IN AN area rich with Scottish history, it’s only fitting to live in a property with a story of its own to tell.
And this stunning home at The Granary, Kinneff, has exactly that.
Built in the late 1880s, the stone building was originally used as the granary for Whistleberry Farm.
And the standout feature of the six-bedroom house – a breathtaking lounge with panoramic views from its full-length windows – played an important role in daily life on the farm.
“The big window was originally the door to the granary,” said Alex McDonald, a 48-year-old consultant engineer whose children Callum, 11, and Katie, 9, have grown up in the beautiful home.
“Back then it had a beam sticking out of it to help transfer the grain in and out.
“One of the benefits of living in a refurbished house like this is that you have all the mod cons of modern living, but you get much, much bigger rooms than most new-builds allow.”
The rooms at The Granary are certainly big.
The incredible lounge, measures 26ft 10in x 19ft 3in and has sea views, while the kitchen is a traditional, country-style room measuring 22ft x17ft 6in.
“It’s where we’ve spent most of our family time,” said Alex.
“It’s a proper country dining kitchen, with plenty of room for a big table and chairs.
“Once you’ve got a TV in there, it’s difficult to make an argument for using the lounge.
“That and the fact that there is a white sofa in the lounge and there are two children here!”
Alex admits his biggest sin in the property has been under-using the magnificent lounge, other than to chill out and listen to music when he has a quiet moment.
For those interested in history, Kinneff is a fascinating place to live.
The Granary is just a few minutes walk from the famous Kinneff Kirk, which played a major role in our country’s past.
In 1651, as Oliver Cromwell marched north of the border, Parliament ordered the Honours of Scotland be kept at Dunnottar Castle.
But shortly before the castle garrison surrendered, Mrs Grainger, wife of the minister at Kinneff, helped smuggle the Crown Jewels to safety. The items – a crown, sword and sceptre which were used in the coronation of Scottish monarchs – were buried beneath the church floor where they remained hidden for nine years.
History buffs aside, the area has something for everyone.
Alex added: “This will be a great house for a young family, as most of the houses nearby also have young children.
“It’s also good if you are into the seaside or the countryside as we have both.”
Alex and the children are relocating to Stirling to be closer to relatives, although Alex will continue to travel to Aberdeen for work.
And looking back, he can find only one downside to this fantastic house.
“When people come to stay, it’s hard to get them to leave again,” he said.