Best of both worlds
Updates mean period home has time on its side, writes Paul Drury
Period properties have their undoubted attractions – but the smart owners of older homes know that when it comes to bricks and mortar, you simply can’t afford to let time stand still.
Houses built around the turn of the last century require constant routine maintenance, from the roof that’s showing its age to the chugging boiler that needs upgrading.
But the layout and decor of the house should also be kept under constant review, to cherrypick the best of contemporary living and blend it seamlessly with the blueprint of Victorian or edwardian class.
The long-standing owners of this granitefronted family home in Aberdeen’s desswood Place have done a sterling job of keeping up with the times by hitching their traditional 1890 terraced house to the openplan lifestyle families crave today.
Yes, the ‘good’ room at the front has been retained in all its Victorian finery, with its high ceiling, bay window, feature fireplace and decorative ceiling rose.
The dining room, too, remains unchanged in purpose from the day the house was built, exploiting the picture rail division on the wall to create an attractive twotone palette.
But venture towards the back of the property and you are transported to the 21st century, thanks to a stunning modern extension which provides a communal living area everyone wants to share.
The house wasn’t built with a ‘proper’ kitchen. After all, the Victorians were never keen on providing elaborate washing and cooking facilities for the hired help. Situated in the West end within walking distance of the city centre, there is a good chance the original owners enjoyed the assistance of a maid or two.
So, this bright and stylish kitchen/diner, with its adjoining sitting room, was fashioned out of a scullery and outhouse around 2010, making it a ‘visionary’ project at the time.
The family has also converted one of the seven bedrooms into a working-from-home suite big enough to accommodate two work stations – and, on the first floor, Karndean flooring is particularly attractive.
in the back garden, the family was thinking ahead by installing a an electric vehicle charging point.
What had been a monobloc patio at the back door has been transformed by AstroTurf, to provide a softer landing for children playing in the garden. The Aberdeen property market has been in a slumber in recent years, depressed by the downturn in the oil and gas industry.
The so-called ‘race for space’ in the wake of the pandemic, combined with an increase in energy prices, has fuelled something of a recovery in the past 18 months.
According to registers of Scotland, the average cost of a home in the city increased in the year to August by 7.6 per cent.
Northern lights are sparkling once more.
Offers over £595,000 to Lauren Porteous of Aberdein Considine, on 01224 560209 or lporteous@ acandco.com