Video: Mains of Linton, Sauchen
Atmospheric listed property appealed to artist Anita
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The atmosphere of the impressive house in the Aberdeenshire countryside immediately appealed to artist Anita.
Formerly the home farm of Linton Estate, this Listed Grade B property was designed by the renowned Aberdeen architect Archibald Simpson in 1835.
Although modernised over the years to provide comfortable family accommodation, it still retains its character and many original features.
Anita, 61, and Terry spotted it on the internet when planning their move to Aberdeen five years ago.
Terry, 61, had been in the Royal Navy, based on the Clyde, and latterly worked as a cost manager with a petrochemical company.
Their move North meant they would be closer to daughter Laura who was training as a doctor at Aberdeen Royal Infirmary.
Mains of Linton provided a stunning backdrop for Anita’s many artistic talents.
She said: “We had visited Laura in Aberdeen but didn’t really know the area very well. We particularly wanted to be in the countryside and when we saw Mains of Linton on the internet our initial reaction was that this is the one. We came up to see it and loved it at first sight.
“It’s got a lot of atmosphere and there was something special about it, it just felt so right. This property lends itself to creativity and I am able to use all the different parts of it for my fine art.”
Anita, who specialises in sculpture, took a four-year Fine Art degree at RGU and qualified last summer.
As well as painting and sculpture Anita enjoys photography and film making. Terry also has many interests including sculpting, archery and golf.
There’s never a dull moment in the Haywood household and visits from their children Laura, 30, and twins Ross and Ellie, 28, are always enjoyed.
“Ellie is a captain in the army and served in Afghanistan. She came back here to recoup and it was really good to have this quiet peaceful base.
When Anita and Terry first moved in the house was in quite good order.
Anita recalls: “All we did inside was redecorate. Outside the doocot was completely roofless and open to the elements, it was just about to collapse.”
Terry worked on that and the small detached barn which was also crumbling.
In the spacious lounge which was once the cow barn Anita has decorated in pale yellow.
“The sunshine that floods in makes the room glow,” she said.
Her favourite room is the family room which she calls her “snug”.
The original inglenook fireplace and old flagstones were uncovered by previous owners.
The spacious dining kitchen is fitted with ample base and wall units and there is space for a huge dining table and chairs.
“This is the hub of the house and the most used. It’s a kind of chilling out room,” said Anita. A stable door opens into the enclosed courtyard.
An archway from the kitchen leads into a more formal dining area.
“It’s a very versatile room.
“I tend to move from room to room depending on what I’m doing and this room is handy for setting up big folders ready for art.”
Upstairs the master bedroom is bright and spacious with a high pitched roof, wooden beams and cute arched window.
Next door the family bathroom features a pretty fireplace. Also on this floor are three more large bright bedrooms.
This beautiful property is easily adaptable to a family’s lifestyle.
With wonderful views from all windows, this sprawling property comprises the main house and outbuildings including triple garage, main barn, bothy, three stables, two workshops, wood store, doocot and detached barn.
The enclosed side garden is mainly lawn with a patio area.
“This is a beautiful family home and we will miss it,” said Anita.
The couple are selling up as they have decided to join their son Ross in Australia.
“We are a bit nomadic and tend to follow each other around,” Anita said with a laugh. “But we will be back.”
