The Courier & Advertiser (Fife Edition)
A home with room to grow
What started life as a simple bungalow is now a modern, stylish home, as Ellie House finds out when she visits an extensively refurbished property that also has quite a surprise in its beautiful gardens in Edzell
Number Nine, Dunlappie Road will always be special to Debbie and Colin Nicoll, for it has been in their family for more than 30 years. It was built by Colin’s grandfather, who ran a well-known building business in Arbroath.
The couple have loved living at the beautiful family home, which can be found in the picturesque village of Edzell, near Brechin.
It is difficult to believe this modern and stylish home began life as a simple bungalow, for the Nicolls undertook an impressive renovation project in 2008.
Number Nine now boasts an upstairs, which includes an impressive master bedroom with glass balcony and views of a golf course.
There are five bedrooms in total, although versatility means an office could also serve as another bedroom.
But the greatest surprise of all can be found in the idyllic gardens, and goes by the charming name of Birch Cottage.
After having two children, the couple decided to start their own selfcatering holiday business. The perfect opportunity was on their doorstep, thanks to a coal and hay byre that was originally part of the Edzell railway line.
“The old railway line ran through part of the garden and beyond, through Edzell golf course,” said Debbie.
“Having converted our house in 2008, we decided to start a new project in 2014 and turned the byre into a cottage.
“The cottage is separate from our home, offering privacy. It is a quirky space with some traditional features remaining, including the sliding white byre doors and the cobbled courtyard.”
Birch Cottage has a four-star Visit Scotland rating, and five-star reviews on TripAdvisor.
It offers two bedrooms, one of which is en suite, as well as an open-plan living room/kitchen, further shower room and a private deck/courtyard area.
“New owners have the option to continue letting it as a successful business or, as is commonly the case now, use it as a ‘granny annexe’,” said Debbie.
“We have been very spoiled for space here, with the main house and the luxury of an enclosed private garden.”
Aside from the lovely rural location, Colin and Debbie have enjoyed combining traditional features with modern comfort. Number Nine offers
● Offers should be made of more than £480,000.
● Contact Savills on 01356 628628. extensive entertaining space that includes a dining room, living room (with open fire) and snug room with wood-burning stove.
The kitchen will enable you to cater for the whole family at special occasions, and the layout is perfect for welcoming visitors.
Two bedrooms can be found downstairs, and a further room, which is currently in use as an office, could also be used as a bedroom.
“This is a wonderful family home but it would appeal to a wide range of people as there is flexibility in how they maximise the space,” said Debbie.
“The views and sunsets from our master bedroom are wonderful and the extension has enabled us to enjoy three bedrooms upstairs.”
The family have also lavished the garden with love and attention, and have even created a private seated firepit area.
“Edzell is a fantastic community, with everything on your doorstep, great local amenities and beautiful river/woodland walks – it is a truly special place to bring up family,” added Debbie.