Video: Skene Croft, by Stonehaven
Couple found the ideal place for kids
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WHEN Nicky and Peter Gillon first set eyes on Skene Croft they knew even before setting foot inside that they had found the perfect home for their growing family.
Their happy find came on New Year’s Eve four years ago while on a house-hunting trip to Aberdeen.
Their move from Peebles had been prompted by 54-year-old Peter’s work as a blacksmith.
“That first day we weren’t able to see inside but even from the outside we could see the house had loads of potential,” said Nicky, 43.
With three children, twins Markus and Dylan, 12, Caelan, 5, and a baby on the way the couple were looking for a very special property.
“I wanted something that offered plenty of space for the children to grow and expand and where they could make as much noise as they wanted without affecting other people,” she said.
“Also I prefer older, quirky houses with character and lots of nooks and crannies. I don’t like modern boxes.”
A couple of days after the festive celebrations the couple went back for a look inside.
“It was empty when we saw it but we thought `this could be it. It would be wonderful for the children`.”
She said the croft, built over 100 years ago, had been a derelict U-shaped steading until it was renovated nine years ago by its previous owners.
“It had just been completed and was liveable but not finished to a very good standard.”
This was the perfect scenario as Nicky was looking for a house where she could put her interior design skills to good use.
“This was my chance to put my own stamp on a house,” she said.
Skene Croft won them over and after decorating and replacing the kitchen units and flooring the family moved in.
Just seven weeks later they welcomed a new addition to the family, little Chanel, who is now three years old.
Over the years this attractive property has been transformed into a warm and cosy family home.
Nicky has decorated throughout in neutral colours and added interest in each room with trinkets and unusual finds from her trips abroad, especially to Asia.
“After my children my two great loves are travelling and interior design.” said Nicky.
From every window in Skene Croft are fantastic views out across the open countryside to the sea.
Nicky said: “The views are stunning and are forever changing.”
The heart of the home is the dining/family kitchen and it is Nicky’s favourite room.
She said: “We live in the kitchen most of the time. It’s where the children do their homework round the table while I cook tea.”
It is fitted with a sleek range of base and wall units.
A stable-style wooden door opens on to a large raised decking area which is perfect for alfresco dining.
Also on this floor is bright and airy bedroom three and a shower room.
Upstairs is the light and spacious master bedroom, bedroom two and the family bathroom.
Outside the ground around the croft, which stretches to almost two acres, initially resembled a rough field.
With the help of a couple of diggers, a few hundred tonnes of topsoil and lots of turf the couple transformed it into an attractive landscaped area.
“We turfed it all by ourselves and planted over 100 trees. We really enjoyed doing that part of it.
“It was very satisfying and rewarding seeing something coming together.”
The end result is a beautiful garden all the family can enjoy.
Unfortunately, phase two of their plan to create a five-bedroom home won’t be completed by them as the family are on the move once more.
“We’re still deciding whether to stay in this area or move back to Peebles,” said Nicky.
