solutions for everyday.

Location

The ‘Energy Capital of Europe’ and a vibrant hub for many years, the city of Aberdeen is home to two universities: Aberdeen University and Robert Gordon University. Cultural facilities include a recently extended and refurbished art gallery, the Maritime Museum, a concert hall and theatre. P & J Live is the northeast of Scotland main arts and events venue, boasting world-class conference and exhibition facilities along with a superior 15,000 capacity arena. Aberdeen Beach can be found a short distance from Aberdeen city centre and the area is also where Pittodrie Stadium is located, which is home to Aberdeen Football Club, affectionally known as The Dons. The new AWPR bypass ensures easy access to the north and south of the city. Aberdeen International Airport is 6 miles away and there is a mainline east coast train service with frequent journeys to London King’s Cross and rail links further north to Inverness and south to Gleneagles and Edinburgh. Private schools include Robert Gordon’s College, Albyn School, St Margaret’s (girls) and the International School of Aberdeen (2 miles). Gordonstoun (70 miles) is a co-educational private school for boarding and day pupils for children between the ages of 8 – 18.

Located on the northeast coast, Aberdeenshire is one of Scotland’s largest and most diverse counties and extends from the North Sea coastline inland to the Cairngorm mountains which rise majestically to the west. Kimberly lies west of Aberdeen city, nestled in one of the most exclusive neighbourhoods. Rich in historic castles and boasting fertile farmland, the Aberdeenshire area is renowned for producing the malting barley which supplies the many whisky distilleries in the region.

Deeside, through which the River Dee flows, attracts visitors from far and wide. Balmoral Castle has been the Scottish home of the Royal Family since it was purchased for Queen Victoria by Prince Albert in 1852. There is a wealth of sport on offer for which Scotland is famed: salmon fishing on the rivers Dee, Don and Deveron, pheasant and partridge shooting on many of the low ground estates, red and roe deer stalking and the opportunity for grouse on the rolling heath hills. The area boasts numerous golf courses. To the east lie Royal Aberdeen and Trump International, both well regarded links course.

The Cairngorms National Park known as a stronghold for many rare and endangered species of flora and fauna is situated some 53 miles to the west of the property and offers a wide range of outdoor activities including hill walking, skiing, mountain biking and wildlife spotting. The steeper mountains at The Lecht (49 miles), Glenshee (60 miles) and Aviemore (91 miles) offer skiing when winter conditions are suitable and endless walking challenges throughout the year.

Square Footage: 9,914 sq ft



Additional Info

Outside: The approach to Kimberley is almost as impressive as the residence itself. The front driveway and turning area is finished in smooth tarmacadam and provides ample space for multiple vehicles. To the rear, the grounds unfold into a tranquil haven. Two expansive granite-flagstone terraces provide elegant outdoor living spaces; one incorporating a delightful kitchen garden, adding a touch of country living to this city sanctuary. The rear garden, predominantly laid to lawn, offers a lush green backdrop and a sense of openness. At its heart lies the ultimate alfresco retreat – a stunning garden roof terrace accessed directly from the first-floor dining room. Enclosed by a sleek glazed perimeter screen, this elevated space is perfect for enjoying morning coffee, evening drinks, or hosting guests in style. Adding a whimsical and family-friendly touch is a two-storey timber treehouse, complete with a raised timber deck area – a magical hideaway for children or a unique vantage point for garden views. A timber garden store provides practical storage for tools and outdoor equipment, seamlessly integrated into the landscape.

Garage: Positioned to the east side of the property, recently constructed is a detached granite building styled on a former coach house and now offers a highly versatile space with both garaging and accommodation. This one-and-a-half storey structure has been thoughtfully modernised, fully insulated, and fitted with central heating, making it suitable for a wide range of uses. The ground floor serves as a substantial garage for vehicles, accessed via two electric roller doors and a secure steel pedestrian door. The space is finished with porcelain tiled flooring and insulated garage doors, ensuring both durability and comfort. A cloakroom with WC and wash basin adds convenience for those using the space as a workshop or studio. Internally accessed from the garage is a suite of rooms, currently used as a home office, but equally suited to guest accommodation, studio space, or a private retreat. Two front-facing rooms offer bright and flexible living or working areas, while a rear kitchen and shower room provide full self-contained functionality. The building’s pitched and slated roof incorporates double-glazed Velux roof lights, flooding the upper level with natural light and enhancing the sense of space.

General: A number of majestic and mature trees may be subject to a tree preservation order (TPO).

Miscellaneous: Specification details include the following in certain parts of the property. Arabescato Corchia marble from Tuscany features extensively throughout the property and the majority of the flooring is finished in Havwoods engineered Antibe oak or Carrara marble where hand selected blocks from the Tuscan quarry accumulated to 37 tonnes for this project. Hard wired multiple speakers and subwoofers throughout the glass extension, gym and pool, currently operated by a Sonos app. Two doors in the glass extension are sky frame Zurich electrically operated. Hard wired speakers. Multiple lighting circuits in the glass extension ceiling space. Floor wired with Cat 6. All ground floor rooms have multiple 5amp circuits. Luxurious wallcoverings include the following: hand blocked De Gournay parrot wallpaper and other wall coverings by Timorous Beasties and Fornasetti. The bronze door handles are nickel plated by Collier Webb along with some of the fully integrated bespoke built in wardrobes. Concealed double room vault with reclaimed steel door and frame from former department store Esslemont and Macintosh of Union Street, Aberdeen. Milanese ceramic tiles.All the external paving is 25mm flamed granite reclaimed from the Holyrood parliament project.PE cell lighting extends throughout the garden.

Services: Mains electricity, gas, water and drainage. Central heating to the ground and lower garden accommodation is supplied with irrigated wet underfloor heating. Three Worcester Bosch boilers. The first floor and attic level has central heating with cast iron radiators. There are two wood burning stoves. Windows are a combination of replacement timber casement style with triple glazing. Attic accommodation is a combination of modern double glazed Velux roof lights. The rear extension has feature full height aluminium double glazed doors. The cupola over the main stairwell is double glazed. Timber and triple glazed French doors lead from the rear wall of the lower ground floor sitting room. There is a double glazed door to the gym. Timber panel and triple glazed door between the first floor dining room and roof terrace. Intruder alarm system including the garage. Security lighting. CCTV and fire detection. A plant room has clear and accessible equipment.