Location

Kirkton of Skene is a charming village and has a lovely coffee shop retailing local produce. Only two miles away is the larger town of Westhill which offers a shopping precinct with a variety shops including an M&S Simply Food, Costa, restaurant, pharmacy and gift shops. A further retail park has Costco and Tesco. Westhill amenities include a dentist, medical surgery, library, sports centre, swimming pool and 18 hole golf course. Westhill has primary and secondary education.

Located on the northeast coast, Aberdeenshire is one of Scotland's largest and most diverse counties and extends from the North Sea coastline inland to the Cairngorm mountains which rise majestically to the west of Aberdeen. Rich in historic castles and boasting fertile farmland, the Aberdeenshire area is renowned for producing the malting barley which supplies the many whisky distilleries in the region.

Deeside, through which the River Dee flows, attracts visitors from far and wide. Balmoral Castle has been the Scottish home of the Royal Family since it was purchased for Queen Victoria by Prince Albert in 1852. There is a wealth of sport on offer for which Scotland is famed: salmon fishing on the rivers Dee, Don and Deveron, pheasant and partridge shooting on many of the low ground estates, red and roe deer stalking and the opportunity for grouse on the rolling heath hills. The area boasts numerous golf courses. To the east lie Royal Aberdeen and Trump International, both well regarded links course.

The Cairngorms National Park known as a stronghold for many rare and endangered species of flora and fauna is situated some 25 miles to the west of the property and offers a wide range of outdoor activities including hill walking, skiing, mountain biking and wildlife spotting. The steeper mountains at The Lecht (44 miles), Glenshee 65 miles) and Aviemore 86 miles) offer skiing when winter conditions are suitable and endless walking challenges throughout the year.
   
The "Energy Capital of Europe" and a vibrant hub for many years, the city of Aberdeen is home to two universities: Aberdeen University and Robert Gordon University. Cultural facilities include a recently extended and refurbished art gallery, the Maritime Museum, a concert hall and theatre. P & J Live is the northeast of Scotland main arts and events venue, boasting world-class conference and exhibition facilities along with a superior 15,000 capacity arena. Aberdeen Beach can be found a short distance from Aberdeen city centre and the area is also where Pittodrie Stadium is located, which is home to Aberdeen Football Club, affectionally known as The Dons. The new AWPR bypass ensures easy access to the north and south of the city. Aberdeen International Airport and Heliport is easily accessible nd there is a mainline east coast train service with frequent journeys to London King's Cross and rail links further north to Inverness and south to Gleneagles and Edinburgh. Private schools include Robert Gordon's College, Albyn School, St Margaret's (girls) and the International School of Aberdeen (8 miles). Gordonstoun (66 miles) is a co-educational private school for boarding and day pupils for children between the ages of 8 & 18.*

*All distances are approximate

Description

Kirkstane House, built in 1779, was originally known as the Manse of Skene. A Grade B Listed building, it was extended in 1840 by the renowned Aberdeen architect John Smith, whose final works included initial plans for Balmoral Castle (which were completed after his death by his son, William Smith). A building of historical significance, it features in Gordon: An Illustrated Architectural Guide by Ian Shepherd. It has been a much loved home of a local family for the past 45 years, who have carefully retained and restored a number of the house's original features.

Access to Kirkstane House is via a private road from the village of Kirkton of Skene, then through pink granite pillars along a gravelled avenue lined with horse chestnut trees, which then extends around the front and side of the house. The grand, solid mahogany front door opens into the large entrance vestibule, which leads through into the ground floor hallway. Comprising three reception rooms along with a dining kitchen, utility room and shower room, the ground floor has space for both family life and entertaining. On either side of the hallway, overlooking the front, are the drawing room and dining room. The elegant drawing room features panelled walls and a striking fireplace designed by Jon Banneberg, an interior designer for the QE2. A large window provides ample natural light. The formal dining room is of similar proportions, housing a large ten person dining table and auxiliary furniture with ease. This room has a traditional fireplace with marble surround and intricate plaster ceiling. Along the hallway is the informal sitting room, with lovely views and access out to the side of the property and patio. This versatile room could have alternative use as a playroom or home office. Opposite is the large farmhouse style dining kitchen and adjacent utility space, perfect for everyday family dining. Beautiful original features include the Caithness flagstone floor and centrepiece is the granite range surround. There are lovely views across the ground and pond to the rear.   There is a comprehensive range of cherry wood base and wall cabinets. Along with a double oven there is space for a large refrigerator and freezer. For everyday domestic tasks there is the separate utility room with space for a washing machine, tumble dryer and dishwasher. Completing the ground floor accommodation is a shower room with white WC, wash basin and tiled shower enclosure. Ascending to the first floor the carpeted stairway leads to the mezzanine level. This floor has the main bathroom with white three piece suite and pine panelled walls. At first floor level are two generously proportioned double bedrooms one with a small sink. Four stairs lead to a further two large double bedrooms each with connected dressing rooms. With plumbing already available to both dressing rooms, with the necessary consents, either (or both) could be turned into an ensuite. All four bedrooms have a traditional feature fireplace and lovely views of the surrounding grounds and countryside. There is also a good sized coat cupboard on the landing. The second floor has two further bedrooms and a box room which could be a nursery, small study or, with the necessary consents, a further bath or shower room.

Outside: Beautiful grounds extend to about 1.4 acres, including lawns, an enchanting walled garden, tranquil duck pond with charming wooden footbridge, and a small woodland area. The grounds are still part of the original croft donated by the Earl Marischal in 1539 to build the first manse on the same site as Kirkstane House. The walled garden is accessed via a stylish wrought iron gate commissioned from Ratho Byres Forge and features a cedar wood summer house. The grounds attract a variety of wildlife, including red squirrels, deer and birds, and access to Easter Skene Wood is found via a kissing gate. The gravelled driveway extends around the house and provides ample turning and parking space for multiple vehicles.