WHEN Barbara and Vin Hamer bid farewell to Westhill, they’ll be saying goodbye to a community they’ve taken to their hearts.
The couple and their children Ben, 17, and Mel, 15, have been living in the area for the last decade.
And for much of that time Barbara, and Vin, 45, were running the popular Shepherd’s Rest pub and adjacent Premier Lodge.
“We know a lot of people in Westhill and we’re really going to miss it,” said Dutch-born Barbara, 48.
“I’ll especially miss the outdoors life and the scenery up here.
“Our home looks out on to Carnie Woods and we often go for walks in places like Countesswells Forest and the Dinnet Estate. I’m definitely going to miss that side of things.”
They bought their home on Carnie Drive seven years ago, when it was a new-build. They opted to knock down a dividing wall in the lounge to create a huge living space, with a dining area.
And they’ve made the most of the big garden, putting in a patio and a beautiful rockery.
The big, bright home has continued to evolve as the family has grown and matured.
“When the children were younger, the family room was their play area and was always full of their toys,” said Barbara.
“Now they’re teenagers, we’ve taken over that room and it’s our snug.
“We’ve converted the garage and that’s perfect for them – that’s where they go to play on their computer games and make as much noise as they like.”
Decorated in neutral tones throughout, with lush, green plant-life dotted around, the property has natural light streaming through the windows all day long.
The lounge and family room both have warm cherry-wood flooring throughout giving them a modern but homely feel.
The family room also has patio doors leading out to the south-facing back garden, with lovely views towards Carnie Woods.
Barbara said: “The garden has been fantastic as it’s so private, with no one looking in.
“It’d be great for another family as there is plenty of room for things like kids’ trampolines and it’s fully-enclosed. It even has an extra strip of land around the side of the house which had been originally plotted as a path to the woods, before being given over to the houses.”
A popular area for families, there are lots of children living in the houses around the quiet estate. And there’s plenty for the parents to enjoy in the area too.
“Now our children are older, it’s ideal for them to catch a bus into Aberdeen to go shopping or the cinema,” added Barbara.
“And there’s lots here for us parents too – there are Chinese and Italian restaurants if you like going out to dinner and lots of good local amenities.”
The family are relocating to Blackpool, where Vin has taken over a new pub.