HUNDREDS of thousands of footsteps have graced the Bird family’s wonderful home over the years.
Indeed it’s no exaggeration to say that everyone in the village has been over the threshold at some point.
That’s because up until 2005, this seven-bedroom home was the village bank in Tarves.
Originally built in 1881 by Aberdeen Town and County Bank, The Bank House on Duthie Road is a property rich with history.
And it represented an opportunity that was simply too good for Nikki and Neil Bird to pass up.
“It was still a functioning bank right up until 18 months before we bought it,” said mum-of-two Nikki, a self-employed HR consultant.
“It still had the original banking hall, which is now our kitchen, and it had all the old counters still in place.
“The original bank vault makes for a great walk-in larder and is lovely and cool, with a big wine rack on one wall.”
Nikki, 40, and Neil, a 42-year-old RSS development manager for Weatherford, were living in Ellon when the bank and its adjoining house went on the market.
They seized the opportunity and, after moving in, set about securing all the relevant permissions to change the use of the bank into a residential home.
They had to knock through access from the house into the bank, which they did via a cupboard.
And they have spent the years since transforming the building, inch by inch, into a stunning home.
“My favourite room in the house has to be the kitchen, in the original banking hall,” said Nikki.
“We had to take out the old counters and even remove the bars from the windows when we were converting it.
“I love to cook and this kitchen has everything I need.
“The island unit is fantastic and the kitchen’s on a split level, which is great for the girls to play while I keep an eye on them.”
As well as its incredible, bespoke kitchen, the Bank House also boasts a warm and welcoming lounge with high ceilings and lots of period features, including a cast-iron fireplace. This property has the potential for further development, as the Birds are moving on before fully realising their vision.
There is even the option to seal off accommodation to the rear of the house for use as a “granny flat” or as a separate property for lease.
The village of Tarves has proved a lovely location for daughters Kaitlyn, 4, and Jessica, 3, to spend their early years, Nikki said.
But Neil’s work is taking the family south to Tewkesbery in Gloucestershire.
Nikki added: “It really is a wrench to leave this home and this village behind.
“The people who live here are so lovely and welcoming and there’s always something going on for families to get involved in.
“We’re minutes from Haddo House and Tolquhon Castle, just 20 minutes drive from Bridge of Don, but with a tranquil location and all that country living has to offer.”