If only the walls of Balvenie Cottage could talk – owner Jayne Watson has often pondered what they would say.
For her stunning hobbit-style stone cottage in Ballater, built in the year 1750, remains one of the oldest inhabited properties in the area.
Jayne, 59, headmistress at Braemar School and DIY enthusiast, said: “I was drawn immediately to this property for its character and charm, especially when I stepped in to the dining room.”
Armed with an eagle eye and torch, Jayne was curious to discover what was beyond the low ceiling… and to her complete delight she discovered a vaulted ceiling with exposed original wooden beams.
“I love how the beams are held together by wooden pegs instead of nails,” added Jayne, who is grandmother to Lawrie Watson, 16, Georgie Smith, three, and little sister, Lola, who is four months old.
“As a child my parents always brought me to Braemar, so it holds wonderful memories of childhood for me.
“I love how that has continued with my own family and my two daughters and granddaughters also have fond memories.“
Only recently, Lawrie enjoyed having her 16th birthday at grandma’s house.
Jayne’s house has been completely refurbished and her excellent taste is evident throughout.
She has left no stone unturned and although it has been modernised, she has remained sympathetic to the period features it majestically retains.
On the ground floor, the accommodation comprises a hall, lounge, luxurious shower room, dining kitchen, dining room, snug or third bedroom.
The master bedroom, second double bedroom and family bathroom are located on the upper floor .
Jayne is selling her stunning home to move closer to the motorway so she can have better access to her families, who stay in Aberdeen and Forfar.
“Living here has been like a dream come true.”
Balvenie, Linn o’Dee road, Braemar, Ballater
Description: Three-bedroom stone cottage.
Lounge: Boasts dual aspect windows and multi fuel stove, set in the original granite fireplace.
Dining room: An original vaulted ceiling, now exposed, is a focal point.
Dining kitchen: Tastefully upgraded country-style kitchen with Belfast sink.
Master bedroom: Spacious with an original cast iron fireplace.
Bedrooms 2 & 3: Both spacious bedrooms.
Bathroom: Fitted with a white three-piece suite; there is also a shower room on ground floor.
Outside: Mainly laid to lawn. A stone chipped drive to the side offers ample off-road parking.
Viewing: Contact Laurie & Co on 01339 755535.
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