Impressive B listed six bedroom detached Georgian former manse, situated within a garden oasis of about 3.4 acres. Located on the periphery of the thriving Donside village of Alford.

Description

Mansefield is an impressive B listed Georgian house. Formerly the manse for the Alford Auld West Kirk, where there are several locally important graves, including the early botanist John Duncan and poet Charles Murray. The central part of the house dates from 1718, the north wing was added in 1832 whilst the south wing was added in the Victorian era. The house provides well proportioned accommodation essentially on two floors. A striking period home, many traditional features have been preserved, including high ceilings, deep skirtings and cornicing, ornamental fireplaces and picture rails. The house sits comfortably within 3.4 acres of grounds that include a walled garden, extensive lawns and woodland areas that stretch down to the Leochel Burn; a tributary of the River Don. Mansefield previously participated in Scotland’s Gardens Scheme for several years.

ACCOMMODATION
A partially glazed entrance door leads into the spacious entrance vestibule, where a further partially glazed door with surrounding window panels leads into the welcoming reception hall. Within the hall there is a shelved cupboard, store room and access to the rear entrance hall. A carpeted staircase leads to the upper living accommodation, while there is also a well appointed WC cloakroom with white two piece suite.

From the reception hall there is entry to the generously proportioned sitting room, which enjoys dual aspect views across the garden grounds from sash and case windows with working shutters. A peaceful and relaxing room, the central focal point is the fine slate fireplace with wood burning stove.

A split level staircase from the sitting room provides direct access to the delightful dining kitchen, which enjoys lovely dual aspect views over the gardens and includes a bespoke Murray & Murray kitchen with Farrow & Ball hand painted and solid oak units; creating a contemporary yet traditional ambience. There is a good range of attractive base and wall units, drawers and display space, incorporating an integrated dishwasher and fridge. The Kirkstone slate work surfaces incorporate a Belfast ceramic sink, in addition to a two ring induction hob. A striking electric three oven AGA in Aubergine is situated under an elevated timber mantel. The central island provides more thoughtfully arranged storage, while the wide European oak work surface incorporates a small ceramic preparation sink. Within a large granite recessed fireplace there is a contemporary wood burning stove.

From the dining kitchen there is access to the rear entrance hall, which is of neutral decoration. With access to the gardens and reception hall, the split level hall also allows entry to a pantry with extensive shelving, and deep fitted cupboard, and the utility room. Plumbed for white appliances, the utility room is fitted with a solid wood work surface incorporating a slimline Belfast sink, while there is also a WC. Within the rear hall, a doorway leads down a wooden staircase to the extensive cellar accommodation, which is split into two interconnected rooms, with the former coal cellar also accessible.

Returning to the reception hall, a panelled door leads into the elegant dining room, which enjoys views across the garden grounds via twin windows. Featuring glazed display cabinetry and a central open fireplace within an exposed granite recess, the dining room is the ideal location for formal entertainment and events.

The impressive drawing room is a further generously proportioned living space of elegant decoration. With ample space available for freestanding furniture, there is an original working marble fireplace. A charming bay window with wood panelled surround provides open views across the gardens.

Completing the ground floor accommodation is the comfortable study. Fully carpeted and with a large window overlooking the church yard, there is an original ornamental fireplace with inset tiling.

Ascending the carpeted staircase to the first floor, the extensive landing lies on a gentle split level, while fitted storage is available within an under stair cupboard and a walk in store room with clothes rails and coat hooks.

SEE ADDITIONAL DETAILS FOR MORE INFORMATION.

Location

Mansefield is situated in a rural yet accessible location in the Aberdeenshire countryside approximately one and a half miles from the centre of Alford. Now a large thriving village, Alford includes a health centre, independent shops, banking, post office, filling station and hotels, while there is also a regular bus route to Aberdeen city. Nursery, primary and secondary education are well catered for as part of the Community Campus, which provides an array of sporting facilities, theatre and 25m swimming pool. Within Alford there is also a dry ski slope and an 18 hole golf course. Haughton Country Park spans 200 acres, with children’s play area, walks and trails, putting green and campsite. For those interested in walking, fishing, shooting and horse riding, there is a myriad of leisure activities available within the rolling Aberdeenshire countryside.

Inverurie is an expanding and prosperous town situated in the valley of the River Don with good road and rail links to the north and south including to Aberdeen, Dyce, Huntly and Inverness. There is a health centre, which is integral to the local hospital, several large supermarkets, a Marks & Spencer food store, a swimming pool and community centre nearby as well as golf, tennis and bowling. Hillwalking is a popular activity, with many routes available including at the popular Hill of Bennachie.

Westhill provides an excellent range of amenities and leisure facilities, including an 18 hole golf course, health centre, a bustling shopping complex with Marks & Spencer Food Hall and Costa, while there are also COSTCO and Tesco superstores.

Aberdeen lies just under 28 miles away, with the Aberdeen Western Peripheral Route providing improved travel in and around Aberdeen and a quicker and more direct route south to Dundee. The international airport offers regular flights to London and other UK and European cities. There are regular train services from Aberdeen, including a sleeper to King’s Cross, London. Aberdeen provides all the services of a major city, including business, leisure and health facilities, theatres and cinemas, restaurants and a wide range of shopping. There is private schooling including Robert Gordon’s School, St Margaret’s, and Albyn School as well as the International School at Pitfodels. There are two universities and two colleges of further education.

Inverurie 19 miles
Westhill 20.6 miles
Aberdeen City 27.5 miles*

*Please note that all distances are approximate.

Square Footage: 5,314 sq ft


Acreage: 3.4 Acres

Directions

From Aberdeen city, follow the A944 through Westhill and Elrick, and continue towards Alford. Once in Alford, as the road forks at the monument, keep right along the A944 and continue along this road to the outskirts. Thereafter take the second road on the left marked for the A980 and keep straight. Mansefield is located on the right hand side before the humped back bridge over the Leochel Burn and is preceded by a white gate.

Additional Info

FIRST FLOOR
The principal bedroom is of tasteful decoration, with two windows and fitted seating providing far reaching views over the property frontage. Fully carpeted and fitted with built in twin double wardrobes, there is a centrally positioned ornamental fireplace. A carpeted split level stair leads up to the contemporary en suite bathroom. Boasting underfloor heating, the en suite includes a sumptuous curved bath, fully tiled generous shower enclosure with power shower and a gloss white vanity unit incorporating a white wash hand basin and WC with concealed cistern.

The remaining bedrooms on the first floor are all well proportioned rooms with period features and views across the gardens. Completing the first floor is the family bathroom, which includes a white three piece suite with power shower over the bath.

SECOND FLOOR
A carpeted staircase from the first floor leads to the attic accommodation. Bedroom six is a well proportioned room with built in wardrobe, full length shelving and a Velux skylight. A further attic room provides further storage space and houses the hot water cylinders.

GARDENS AND OUTBUILDINGS
Extending to about 3.4 acres, Mansefield is nestled within a tranquil countryside oasis. Beautifully landscaped and maintained by the current owners, the garden grounds will enchant all visitors. A gated entrance leads along a sweeping tarmacadam driveway bordered by sections of mature hedging. To the front of Mansefield the grounds are mostly laid to lawn, with pathways through the trees, rhododendrons, shrubs and along the peaceful Leochel Burn. The magnificent walled garden lies to the North-East of the house. It features a network of gravel paths, extensive herbaceous borders, topiary, fruit and vegetable beds and mature fruit trees. The Alton timber framed greenhouse will remain. The charming pagoda is the ideal spot to enjoy the last of the evening sun, while there are plenty of other opportunities for al fresco relaxation. The former gardener’s cottage is situated in the south-west corner of the walled garden and includes an externally accessed loft. A steading building in the north-eat corner of the walled garden is divided into three sections, and is partially used as a garage with a separate access track from the public road. Both the gardener’s cottage and steading may be suitable for conversion subject to obtaining the necessary consents.