The Press and Journal (Inverness, Highlands, and Islands)
Stunning home with links to sea is sure to float your boat
This exceptional home, complete with cinema room, music room and 1.7 acres, will have you falling for it hook, line and sinker.
Built for a local ship owner back in the late 1800s, Temora is a safe harbour overflowing with charm and character.
Stunning on the outside, the Victorian-style home’s interior is also sure to float your boat.
Located in the pretty suburb of Cults, the majestic property has been home to Shona Harris, her husband John and their three children for the past 16 years.
“We were first attracted to the beauty of the house and the garden as well as the stunning quality of detail and character you get in a period property,” said Shona.
“The garden gives us privacy and was a paradise for the kids to play in, it is a wonderful escape from the outside world – an oasis of peace - with red squirrels and birdsong.
“There is also a homely village feel in Cults – yet it’s close to the amenities of Aberdeen including access to fabulous schools.”
Moving down south to be nearer to their parents and to run Shona’s family farm in East Anglia, the couple have reluctantly put their amazing home on the market.
“Oh we will miss so much about our home, like driving up the drive and seeing Temora emerge from the trees and that relaxed feeling of being safely back home,” said Shona. “We will also miss
waking up, walking down the stairs and looking out into the garden and nipping to Cults to meet friends for coffee with five minutes’ notice.
“Not only that but we’ll miss sitting in the hot tub in rain or shine with the garden surrounding us and watching the red squirrels dance from tree to tree.”
The family say they were absolutely fascinated to discover the home’s illustrious shipping connection.
“The house was originally built around 1890 for James Y Hunter who worked for Hall and Russell shipbuilders in Aberdeen,” said Shona.
“Apparently there used to be a ship’s mast in the garden.”
It’s easy to see why the Harris family instantly fell in love with Temora as a beautiful tree-lined entrance from North Deeside Road leads up to the grand granite property.
After admiring Temora’s exterior beauty, the real magic begins inside
where, together with five bedrooms, there are also six public rooms and three bathrooms.
Over the years, the family have lovingly restored the home to its former glory.
“Although the house was beautiful when we moved in, we wanted to refurbish it, reinstating some period features such as removing lowered ceilings to expose original cornicing and replacing a mid-century fireplace in the main sitting room,” said Shona.
“We like the scale of a period property and favour a traditional style with a modern twist – we never wanted it to feel like a museum.”
One of the family’s biggest projects was the kitchen.
“Our biggest job was to increase the size of the kitchen and instal bespoke wooden painted units with granite worktops and a beautiful pearl ash style Aga cooker.
“We love our kitchen and wish we could take it with us.
“We also created a party room area with separate entrance for our children as they became teenagers.
“That area is now used as a cinema room but could also just as easily be a granny flat, guest wing or office.”
For Shona and her family, it’s Temora’s rural yet central location, entertaining spaces and wonderful gardens that they have enjoyed most.
“We’ve really enjoyed the feeling of space and the privacy,” said Shona.
“It’s like being in the country as you come up the drive – but it’s very much in Aberdeen.
“The garden is really quite easy to look after as it’s mainly in grass with only a couple of flower borders and the house is a joy to live in – it’s not too big, it’s not too small – it’s just perfect!
“We love entertaining as the house just embraces everyone – welcoming them in!”
Asked who she thinks the property would suit next, Shona said: “Obviously Temora would suit a family as it has the space and is so convenient for some of the best schools in Scotland.
“Cults schools are an easy walk away and the private schools in town are a short bus journey or drive.
“Equally the house would suit a couple like ourselves who enjoy parties, entertaining and space.”
Temora, 410 North Deeside Road, Cults, Aberdeen, is on the market for offers over £1,400,000.
To arrange a viewing contact Ledingham Chalmers on 01224 632500 or visit www. ledinghamchalmers.com