In Aberdeenshire is a turreted masterpiece

room and a gym. But it wasn’t always so welcoming.

David recalls: “I remember the first time I saw the house.

“Murray had called me at work insisting we had to see this ‘perfect’ property.

“It was February and freezing, so I drove all the way out there.

“When I was inside, standing on the landing, it started snowing – inside the property!

“An old pre-velux style window had slipped out of place and snow was coming in the gap. That was it. We just had to have it.”

In 1998, they moved in and, with vision and determination, the Knowles created a home with all the comforts of modern living while maintaining period features such as ceiling roses, panelling and ornate architraves.

Harlaw also boasts an impressive staircase, an elegant lounge and formal dining room, a cosy snug and an expansive country kitchen. But the couple have decided to hand over custodianship of the historic home they have loved.

David explains: “We are both from North Yorkshire and have family there we would like to be closer to for a time. In the longer term we would like to move abroad, to France or Italy.”

The Knowles’ home is on the market with Peterkins for offers over £848,000.

Whip up delicious decor

touches in the kitchen: Budget units, open-plan

shelves and stainless steel work tops create a sleek look, softened by leather handles and reclaimed

painted floorboards.

▼▼