AILEEN and Bill Carr’s lovely home was once a central part of Collieston village life and has an interesting tale to tell.
Collieston Hall was originally the Old Free Kirk, built around 1856 on the north shore of the loch.
When it became redundant as a church it was used as mission hall and then as the village hall until 1960.
It was later bought by a farmer who used it as a grain store.
In 1975 it was sold to a builder who modernised it.
Aileen said: “Locals often tell us about the wonderful times they had in the hall where they held their dances and lots of other events.”
Now retired and in their 70s, the couple have lived in this delightful house for 31 years.
When Aileen and Bill moved to Aberdeen from Glasgow it was a bit of an adventure for them.
“I had never been in Aberdeen but when Bill was offered the chance to join the Wood Group we decided to go for it,” added Aileen.
“At the age we were then we had been asking ourselves the question `Where do we go from here’.”
“Our first home was in Cults but we wanted to get out of the town into the countryside.
“When I first viewed Collieston Hall I went with my younger son Alan who was 16 at the time.
“My older son Alex didn’t move with us – he stayed in Glasgow.
“First impressions were good and we loved it.
“The house was great and its location was great.
“It was designed to look like a Spanish-style villa.
“It was in a wonderful spot with a little private road to the house and had a feeling of space which appealed to me.
“There are four miles of nature reserve at the front, plus a beautiful loch and farm land at the back.
“It’s out of the village but not too far. You can walk there in a few minutes.
“Bill was in America at the time but when he did see it he said ‘let’s go for it’.
An added attraction for keen golfer Bill was that he would be surrounded by golf courses.
For the 1970s the open plan design of the property was very unusual.
“When we look at pictures of modern houses now we often say `that’s what our house is like’.
Collieston Hall is a spacious and bright property that has been extended and upgraded over the years to the highest standard.
Aileen and Bill may be in their 70s but they have very modern tastes which are displayed throughout this unique home.
Neutral decor, carpeting and beautiful wooden floors add to the feeling of space throughout.
From the bright open reception area all the rooms run seamlessly from one to another.
In the hall is a feature limestone wall with inset remote control log-effect fire.
Three steps lead to an amazing split-level lounge/dining room part of which has a double height ceiling.
From each of its three large windows are beautiful, tranquil views over the loch and countryside.
A solid oak staircase leads to an unusual minstrel gallery with seating area and amazing views.
A huge window lets natural light spill down to the area below.
The large kitchen is fitted with a modern range of base and wall units and has an Aga cooker.
There is also space for table and chairs.
This house has a very unusual utility room which Aileen calls her little kitchen.
It houses base and wall units, sink, built-in halogen electric hob and fan oven.
The lovely bright conservatory is where the couple like to eat and relax during the day.
Also on the ground floor are two large bedrooms and a beautiful family bathroom.
The feeling of space is continued upstairs where there is an eyecatching split level lounge/family room looking down on to the lounge.
The sunny master bedroom is bright and airy with fitted wardrobes and luxury en-suite shower room and sauna.
The front garden has been laid mainly in lawn with shrub borders.
Aileen has a little fenced-off garden at the back where she enjoys pottering with Poppy, her Lhasa Apso puppy, for company.
“Collieston village was a wonderful place to come to and we have loved living here,” said Aileen. “If we were 20 years younger we wouldn’t be going but it’s time to move on.”
The couple are heading to the home of golf, St Andrews, where they have found another beautiful home.