Video: Cedar Croft, Parkhill Road, Alford
Sisters found paradise in countryside
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THE desire to return to their Scottish roots led Hester and Jennifer Dunn to this picturesque croft on the outskirts of Alford.
And the location of their home has brought a new creative passion into their lives.
The sisters, who were brought up in Aberdeen, have become keen supporters of the Alford Valley Railway since moving back to the area.
And they now write and produce their own series of children’s books together, based on railway characters.
The books have been read all over the world and have made the duo well-known figures in their town.
They had both been living in Manchester before moving back to North-east Scotland with their with 83- year-old mother , Olive.
Before the move in 2005, all three ladies had been tracking property for sale and Olive had earmarked Cedar Croft.
Jennifer, 64, a retired head teacher and Hester, 59, a retired radiographer, headed north and quickly knew they had found their dream home.
Jennifer said: “When we got our first glimpse of it we didn’t even exchange a word – we just looked at each other.
“We were stunned by the location and beauty of the place, and we hadn’t even seen inside.”
They made just a few changes, including fitting a new kitchen and redesigning the living room.
“It had a stone wall which we didn’t like so we put on a false wall,” said Jennifer.
“The house started off as a but-and-ben around 1925 and subsequent owners have built on that. ”It has given us a property that is unique.”
The ladies wanted their new home to be welcoming and cosy.
“We are not minimalists, we wanted a traditional cottage feel that’s comfortable and where people can feel at home.”
Cedar Croft is an impressive property sitting in an idyllic location, reached via a 240-yard tree-lined drive.
Natural light pours into its spacious lounge which features an open coal fire and varnished stripped floor boards.
The family room at the front of the house is large, bright and perfect for relaxing in.
Jennifer loves to cook, so her favourite room is the kitchen.
This impressively-large area is fitted with a sleek range of base and wall units and comes complete with an Aga.
Also on the ground floor there is a utility room, shower room, bathroom and three large bedrooms, two with fitted wardrobes.
A carpeted split-level staircase leads to the first floor and one of Hester’s favourite rooms – her bedroom.
South facing with French doors opening on to a small balcony, it’s a bright, sunny room.
Bedroom five is currently used as an office and has custom-made desks and fitted cupboards.
A shower room with a white two-piece suite and shower cubicle completes the upstairs accommodation.
The outside includes a field and a garden.
“When we moved in, the croft had a pretty garden but we restyled it in our own way,” said keen gardener Jennifer.
“Now it’s a spectacular garden – several gardens actually. That’s the charm of it.”
There are now five individual gardens, including one they refer to as mum’s garden.
“It’s a very private little area, filled with roses, a summer house and patio,” said Jennifer.
“We spend a lot of time outside when the weather is good.
“We never feel the need to go away on holiday as we feel we’re on holiday all the time.
“This is the most beautiful property and we adore it. It’s such a paradise living here.
“We are moving out of consideration to mother who can no longer walk into the village.
“She likes her independence and we’ll be looking for a house in the village so she can open her front door and go to the shops herself.
“We hope we’ve done our bit to enhance the property and hope it goes to somebody who feels the same about it.”
