THIS time round moving house will be a very different proposition for Michelle and Alan Kidd as they will be buying with their hearts and not their heads.
Michelle, a senior recruiter with Smith International, said: “Previously, we’ve bought to renovate then sell on with the aim of building up enough equity so we could eventually be mortgage free.
“We’ve now reached our goal and looking to move into the country – the more isolated the better.”
When the couple first noticed South Coldstream Cottage advertised for sale they had no thoughts of moving.
But Michelle, who loves everything to do with property and interior design, keeps a keen eye on the housing market.
She said: “I saw this house and said to Alan `we must go up and see it’. The minute we set eyes on it, it was a done deal.”
Originally it had been a cottar house – a house for workers on the farm. When it was extended some 40 years ago the original stonework was retained.
“The house was in a very bad state with windows falling out and hip-high grass, it really needed lots of TLC,” said Michelle.
“It looked a bit of a lost soul.”
The location of the cottage is stunning, sitting on the top of a hill with panoramic views.
Its upside down accommodation was also a unique feature – living quarters upstairs and bedrooms on the ground floor.
An unexpected surprise was the antique billiard table which the previous owners had left behind.
This unusual item has become the central feature of a games room which Alan and son Kristoffer, 19, bagged as their boys’ room.
When the couple started work on the house it had to be totally gutted.
They fitted new kitchen units, bathroom fittings, walls, doors, skirting boards and windows. The only structural change was to open up the kitchen and dining room to make it one big space.
Outside Alan and Michelle totally transformed the garden.
“We spent as much on the garden as on the house.
“We had the back garden landscaped and raised decking built.
“We did the renovation in bite size pieces and just completed the last room at Christmas.”
South Coldstream Cottage is now a very special house that has been renovated to a very high standard and decorated throughout in cool neutral colours.
Michelle’s clever use of stylish furniture, window dressings and colourful accessories lift the tone of each room.
The once dark hall has been transformed into a bright, light space with modern wooden flooring.
Off this area is the attractive and spacious master bedroom which has two double wardrobes and a huge en-suite shower room.
There are three more generous size rooms, each with built-in wardrobes.
Also on this floor is the stylish family bathroom, utility room and study/single bedroom.
Off the upper floor landing is the stunning lounge featuring three full-length windows and door onto a Juliet balcony.
All offer amazing panoramic views across the Deeside valley.
The huge open plan kitchen/ dining room is the hub of the family.
“I’m a big believer on sitting down every night as a family to eat.” said Michelle.
The kitchen is fitted with quality base and wall units, a central island and range of appliances.
The enormous games room which doubles as a superb entertaining space has a full-length window, single window and French doors opening onto balcony area.
Michelle said: “It has taken us seven years to do and we just finished the last room at Christmas. During that time the children have grown up and my two daughters Lorraine, 20, and Stacey, 18, have flown the nest.
“The house is now too huge for just us and Kristoffer.
“Also we want to wind down and take a step off the treadmill.
“Alan wants to spend more time doing up cars, his favourite is the Mark I Escort.
“He used to compete in hill-climbs and sprints and would like to go back to doing that again.”