Wowee! Towie’s a Mill in a million
It’s a perfect property for family gatherings
WHEN Jane Cooke and her offshore installation manager husband Kevin decided to go house-hunting, they had no intention of escaping to the countryside.
They had their hearts set on a more urban location, somewhere close to shops, schools and a local pub.
But then they spotted a spectacular converted mill in rolling fields near Turriff in Aberdeenshire and were smitten.
Jane, 50, confesses: “It was a lovely sunny day when we went to see Mill of Towie near Auchterless.
“It was love at first sight. It didn’t matter a bit that it was surrounded by fields.
“We thought it was gorgeous – and still do.”
So it is not without regret that Jane and Kevin, 58, are preparing to part with the pretty whitewashed mill that has been their happy home for the last 10 years.
Jane explains: “Our children are grown up now.
“Our daughter has a baby and is returning to work and needs my help with childcare.
“Kevin is preparing to retire and we were planning on down-sizing eventually, so it makes sense to move closer to her and to downsize now.”
Although it is in the heart of the country, Mill of Towie is just a short drive from the buzzing communities of Turriff, Fyvie and Inverurie and an easy commute to Aberdeen.
And despite oozing history and character, the home enjoys all the comforts of modern living, such as double glazing, oil-fired central heating and solar panels which provide the majority of its electricity.
From the expansive entry hall with a magnificent oak staircase and feature window, this house promises great things. And it keeps on giving.
A mezzanine level accommodates the striking master bedroom which has its own dressing room and tasteful en suite bathroom.
On the top floor, where the family bathroom is located, are three further double bedrooms, all with bespoke units.
But it is the living areas which set this property aside.
A feature oak door leads into a cavernous lounge with an inglenook fire place with a Vermont wood burning stove.
There is also a games room and family/dining room which also has its own Vermont stove along with elegant French windows leading to the sun room.
Once too cold to use in winter and too hot to enjoy in summer, the Cookes breathed new life into this sun trap by slating its roof and controlling its unruly temperatures.
It’s now a comfortable space from which to enjoy fabulous views year round.
But it is the kitchen, with its bespoke oak units, ingenious moveable island and Aga stove, that is the heart of the home.
Jane says: “The woodwork inside the house is wonderful and we love the inglenook, but our favourite room is the kitchen. We had it made to meet our needs.
“It has a fabulous Aga and a moveable island that can make space for a huge table at Christmas when we often have 20 people to lunch.”
The Cookes have plenty of room for staying guests, as they built a stand-alone garage for four cars in the grounds with an apartment above comprising shower room, living room, kitchenette and bedroom.
Says Jane: “We’ve loved Christmas in the house, now it’s time to allow another family to experience that joy.”
Mill of Towie is on the market with Rowson & Associates for offers over £580,000.
See rowsonandassociates.com