STRATHEARN House is a fine example of Victorian style, opulence and grandeur – and its wow factor starts right at the front door.
Large and imposing, this grand granite property in Aberdeen’s West End is home to Carol Ross, partner Murray Strachan and children Lauren, 21, Christopher, 18, and Ashleigh 15.
When the couple first got together they bought a five-bedroom house in Stonehaven.
Carol said: “At that time we were both working in town, Chris was at Robert Gordon’s and Ashleigh at Albyn. It really didn’t make sense for us to stay there.”
When daughter Lauren, 21, flew the nest Carol thought they could downsize.
They bought a three-bedroom property in King’s Gate.
“We already had a property in Majorca and another near Glenrothes so we thought we could spread out between the three of them,” said Carol.
Carol, 48, is a very artistic lady who enjoys painting and “doing-up” houses.
Over the years she has refurbished twelve homes so has lots of practical experience.
“When we moved into King’s Gate I spent a year tarting it up only to find it just wasn’t working. There wasn’t enough space,” said Carol.
“ So after downsizing we decided to upsize again.
Murray, 44, managing director of Strachan & Partners and chief executive of Albyn Ventures also realised King’s Gate was not working and they would have to move.
“Just as we were about to go on holiday I spotted Strathearn House,” she said. “We managed to cram in a couple of viewings and put in an offer before going away.
“We heard while on holiday our offer had been accepted.”
“The house is quite imposing and as soon as you walk in there’s an immediate wow factor and it had a good feel about it.
“It wasn’t decorated in our kind of colours or furnishings but basically the bones of the house and structure appealed.
“We fell in love with it and felt it was the right house for us.
“Although built in 1891 the house has changed hands only three times.
“This probably accounts for the fact so many original features were intact as very often they tend to get lost through the years.
“There was so much work to be done and we knew it was going to be a big spend – a money pit as Murray soon discovered.
“But we wanted to do it right as we planned to be here for five years or so.”
The family moved into Strathearn House in November 2007 and work started mid January 2008.
Carol’s eye for detail and style has created a fabulous home that seamlessly combines its stunning original features with modern influences.
There’s nothing Carol loves more than thumbing through wallpaper books and surfing the net to find those special items that will enhance a room.
Stunning finds include the elegant crystal chandeliers, which create a dazzling effect in her lounge and dining room, and silk rugs from India.
“The chandeliers came from New York and I thought they would arrive ready to hang but unfortunately they were in bits and had to be put together. It took me hours,” said Carol.
In true Victorian style this stunning house is absolutely packed with original features including servants’ bells and beautiful brass light fittings.
On the ground floor, the inviting hallway opens to a cosy drawing room with natural light filtering in through a spectacular stained-glass window.
In the huge dining room, with turret, is a feature fireplace and outstandingly beautiful decorative ceiling and friezes.
The bespoke kitchen is fitted with quality fittings and appliances.
Also on this floor is a family room, shower room and utility room.
A sweeping staircase leads to the first level which houses a magnificent lounge.
Again there is beautiful detailing throughout the room and a spectacular original fireplace.
Off this room is Murray’s study.
There are three huge bedrooms on this level and a very modern bathroom with steam/shower room.
On the top floor is the stunning turreted master bedroom with triple aspect windows.
Next door is another large bedroom with en-suite bathroom on semi-open plan with modern pod fittings and stand-alone bath.
There is also a shower room and a study which Carol uses.
The easily-maintained garden is laid mainly to lawn with borders.
Automatic gates provide access to a private driveway.
The couple are sad to be leaving this fabulous home which Carol and Murray had hoped to enjoy for much longer.
But as most of Murray’s work is now in the central belt they are relocating to Bridge of Allan – and another project for Carol.