Video: The Mill House, Balgownie Road, Bridge of Don
Sherrie loves fantastic river views of old mill
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WISHES sometimes do come true as Sherrie Lamb discovered when she found the house of her dreams nestling on the banks of the River Don.
She said: “I was actually looking at another property when I happened to look up and there was this beautiful house that was exactly what I would have liked.
“As I walked away I wished it was that house which was for sale.”
And just two weeks later, it came on the market.
With husband John, 55, daughter Christina, 31, and son Johnny, 22, in tow, an excited Sherrie took them to view The Mill House.
Not surprisingly, they all fell in love with the striking property.
The house’s history also held great appeal for Sherrie, 55, who has an insatiable appetite for collectibles and antiques.
It had originally been two granite and slate mill cottages.
Built approximately 200 years ago, the cottages have been sympathetically converted to provide a property that retains many of its original features.
It also provides stunning panoramic views out towards the sea and over the city.
“It was like time had stood still around this property,” Sherrie said. “Although I wanted to develop it into a family home I also wanted to keep the history of it.”
This beautiful house has many outstanding features but two are of special note.
One is the traditional lamppost and the other the civic crest on the front gate, which identifies it as the home of a former Lord Provost of Aberdeen.
One of Sherrie’s best finds is the enticing chaise longue in the hall that you just want to flop on to.
The tall grandfather clock that stands in the hall is a family heirloom, while the inspiration for the welcoming, tartan stair carpet is her dad, Neil, who had served in the Black Watch.
In the elegant and spacious lounge/dining room, Sherrie has arranged her furniture to take advantage of the ever-changing river views.
The kitchen has ample base and wall units and a granite-topped breakfast bar for informal dining.
In the cosy sitting room/study, the couple removed the old gas fire and replaced it with a fire basket and slate hearth.
On the second floor is the light and airy master bedroom with wall-to-wall built-in wardrobes.
There are three more large bedrooms, two with fitted wardrobes, and the luxury family bathroom was fitted-out with son Johnny in mind.
Laughing, Sherrie said: “Johnny is 6ft 7in so we put in an extra-large bath and shower cubicle!”
There is also another shower room on this level.
And on the top floor are three large rooms.
One is used as a living/sitting area and it boasts the best of this home’s panoramic views. “Up here you feel on top of the world and can see for miles,” said Sherrie.
“But then there is not one bad view from this house, each is more inspiring than the other.”
When the family first moved in, the garden was overgrown and not very inviting.
To enhance the site and take advantage of its south-facing aspect, self-employed John – who works in the oil industry – and Sherrie made big changes.
They built a sun terrace with feature walls and later added a stylish, decked patio, the perfect place to enjoy the tranquility of the area and watch the wildlife that teems all around.
The decision to move from this unique and stunning property came about purely by chance when Sherrie spotted an old but magnificent property that she fell in love with.
And she said she can’t wait to get her teeth into the new project. “It’s something for me to focus on,” Sherrie said.
