JANE and George McClure’s move to this charming Westhill property couldn’t have been easier.
When they bought 15 Hilltop Drive it was the show home on a newly-built estate in Westhill.
The Westhill house was being sold with all its accessories – from duvet covers and light fittings to curtains, pictures and even bedside cabinets.
Jane, a director with events management company Hulse Rodger & Co, said: “We brought a few pieces of furniture with us but really we just walked in and sat down. It was that easy.”
That was 23 years ago.
Six months earlier George, Jane and their two children – Keith who was six then and Helen, four – had moved to the North-east from Glasgow.
Not knowing the area they rented accommodation while they looked around.
She added: “Westhill was kind of recommended to us but we had looked at other areas.
“Back then it was a tiny village, the garden suburb as they used to call it.
“There were very few shops, and just a small community, but it had everything we needed.
“When we first went to see the show house it had the wow factor and we thought ‘this is for us’.
“It’s in a very quiet street with no through-traffic. Only people who live in the road use it so it’s safe for children.”
Over the last few years Jane and George, 59, an engineer in the oil industry have upgraded and decorated their Westhill property.
All the old dark doors were replaced with white-panelled doors which have enhanced the airy feel of the house.
Jane has modern tastes and likes to keep her home up-to-date with new trends and styles.
It was only last year that the lounge was decorated in a neutral shade and a cream carpet put down.
This has added to the bright, spacious feel of the room which features a large bay window and eye-catching marble fireplace with living flame gas fire.
French doors open into the light dining room which is within the kitchen area. It offers plenty of space for a good sized dining suite.
About a year ago the couple updated the kitchen at Hilltop Drive and fitted white glossy units and modern electrical appliances.
“The changes have given the room a more contemporary look,” said Jane.
On the upper floor the delightful master bedroom is decorated in fresh tones and Jane describes her bedroom as shabby chic.
Built-in wardrobes provide plenty of hanging space.
The en-suite is fitted with a white three-piece suite and separate shower enclosure.
Each of the other three bedrooms are decorated in very different styles and two have built-in wardrobes.
The family bathroom was completely refitted only last year.
The gardens at the front and back are mainly laid to lawn with feature plant and shrub borders which provide year round colour.
This has been a wonderful home for the McClure family and it holds many treasured memories for all of them.
Jane said: “Although Keith and Helen have moved out, they are both devastated we’re moving.
“They still regard it as their family home.
“We’ve been here so long and we just want something different, it’s just time for us to go.”
Jane and George have now set their sights on a little cottage in the country.
“I hope to realise a dream of living in a little house in the country, but not too far from Westhill,” said Jane.
This time round Jane doesn’t mind if she has to get her hands dirty and is willing to tackle a project.
“I’ve helped renovate and project-manage a few flats over the years, so I won’t mind if our next house needs some work done to it. It also lets you make the place your own.”