Hurrah for ‘hoo-gah’
Live like a Dane in cosy home with THREE wood fires, writes Paul Drury
THE Danes have a word for it. ‘Hygge’ (pronounced hoogah), embraces everything that is rosy, cosy and nice about snuggling up in front of a blazing fire in winter. Now becoming a trendy lifestyle import, this involves staying warm through such delights as dragging out chunky throw blankets and serving up cups of steaming cocoa.
Perhaps the closest Scotland gets to a ‘hygge’ property is this five-bedroom granite home in Aboyne, Aberdeenshire.
The north wind may blow but Craigveigh East becomes a glowing retreat in the dark months thanks to no fewer than three logburning fires dotted around the house.
The best of them is in the garden room, a structure topped by the kind of square cupola you tend to see in distilleries. Now that’s an even warmer thought.
The selling agents recognise that someone sensible would use this space as a hobby room or office.
But they acknowledge its ‘hygge’ credentials, saying: ‘As we leave those long, warmish, summer evenings and autumn beckons, what better than to be able to snuggle up in front of a wood-burning fire, enjoying the nights as they draw in.’ The fire, and its sleek stainless steel flue, tend to dominate the garden room, which opens to the back via folding doors.
Two of the five bedrooms are also on the ground floor. One could be used as a sitting room as it also has a wood stove.
The lounge, with yet another wood burner, comfortably extends into the dining area. The kitchen offers a range of modern base, wall and drawer units and integrated appliances.
Upstairs, there are three more bedrooms and a stylish family bathroom. There is no woodburner but things could warm up nicely here regardless, thanks to the walk-in shower and comfy free-standing bath.
The rear garden is something of a sun trap and features a pond that attracts a variety of wildlife. From there, it is only a short walk to the village green, modelled on a quintessential English village, which annually hosts Aboyne’s Highland Games.
Craigveigh East is conveniently located for the open spaces of the Aberdeenshire countryside.
Aboyne is an active community, with primary and secondary schooling, a theatre, sports centre and swimming pool.
As well as that, it is home to the oldest 18-hole golf club on Royal Deeside, while the Aberdeen Water Ski Club is located on Aboyne Loch, and there is a gliding club on the outskirts of town.
Bear in mind that Aboyne’s location means it is often one of the snowiest and coldest places in Britain. Bring on the hygge.
Offers over £475,000 to Aaron Thomson of Aberdein Considine. Telephone 01330 827281 or email: athomson@acandco.com