Video: 16 Craigmarn Road, Old Portlethen
Renovation a labour of love
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WHEN Chris and Diane Ferrier were looking for a bigger property for their growing family they didn’t have to look far.
Diane said: “Our family was expanding and we needed more space.
“Chris and I had discussed where we were going to move to.
All they had to do was find that perfect location.
“We wanted somewhere rural with nice views. We didn’t want to be in a built-up area.”
Their decision to move was well timed as Chris, 30, vice president of oil service company AGR Petroleum, went on to explain.
“When we put our house on the market a neighbour approached us and said that she wished she could sell her house.
“We could see its potential. It was located on one of the biggest plots in the village and we definitely knew it could be fixed up.”
It ticked all the boxes for them so they went ahead and bought it.
Everything happened at once for the couple as just as they were packing up to move Diane, 27, discovered she was pregnant with Samantha who is now 18 months.
While their new house was being upgraded and refurbished Diane and the children Lewis, 6, and Bethany, 4, went to live with her parents in Strathconnon while Chris moved in with his parents in Newtonhill.
Chris said: “We thought we could convert just the attic space and decorate downstairs but it didn’t happen like that.
“We ended up moving nearly every inside wall and starting again.
“So instead of a three month job it took almost 13 months.”
Their architect had some really innovative ideas for converting the family’s attic.
A staircase was put in place and the available space redesigned to house a fabulous lounge/cinema room, master bedroom suite, en-suite dressing room and shower room.
“The right hand side of the house we kept as sleeping quarters while the left hand side has all the day to day living areas.”
“We also fitted noise deadening membrane to stop noise travelling down to the bedrooms,” said Chris.
The couple’s biggest outlay of around £50,000 was spent in the family/dining and kitchen area.
Diane said: “We didn’t intend spending as much on this area, it kind of happened.”
It boasts a solid walnut wooden floor, cream high gloss base and wall units, an eye-catching central island with beautiful granite work surface and a range-style cooker.
This is a very impressive bright and airy room measuring a massive 30ft x 16ft 9in and it’s where the family congregate during the day.
“This room is the hub of the house and it’s also an entertaining dream.
“The island unit seats eight to 10 for dining and we also have the dining table for laying out food and drink,” said Chris.
Also sharing the ground floor are four large bright bedrooms and the family bathroom.
Chris quickly laid claim to the lounge/cinema room on the first floor which he fondly refers to as his media room.
Laughing he said: “It was specifically designed to be my room and I have lots of gadgets including a 60in screen.”
“Initially, we planned to have one large pane of glass to take advantage of the views.
“But we changed it to six velux windows and that worked out really well.
“It’s just like having six framed pictures with views of the bay and the sea. It adds character to the room.
“And at night you can watch the stars,” added Diane.
“We live downstairs most of the day so it’s nice to have an area upstairs.”
Another retreat for the couple is the huge master suite with its en-suite dressing room and shower room.
Renovating their home has been a labour of love for Diane and Chris and they will be sad to leave.
Diane said, “We are moving up to Strathconnon where I was brought up. It’s the right time to do this while the children are still young.”
