IT HAS been transformed from a barley field to a botanical masterpiece.
And now everyone admires Elaine and Duncan Scott’s beautifully-landscaped garden at Craigshannoch, near Alford.
But the project was a three-year labour of love for the pair.
Elaine, 55, and Duncan, 56, who runs his own company, Global Maritime Training Limited, put in every single plant and tree themselves.
Elaine said: “At one time the plot had been a barley field and it was here my father used to bring his ewes when they were lambing.
“Preparing the land takes time – and we didn’t have a holiday for about three years.
“At one time the amount of top and sub soil at the back of the house was almost as high as the house itself.”
The front garden is mainly lawn with shrub borders while the back is on three levels.
The lower is mostly lawn with a raised patio area and on the next level is a large pond with waterfall feature. The upper level resembles a mini orchard with apple, pear and plum trees.
“Country girl” Elaine, 55, explained the project came about when they bought a plot of land on her dad’s farm.
“In 1994 we arranged to get our house built through Home Options which did individual houses then,” she said.
“It was a kit house and we were able to alter the lay-out of the property and also extend it.”
The extension provided them with a master bedroom, en-suite and bedroom three.
The extra space also enabled them to increase the size of the other rooms.
Elaine added: “I was also very particular about the fittings I wanted. We wanted better quality fittings in the kitchen, bathroom and en-suite so, as we had used Cullen Kitchens before, we got them to do the work.
“When we moved into the finished house in 1995 we were absolutely delighted with it.”
The interior design of the house has been arranged so that the main living areas flow seamlessly from one to another.
In the bright, spacious lounge the main focal point is the living flame gas fireplace with wooden surround and marble hearth. From there, doors open into a large dining room.
The dining kitchen is bright and airy with plenty of space for a table and chairs.
Off the kitchen is a large utility room with handy walk-in cupboard.
The family room is a real sun trap and sliding doors open on to the patio.
The master bedroom is particularly bright and spacious with two mirrored double wardrobes and a large en-suite shower room.
There are three more large double bedrooms, two with fitted wardrobes.
The family bathroom with its red carpet is Elaine’s favourite room.
“It reminds me of my parents’ bathroom and I always loved that,” said Elaine.
Also it was her dad who helped her choose the colour scheme.
Setting off this attractive house is its stunning garden and uninterrupted countryside views.
Craigshannoch got its name thanks to a friend of Duncan’s who was visiting.
He spotted that you could see Craigshannoch, a hill near Bennachie, from the side of the house.
“I thought it had a lovely ring about it,” said Elaine.
She added: “This has been our dream home for 14 years.
“Now it’s time to look elsewhere, due to a working opportunity for Duncan in the Middle East. We are thinking of looking around Cyprus or the Med somewhere.
“We are game for a challenge and if it doesn’t work out we can always come back.”