Video: 17 Kepplestone Avenue, Aberdeen
Three-month project sees property transformed
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WHEN Rory and Natalie Macfadyen first saw the house that was to become their dream home it had plant life growing through the floors and along the roof.
But as a property developer, Rory, 36, was not in the least bit phased by the prospect of renovating and refurbishing it.
“Location was top of our list of priorities and this property was in a cul-de-sac in a nice, quiet street.
“I liked the house very much and could see its potential but realised we would have to completely alter everything inside,” said Rory.
Natalie said: “It wasn’t very appealing to me and looked like a big project but Rory said it would be fine.”
The couple bought the property in April 2006 but it was nine months later before planning permission was given.
This delay put Rory under some pressure as he had promised Natalie they would be in the house before their wedding.
Laughing, Rory said: “It was a bit of a rush but I made it and we moved in a week before the wedding.”
It was a three-month project for Rory during which time the roof timbers and tiles were replaced and everything inside stripped out.
The ground floor layout was completely redesigned and a new staircase put in.
Originally there was just one bedroom upstairs.
Rory increased the floor space by putting in two dorma windows front and back.
This area now houses two lovely bright bedrooms with en-suite bathrooms and a dressing room.
Rory said: “We could have squeezed in another bedroom but we decided to go for luxury rather than have three smaller-sized rooms.
Rory has masses of experience and expertise in the building trade and a keen eye for interior design and style.
This stunning property has been decorated throughout in neutral shades, with artwork and soft furnishings used to introduce colour into each room.
Both Rory and Natalie agree that their favourite room in the house is the open-plan kitchen, living, family and dining area.
This huge space features a stunning range of glossy, black kitchen units topped with cream granite work surfaces.
There is also a large breakfast bar incorporating induction hob, and integrated appliances.
Rory said: “I’ve always liked black kitchen units but stayed away from them when developing for others as it is quite a personal thing.
In the formal lounge there is a Victorian-style, cast iron fireplace with limestone surround and black slate hearth.
The expansive bay window allows lots of natural light into the room making it feel bright and airy.
Also on the ground floor is a good-size bedroom and shower room.
Upstairs the large master bedroom is light and airy with two dorma windows overlooking the back garden.
There is also an adjoining dressing room.
In the large en-suite bathroom is a white bath, wc, double-width shower and twin black glass bowl sinks.
The spacious guest bedroom also has its own en-suite bathroom.
Outside, the overgrown garden was redesigned with the help of Rory’s cousin Chris who works for the Forestry Commission.
It was cleared out then returfed, decking laid and new borders dug out and filled with shrubs.
“It’s easily maintained, which is just as well as I’m not a gardener,” said Rory.
“We also replaced the old sheds at the bottom of the garden with a log cabin.”
After just eight months in this stunning property, Rory, Natalie and one-year-old Erin are on the move.
Natalie, who is expecting their second baby in March, said: “We always thought that when we had a family we would move out of town.
“We have now reached that point, so if we’re going to move now is the time to do it.”
