Stairway to heaven
Modern villa’s grand steps would make even Scarlett O’Hara swoon
THIS grand property might be in the NorthEast, but there are more than a few echoes of The Deep South. You can easily imagine Scarlett O’Hara sweeping down the imposing staircase in the front hall, just as she did in classic movie Gone With the Wind.
These steps really are something to behold – a mirror-curved, American white oak, double cantilever staircase. This is certainly not something you see in too many modern Scottish homes.
It opens up from the foyer, with access to the ground-floor rooms straight ahead.
If you get only one chance to make a good first impression, then this does the job... and then some.
This detached home in Aberdeen takes the concept of the detached executive villa to the luxurious limit, offering four bedrooms and five bathrooms, and all with underfloor heating.
Earlspark Avenue is discreetly tucked away in the prestigious residential area of Bieldside, looking down the gentle south slope of Blacktop over Royal Deeside.
Yet for all its rural appeal, you are only a short distance away from the heart of the Granite City.
The living accommodation is spacious. The lounge has windows overlooking the front garden, while the comfortable dining room is flooded with light.
If more relaxed space is needed, there is a stand-alone family room as well as plenty of room within the beautiful kitchen, which has a central island and a range of highend Smeg equipment. French doors open out to the rear garden.
The landscaping has been wellthought-out, with a couple of pleasant patio areas for al fresco dining when the weather allows.
Opinions are often divided on the use of artificial grass but the manmade surface has been adopted here to make things easier for pets and children.
The housebuilders have continued the luxury theme upstairs.
The open gallery leads to a wide hallway, where four impressive bedrooms are to be found.
The master bedroom offers two double-built wardrobes and a particularly lavish and modern bathroom suite, comprising a stand-alone bath, shower and ‘his and hers’ wash basins.
What is described by the selling agents as the ‘pièce de résistance’ to the room is the French doors which lead to a balcony, offering views over the open countryside.
The second bedroom also boasts an en suite and double wardrobe.
Two other bedrooms across the hall are similarly finished. This special villa provides the space you would normally only get with an older property, along with the addition of modern touches such as double glazing, a security alarm system, lock block driveway and double garage.
A lot of thought has also gone into the layout of the garden area, which gives you much sought-after privacy and is surrounded by lush woodland. When we are allowed to welcome guests to barbecues once more, this would be a fantastic space for entertaining.
But to make sure visitors appreciate the Gone With the Wind staircase, bring them into the garden via the front door.
And if your other half objects to this procession of people through the property, you could always use Rhett Butler’s classic riposte: ‘Frankly, my dear...’