Video: 9 Berryhill Park, Oyne, Insch
DIY home has great views over Bennachie
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PROBABLY the best way to get the house you have always wished for is to build it yourself.
And that’s exactly what Dennis and Sandra Simpson did four years ago.
Sandra, 38, who works in admin at the airport’s fire station said: “Dennis is a builder and we spent years looking for the right plot before we spotted details of a self-build development with nine plots for sale in Oyne.
“We absolutely loved it. Oyne itself has a nice village community, Bennachie is on the doorstep and it was not too bad a commute to my work at Dyce.”
They were sold on location and bought a large corner plot, taking a couple of years going through the plans changing bits and pieces.
“At the time the kids were really little and we weren’t in a hurry so we decided to take our time.
“It was a real luxury to sit and plan what we were going to do,” said Sandra.
However, once Dennis, 44, started, the building moved ahead quickly.
Other than the addition of a sun lounge, the outside appearance of the house didn’t change much from the original plan. But inside did.
Underfloor heating was laid throughout which left walls free of unsightly radiators.
With triple glazing, lots of insulation and a climate control system, this is a very energy efficient house.
“Our fuel bills are low and we’ve saved money in the long run,” said Sandra.
The lounge – which was initially two rooms – became one big area where the family like to relax.
It has two large windows and French doors opening into the garden.
Sandra loves large open-plan areas so rather than having doors between the kitchen, dining and sun lounge there are archways allowing the rooms to flow into one another.
The luxury kitchen is fitted with modern base and wall units and integrated Neff appliances.
“The kitchen is probably Dennis’s favourite room as he enjoys cooking more than I do,” said Sandra, laughing. “Over the years he got fed up with my cooking so he does it himself.”
The sun lounge is very relaxing with stunning views looking up towards Bennachie. The large dining area will comfortably house big pieces of furniture.
Also on the ground floor is a cloakroom, study, utility room and a boot room which Sandra finds very handy for drying clothes.
Upstairs is a large gallery area with space for a study/office.
The master bedroom is big, bright and airy with stunning rural views.
It features two built-in double wardrobes and an en-suite shower room.
There are four more extremely generous-sized, light and airy bedrooms.
The second bedroom has two built-in double wardrobes.
The family bathroom has a three-piece white suite and shower cubicle.
Sandra wanted a look that was sleek and uncluttered for the newly-built house.
She used neutral shades on the walls preferring to introduce colour into the rooms with soft furnishings.
“Maybe I’m a bit scared to use bold colours,” she said. “You can change curtains and cushions easily but walls are a hassle to redecorate.”
As well as an integral double garage there is another detached double garage to the side of the property.
Dennis, Sandra and their two girls, Georgia, 9, and Molly, 8, have enjoyed living in their beautiful home at Oyne.
Sandra said: “It’s in a lovely location and the fact it was our first build makes it special. It’s been our dream home for a while.”
