Dream Home: 16 Carnie Park, Westhill

Lisa Ritchie was reluctant to move into 16 Carnie Park – but is so glad her husband Mark convinced her otherwise.

Mark was able to see past the bright red, pink and blues walls – and easily envisioned in his mind’s eye how it could be.

Lisa, 35, who works in public health for NHS Grampian, said: “The property had lots of potential for renovation and, with a good dose of TLC, it was clear to us there was room for expansion.

“We are both very pleased with the end result.”

Lisa and Mark, 37, moved in to the Westhill property four years ago with their eldest son Jude, 6.

The property also appealed to them as it is in a quiet cul-de-sac.

“We started the renovation from the top of the house and worked our way down,” said Lisa.

“It was a work in progress for us that’s for sure.”

The house had only been built 11 years previously, but the Ritchies had big plans for it.

The first thing Lisa and Mark did in the stunning five-bedroom home was to have both bathrooms replaced.

As well as completely redecorating throughout, they also had all the radiators changed, plus new flooring and carpets laid throughout.

“In our master bedroom we had built-in wardrobes so we removed those, extended our en-suite incorporating a bath and had two sets of double wardrobes installed,” added Lisa.

“Having a bath in the en-suite was a top priority for me as I was expecting our second son, Mason, and just loved to soak in the bath.”

But the biggest upheaval for Lisa and Mark, group financial director at ICR Integrity Ltd, was the expansion of the kitchen – which according to Lisa was originally no more than a galley kitchen.

“We had our second son Mason on the Friday, and the builders arrived to build the extension on the Monday,” said Lisa.

“It took three months to complete the kitchen and family area but it was not so bad as I was on maternity leave so was able to oversee its progress.”

The kitchen/dining/family room is naturally the hub of the home and is most definitely the Ritchies’ favourite living space.

“We spend all our time here,” said Lisa.

“I love to pull back the bi-fold doors while I cook, and the boys are either outside in the rear garden, or sitting watching their television programmes inside with me. It is now quite a big space and it has really worked out well.”

The accommodation at the detached property includes a bright lounge with bay window, separate dining room which is currently being used as a playroom, cloakroom, bedroom/study and kitchen/dining/family room, plus a utility room.

The upper floor houses the master bedroom with its stunning en-suite bathroom which includes a freestanding bath and walk-in shower. There are a further three double bedrooms and a family bathroom with bath and separate shower.

Outside, a driveway leads to a double garage, while the landscaped rear garden is fully enclosed and an ideal safe haven for small children. It is also the perfect spot for entertaining and for al fresco dining.

Lisa, Mark, Jude and Mason, 3, have yet to find their next home.

“We leave with fond memories,”said Lisa.