Canada-do attitude
Pining for Toronto? No need to look beyond home, says Dean Herbert
IT may look like it belongs on the outskirts of Toronto but this unique property devised by two of Scotland’s most renowned Victorian house builders is a little closer to home. Modelled on 19th century Canadian properties, The Firs sits in the Aberdeenshire village of Torphins, near Banchory.
The five-bedroom home, described as being ‘unlike anything else’, boasts original wood panelling, a sauna, a library and its own turret accessible by ladder.
It also has a hidden door leading to an attic once used as a children’s playroom.
On the market for just under £600,000, the property has a private garden and off-street parking for up to five cars.
Completed in 1890, The Firs was designed by Alexander Ellis, who commissioned his brother-in-law, the master mason John Morgan, to build him a holiday home.
Ellis was a prolific architect responsible for many houses, churches and large office buildings in and around the Aberdeen area, while Morgan was a master mason responsible for some of the city’s most notable buildings, including the frontage to Marischal College, the Central Library and his own Rubislaw House.
However, The Firs was a unique project for both men. The house, largely timber framed and on a brick plinth, is influenced by what Morgan had seen on a visit to Toronto and Montreal.
Estate agent Aberdein Considine said: ‘The imposing home stands in mature gardens with a parking area and detached garage that can park up to five cars. The main entrance is to the front of the home where a welcoming vestibule opens into the main hall, and from there, there is access to the formal dining room, versatile sitting room, main lounge with a beautiful box bay window, and the impressive dining kitchen.’
‘Sure to be the hub of the home’, the dining kitchen overlooks the garden and has ample space for dining and entertaining. Also on the ground floor is a utility room leading to a shower room with sauna, library and cloakroom WC.
Two bedrooms have built-in wardrobes, while the master bedroom boasts a box bay window.
The unique turret offers panoramic views, and the garden has a private patio area for outside dining. Torphins has its share of shops and takeaways, while the larger town of Banchory is a tenminute drive away.
Aberdeen can be reached in around 40 minutes and Aberdeen Airport is half an hour away.
For those looking for a family home with a unique historical twist, this could be ideal.
■ Offers over £592,000. Contact Aberdein Considine in Banchory on 01330 824646 or cgarrioch@ acandco.com