WITH old properties there is always some history to be uncovered.
And the owners of Cove Bay’s Seaview House suspected their home was no different.
But Morag and Stuart Clark didn't have to do too much digging before the past came to find them.
“A lady arrived at our door two years ago who'd come from Australia and handed over some photos of her family,” said 42-year-old Morag, who previously helped run the Cove Bay Hotel with 36-year-old husband Stuart.
“Her great great grandmother had stayed here and had two daughters.
“One daughter married and her husband was killed in a war.
“When his brother came back to tell the wife, they fell in love and moved to Australia.
“We also found out that it was built in 1852 for a doctor by the laird, which is interesting as it was owned by a doctor before us too.”
It had been the mystery, as well as the beautiful architecture, that had made the couple keen to buy the property.
They'd been staying in a fisherman’s cottage in Cove and were intrigued by the house on top of the hill.
When they went to view the three-floor property they found it in good order.
However, there were a few interior changes required.
She said: “We used to call the kitchen the Shameless kitchen as it was that same green, 1970s look the family has in the TV series.”
However, redecorating it wasn't their first priority.
“The initial work we did on the property was to build a bar in one of the outhouses.
“My brother had given me a 1960s bar and Stuart’s dad George and his friends kept making it more deluxe including draft beer, making the rear wall mirrored and building in a 32” flat-screen TV.
“We’ve had a good few parties out there.”
The colour palette was chosen before the couple moved in and on the whole they were happy with it.
“We only had to make a few changes with the bedrooms on the top floor as they were a bit dull.”
And when it came to the interior design, the couple opted for a classic look with a modern twist.
“We picked up lots of eclectic pieces for the place including antiques like our grandfather clock in the hall.
“I have a piano too, which fits in with the feel of the house, but it’s out in the garage at the moment, making way for the Christmas tree.”
This has been the couple’s dream home, what with it’s tree-lined entrance and it’s breathtaking views of the Cove.
However, a three-month expedition across Europe in a Volkswagen camper van earlier this year has taught them a few lessons.
“We’ve learned that we can live anywhere and can cast off materialistic possessions.
“We’re moving on and although it will be hard to say goodbye, we need to.”