Begin your very own fairytale in this wonderful woodland home

Like something straight out of an Enid Blyton book, this wonderful woodland retreat is where the story of the rest of your life begins.

Surrounded by rolling hills and countryside, the stunning Scandinavianstyle home boasts five bedrooms, three bathrooms and four reception rooms, as well as a home office/ music room, raised decking area and even a sauna.

It was the home’s beautiful setting that first caught Jim Donnelly and his wife Margaret’s eye when they visited the property back in 2003.

“I cannot forget arriving at the house when viewing it for the first time and being taken aback by its beautiful setting, snug in a hollow of trees facing the hills across the valley,” says Jim.

From the spacious rooms and tranquil countryside setting to the sun terrace and the spectacular views, the couple have enjoyed everything about their incredible home.

Built in 2003, Jim and Margaret have been the first and only owners of the timber-built alpine abode.

But after 19 blissfully happy years, the couple have reluctantly put their amazing property on the market as they prepare to downsize.

“We have had the most wonderful experience living at Birchtree Hollow, however, we now find it is time to downsize and hand over to new owners who can enjoy it as much as we did,” says Jim.

After breathing the fresh country air and drinking in

its lush green surroundings, it’s time to follow the steps up to the entrance vestibule.

Once over the threshold, the Nordic vibes continue in the three open-plan reception rooms. With exposed beams and a vaulted, cathedral-style ceiling, the sitting room is pretty spectacular.

A floor-to-ceiling triangular end gable window is especially impressive, while two sets of French doors fully bring the outdoors in by opening onto the raised decked terrace.

Jim says the property has been the perfect place to host family parties.

“We have a large extended family, and over the years we have lived here, this has been the place we tend to gather for special occasions such as anniversaries and birthdays or even just for our Christmas feasts,” he adds.

“The house lends itself to parties with its free-flowing layout connecting the kitchen dining space and large sitting room with the large outside terrace.”

The sitting room is on open plan with the formal

dining room, which leads into a cosy family room.

An open archway from the dining room leads into the spacious dining kitchen, which has the perfect blend of modern appliances and designer fittings.

Completing this space is a charming breakfast area with stunning views over the hills, plus a cloakroom with two-piece white suite.

Meanwhile, a good night’s sleep is guaranteed in the principal bedroom, which has an en suite shower room and an airing cupboard that is plumbed for a washing machine.

There are five further bedrooms, all of which have built-in wardrobes.

Working from home is easy as one of the bedrooms is currently used as a home office/music room.

“This property, with its fast broadband speed, home office potential and spacious accommodation, would suit a family with divergent interests to experience modern living and a good quality of life,” says Jim.

Also impressive is the family bathroom with corner bath, shower over, washbasin, bidet and wc, and a tiled floor.

Steps lead down to a lower level, where the fifth and sixth bedrooms are located.

And for everyday domestic tasks, there is a utility room with plumbing for a washing machine and space for a tumble drier.

There is also external access to the back garden and internal access to the integral double garage.

Outside, there is a paved patio area and a summer house with a four-person sauna, while al fresco dining can be enjoyed on the raised deck terrace.

“Soon after acquiring the property, we invested in peripheral wall and pine fencing,” explains Jim.

“As there was no garden as such, we began a programme developing lawns and flower beds. We later added a wooden sun terrace in front of the house and built a Nordic sauna facing the rear garden.

“In 2008, we built an extension to enhance our living space and created access from it directly to the sun terrace via French doors.”

Asked what he thinks will most appeal to buyers, Jim says: “The beautiful location, the modern design of the house, the rural environment, the proximity to good schools and shopping facilities

close to hand.”

Birchtree Hollow, Finzean, Banchory, is on the market for offers over £625,000. To arrange a viewing contact Savills on 01224 971110 or go to www.savills.co.uk

Margaret and Jim have been the house’s only owners.

SCANDI STYLE: Built in the timber Nordic style, Birchtree Hollow’s spacious rooms are flooded with light, and it boasts lovely views of its countryside surroundings. As well as five bedrooms, there are three bathrooms and four reception rooms.