The Press and Journal (Aberdeen and Aberdeenshire)
In league of its own: Former Dons chief ’s palatial home
To describe Dalhebity House as a dream home would be an understatement. Jaw-droppingly spectacular in every way, the exquisite eco-friendly mansion – built on the site of the late Diana, Princess of Wales’ grandmother’s home in Aberdeen’s Bieldside – really is the stuff of fairytales.
Home to north-east building supremo and former Aberdeen Football Club chairman Stewart Milne and his partner Joanna, the opulent eightbedroom property is beyond luxurious. It is also thought to be the most expensive residential home ever to be sold in Aberdeen.
From the heated indoor swimming pool and spa to the cocktail bar, library, tennis court, lake and snooker room, it truly has the “wow” factor.
“It’s an exceptional opportunity for someone to buy a traditional classical home with all the benefits and facilities of a modern home, a layout that works for family living and also for private and corporate entertainment,” said Stewart, a self-made millionaire from the tiny village of Tough, near Alford.
ROYAL RESIDENCE
It was back in the 1980s when Stewart first spied the magnificent property, which was the stately home and birthplace of the late Ruth Sylvia Gill, mother of Frances Shand Kydd, Princess Diana’s late mother.
“Back in the early 1980s, we lived in Milltimber and I passed Dalhebity on my way to work at Westhill almost every day,” said Stewart.
“Initially I eyed it up as a development opportunity, but once we had the opportunity to view the house and the grounds, we fell in love with it and were determined to acquire it as our family home.
“Little did I think that we would spend nearly 40 years there, bringing up a large family.”
BUILT BY STEWART MILNE CONSTRUCTION
For the first 27 years in the original home, Stewart, who now shares the sprawling property with his partner Joanna, put his heart and soul into making it the perfect place to bring up his family.
“We are very proud of the royal connections and it’s certainly been a talking point over the years,” said Stewart.
But in 2007, his dreams came true when he acquired planning permission to knock down the original house and build a new one from scratch.
“The new one was built with Stewart Milne Construction being the main contractor, with numerous specialist subcontractors engaged to fulfil vital roles,” said Stewart.
“We engaged external architects to help us design it, although we had a very clear idea of what we wanted.
“The finished house is something that we, and all involved in its design and construction, are extremely proud of.
“We do believe we have created something quite exceptional.”
FAIRYTALE HOME
With fairytale turrets and a beautiful lake, Dalhebity House is like something straight out of a romantic storybook.
But it’s inside where the real magic begins.
Sure to take the breath away is the magnificent marble-floored reception hall with sweeping horseshoe staircase.
Perfect for champagne receptions and sophisticated soirees, this impressive area also has a stunning stained-glass cupola – rounded ceiling dome – and a log fire.
COCKTAIL BAR
As if that wasn’t enough entertaining space, there is also a 26-seat formal banqueting room, a drawing room and a billiard room with cocktail bar.
Asked what the inspiration was behind his incredible home, Stewart said: “We were determined to demonstrate that a traditional classical house, which the original Dalhebity was, with all the fine woodwork and panelling, ornate ceilings and plasterwork, could be delivered using modern methods of construction with all the energy-saving benefits built-in.”
AMERICAN OAK LIBRARY
Perfect for business meetings is the study/office which has plenty of space for numerous workstations and writing desks.
Bookworms are also in for a treat as the plush property also has an American oak library.
“I have many favourite rooms around the house,” said Stewart.
“The family room/ kitchen area is a relaxing place to spend family time while the entrance hall with the log fire burning is a wonderful place during the winter months.
“The snooker room with the bar is great for entertaining family and friends.
“The study is a wonderful place to work from and I enjoy using the library for meetings; it also doubles up for small dinner parties.
“But finally, and possibly my favourite, is the reading lounge on the first floor with full height windows overlooking the pond, beautiful garden and surrounding hills.”
COLIN MONTGOMERIE
It’s no surprise that famous faces have also enjoyed Dalhebity’s charm.
“We’ve had lots of great family occasions including Christmas and birthday parties, and also quite a few large charity events at Dalhebity,” said Stewart.
“The fundraising events for Maggie’s, in conjunction with Colin Montgomerie, were special and very memorable occasions.”
SWIM UNDER THE STARS
Escaping the stresses of everyday life is easy in the spa complete with steam room, sauna, relaxation room as well as a massage/ treatment/hairdressing salon.
And taking the property to new heights of luxury is the heated 13.5m indoor swimming pool where midnight swims under the stars can be enjoyed thanks to its magnificent glazed roof.
HOUSEKEEPER’S ACCOMMODATION
A curved sunbed area opens out to one of the terraces where there is a sunken outdoor hot tub covered under a pagoda.
For everyday domestic tasks there is a housekeeper’s office, a large custom-fitted laundry room and an equally generous oak-fitted boot room with en suite shower room.
The mansion also has independent staff quarters in the form of a selfcontained three-bedroom apartment.
SHAKEN NOT STIRRED
On the first floor, there is a cocktail bar with kitchen facilities as well as a reading lounge and a sitting room.
If working up a sweat is your thing, cancel your leisure membership now as this superb home has an air-conditioned gym.
Also on this level are the beautiful bedroom suites with seating areas, dressing rooms and en suite facilities.
BOATING LAKE
Outside, the garden grounds are ideal for alfresco entertaining, especially the Europeanstyle internal courtyard with a sheltered and enclosed area with marble flooring and a central fountain.
Wrapped around the house itself are extensive paved patios and terraces, while on the lower lawn is a breeze hut and a summer house.
Budding Andy Murrays will be in their element on the floodlit, all-weather tennis court, while the small lake is ideal for a refreshing dip in the sunshine.
“We have a couple of canoes on it, and the boys and their friends do occasionally go in for a swim,” said Stewart.
“I have never been tempted myself!”
NEW CHAPTER
With the children long flown the nest, Stewart says it’s the right time for a fresh start.
“Our house in Perthshire will become our main home, but we do intend to keep a base in Aberdeen,” said Stewart.
“The north-east will always be very special to me, having spent all my life here. We all have lots of friends and ties here and it will always be a key place in our lives.”
Asked what he’ll miss most about his home, Stewart said: “Having a wonderful gym to work out in in the early mornings, spending relaxing hours on the tractor cutting the lawn every week, walking down the stairs in the morning while admiring the beautiful entrance hall.
“We’ve had so many happy memories spent with all the family and friends over the years, in such wonderful surroundings.”
Aberdeen Savills director Fiona Gormley, the estate agent selling the property, said it is one of a kind.
“A house of this stature is utterly unique in Scotland and it’s an extraordinary achievement.”
Dalhebity House, Bieldside, Aberdeen, is on the market for offers over £7.5 million.
■ For more information visit www.savills.co.uk or phone 01224 971110.