Home that’s really forever
Green oak at its heart, a vista of heather hills, Strawberry Fields is in tune with nature
FOR helicopter pilot Rod MacDonald, it should have been Strawberry Fields… Forever. The house named after The Beatles’ hit should have been his retirement home but, unfortunately, he has had to give up work and sell his much-loved 19th Century converted barn.
Strawberry Fields sits next to the farm it once served in the idyllic location of Pitcaple, near Inverurie in Aberdeenshire.
Its striking design is the work of Glasgow architect Andrew McAvoy, who crafted the famous ‘pods’ for TV series Castaway.
Having won numerous awards for design and sustainability, it represents the concept of flexible open-plan living better than almost any other example currently on offer in Scotland.
The vast lounge extension has a vaulted ceiling, with green oak frame and quality slate tiles. At its heart sits a wood-burning stove and the giant windows offer views towards Bennachie, the range of hills which rises out of the ground a few miles away.
Mr MacDonald joked that the open-plan lounge/kitchen/diner offers a diplomatic way of avoiding people you don’t like at parties.
He said: ‘The space suits me down to the ground, it’s so versatile.
‘It comes into its own when entertaining. You know what parties are like….they usually get split between the living room and the kitchen.
‘This way, you can constantly keep on the move, ducking out of the way to avoid your least favourite person.’
Who would have thought the house without walls would become our most popular form of modern living?
For much of this century, families have veered toward big open spaces where you can cook, watch TV and keep an eye on the children doing their homework – all in one place.
Strawberry Fields takes this concept to a new level, adding sparkling design touches to open-plan practicality.
For example, the dining area has a lovely curved wall inlaid with decorative glass, while a galleried landing on the first floor overlooks the spacious lounge on the ground floor.
Mr MacDonald said: ‘One of the
most difficult things about flying is the stress it brings on. Landing back here, I would just relax completely.
‘I can’t tell you how jealous I am of the new owners. Everyone who comes here does not want to leave. It’s like a retreat.
‘It seems to sit so naturally in its environment because there’s so much wood and glass.’
Sadly, it’s another Beatles hit that comes to mind in Mr MacDonald’s relationship with his house… Hello, Goodbye.