THE SPACE AND LIGHT FANTASTIC
Bright, airy Aberdeenshire dream home boasts spectacular panoramas
IT took five years for Bob and Gill Leckie to gain planning permission for their dream home.
They already owned the land overlooking the Hill of Fare in Aberdeenshire which was being used for equestrian purposes.
But it took time and effort to persuade planners it was a good idea to approve the luxury waterside dwelling that is now Fareview.
The couple had planned the house, set in green, rolling countryside at beautiful Midmar near Inverurie, as their retirement home.
Sadly, Gill had only four happy years in her new house before losing her battle against cancer, aged 59, five years ago.
Bob, 68, who with his late wife shares a cherished family comprising three grown-up daughters and six grandkids, explains: “We had been using the land for horses and had a stud farm, but thought it would be a stunning location for a home.”
The couple approached Morris Associates of Aberdeen who took on their project.
The build took a year, with the luxurious kitchen and quality bathrooms supplied by Laing’s of Inverurie. The result is stunning.
Fareview, built to capitalise on the breathtaking views, has floor-to-ceiling windows and bi-folding doors along is south façade which overlook its gorgeous gardens, pond and the hill.
This property, which has 16 acres of ground including a three-acre paddock, triple garage, and large shed and stables, is all about space and light.
Boasting 4/5 large bedrooms, 2/3 public rooms, and five luxury bathrooms, its sleek, minimalist décor echoes the tranquillity and calm of the surrounding landscape, yet is only two miles from the nearest community and less than 30 minutes from Aberdeen.
The statement entrance hall
is open and spacious and features a striking staircase. The home’s cavernous formal lounge stretches the width of the property and has been cleverly designed to also work well as a ground floor master suite with en suite shower room.
And its kitchen sits centrally at the heart of the property, fitted with bespoke Corian and granite worktops.
The family and dining areas of this part of the home, as with the lounge, open via bi-fold doors on to the garden patio. There is also an elegant sun room.
Bob, tells iN10: “Fareview was to be the home we would grow old in. It didn’t happen, but the time we did have here was very happy and filled with memories.
“Gill loved this house. It was her dream home.
“She and our daughters took care of all the interior design – I just went along with it all.
He admits: “I will miss the peace and calm,” he says.
But he adds: “Gill would have loved to see another family here, sharing the joys of this house and making the most of all the wonderful things it has to offer.”
Fareview, at South Tillydaff, Midmar, is marketed for offers over £900,000.
See galbraithgroup.com