Labour of love has created a fine home

Number 78 Hamilton Place has been restored to its former, listed glory. Ellie House finds out more about its renovation journey

When Deirdre and Stephen Little first set eyes on 78 Hamilton Place, it took a hefty dose of imagination to see the potential on offer.

The grade A-listed period granite villa found in Aberdeen’s west end had not been lived in for two years and was somewhat neglected.

From uninspiring Nineties decor to beautiful original fireplaces which had been blocked off in every room, the couple swallowed hard before taking on the mammoth renovation project.

It was to be a family effort, with Deirdre’s mum systematically stripping wallpaper for the best part of a year while her father-in-law put his job as a joiner to good use.

Four years later and the five-bedroom property is unrecognisable, while still retaining its period charm.

From a circular antique fireplace sourced from Falkirk to a brand new kitchen and spruced-up garden, Number 78 offers both quirk and timeless elegance.

Technology-mad Stephen has also “future-proofed” the house with lighting controlled by smartphone.

“Our son, Kyle, was only nine months old when we moved in and we managed to try out every bedroom in the house when we doing all the work,” said Deirdre, who is a contracts engineer.

“It took us two years to make all the changes but it has been very much worth it.

“The previous owner hadn’t been able to keep the

“It took us two years to make all the changes but it has been very much worth it”

house in good condition; there was so much that needing doing.

“All the doors were warped and had to be rehung, it needed insulating, new carpets and decoration in every single room. The work was constant.”

The architecture of Number 78 is impressive enough, each house on Hamilton Place having been designed with a sea theme. This becomes evident from the beautiful porthole window in the entrance vestibule, where you’ll also spy gorgeous mosaic tile flooring

The hallway provides access to the lounge and the remainder of the groundfloor accommodation. This room overlooks the treelined street and has been beautifully decorated, with the circular ornate fireplace particularly striking.

“We did a theme of colours throughout the house and the lounge was meant to be the room where me and Stephen relaxed in the evening,” said Deirdre.

“But Kyle invaded and then we gradually started to spend more time in his playroom, which he loves.”

The playroom could also be used as a family room or further living space, with french doors providing access to the garden.

The spacious dining room leads through to the kitchen where Deirdre is preparing to leave her beloved range cooker behind, complete with induction hob and stylish Belfast sink.

The grand staircase leads to the master bedroom on the first floor, where there is a beautiful oriel window with views across Aberdeen. “I adore the bedroom because you

Deirdre admits that it ‘feels strange’ to be leaving after all the work she and husband Stephen have put in