Location

Legatesden House sits in the hamlet of Pitcaple, with primary schooling available locally in nearby Daviot Primary school and Oldmeldrum Academy providing secondary schooling. Approximately (6.5 miles) away lies the thriving market town of Inverurie. Situated in the valley of the River Don, there are good road and rail links to the north and south including to Aberdeen, Dyce, Huntly and Inverness. Nursery, primary and secondary education are well catered for. There is a health centre, cottage hospital, several large supermarkets, a swimming pool and community centre, as well as golf, tennis and bowling. Hillwalking is a popular activity, with many local routes available, including at Bennachie, which is close by. Aberdeenshire is famed for its outdoor pursuits, including salmon fishing, golf and game shooting. The nearby coast offers sailing and sandy beaches. Apart from its rich agricultural heritage, the area is steeped in historical interest, being the heart of castle country. Approximately 22 miles distant lies the city of Aberdeen. The international airport provides excellent transport links by air to London and other UK and European cities. There are regular rail services from Aberdeen, including a sleeper service. Aberdeen provides all the services expected of a major city, including business and leisure facilities, theatres, restaurants and a wide range of shopping. There is private schooling in Aberdeen including Robert Gordon's College, St Margaret's and Albyn, as well as the International School at Pitfodels. There are two universities and two colleges of further education.

Description

Originally constructed in the late 19th century, this exceptional residence has gracefully evolved over more than 125 years. Thoughtfully extended and meticulously renovated in 2008 by the current owners, the home now blends timeless architectural charm with modern comfort. The extensions spanning the east, west and rear elevations, including a storey addition, a two storey rear wing and a substantial two storey west wing incorporating an integral garage and workshop, all seamlessly integrate into the original structure.

The 2008 renovation was comprehensive, and included a full reslating of the original roof with new sarking, complete rewiring, and the renewal of all cast iron rainwater fittings. Inside, the home is rich with period detail and natural timbers. Thick pine panel doors with moulded wooden knobs, cherry wood flooring, mosaic and tiled finishes, along with high quality carpets create a warm and inviting atmosphere. Radiators are a tasteful mix of ornate metal column styles and sleek modern panels, completing the home's blend of old and new.

A series of beautifully appointed fireplaces anchor the principal reception rooms, each with its own distinctive character. The drawing room features a polished granite hearth and cast iron fire with tiled inset, framed by a striking cast iron mantelpiece. In the sitting room, a red tiled hearth and ornate timber surround create a cosy focal point, while the dining room offers a stone effect hearth and cast iron fire with an elegant timber surround. The principal bedroom has a white marble mantelpiece with tiled hearth and inset fire. In the open plan dining/family room, a freestanding wood burning stove is set on a polished granite hearth, perfect for relaxed evenings.

The house has seven bedrooms and five bathrooms on the first floor (and a further two bedrooms and a box room on the second floor), four of which are en suite and all are finished to an exceptional standard. Contemporary in design, they feature sleek vanity units, oversized shower enclosures, and a mix of concealed and high level cisterns. There is also a freestanding roll top bath with ornate claw feet and handheld mixer shower cradle.

This substantial home is a true testament to grand living, offering an exceptional blend of scale, elegance and versatility. From the moment you step into the original vestibule, with its cloakroom and WC, you are welcomed into a space that exudes character and comfort. The impressive reception hallway is flanked by two formal reception rooms, each featuring beautiful bay windows that flood the interiors with natural light.   

At the heart of the home lies a superb open plan dining and family area, designed to bring people together. Bathed in light from dual sets of French doors, this space seamlessly connects to both the dining kitchen and formal dining room. A further set of doors opens onto a delightful terrace, creating a harmonious flow between indoor and outdoor living, perfect for entertaining or quiet relaxation.

The spacious dining kitchen, supplied by Scott Wood of Nottingham, is a country-style masterpiece. A comprehensive range of handcrafted cabinetry, including two elegant dresser units, is finished in rich dark oak and complemented by polished granite worksurfaces. The central island offers additional storage and a breakfast bar, whilst the four oven black AGA is a striking focal point. Additional appliances include an electric oven, microwave, induction hob, two drawer dishwasher, and a hot tap.

To the rear, a utility/boot room with external access provides practical convenience, whilst an adjacent home office offers a peaceful retreat with rear garden aspect. A striking staircase, with ornate banisters and a stained glass window, leads to the upper floors where the accommodation continues to impress.

The first floor hosts a magnificent principal suite occupying the entire west wing, offering privacy and grandeur. Bedroom two with its own en suite can be adapted into a private suite with sitting room or inter connected to bedroom seven as a nursery. Bedrooms three and four, also en suite, are located in the east wing. Bedrooms five and six are served by the main family bathroom. The second floor provides two additional bedrooms and a boxroom.

Outside: Lit by traditional ornate lampposts, a 400-metre tarred access road winds through the woodland, leading to the house and enhancing the sense of arrival. The entrance is marked by stone pillars and ornate metal gates. Extending to about 34 acres, the property offers a combination of landscaped gardens, pasture and woodland. The immediate grounds surrounding the house span around two acres and are thoughtfully designed. Tarred driveways edged with granite cobbles lead through the property, whilst a mix of stone flagged patios, cobbled paths and granite surfaces create a lovely outdoor setting. A shrub bed graces the front of the house and a concrete block retaining wall discreetly supports the rear elevation, where the land was sculpted to accommodate the extensions.

Beside the garage block, an ornamental pond is currently empty and a traditional kennel is useful. Areas of lawn are framed by mature hedging, offering privacy and a lush green aspect. A circular metal framed pagoda with a domed roof and integrated lighting provides a charming focal point for quiet contemplation or gatherings.

Beyond the formal garden lies a seven acre grass field, currently ungrazed, presenting opportunities for equestrian use, hobby farming or further landscaping. The remaining 25 acres comprise mature woodland arranged in three distinct blocks. Two flank the main access road and one to the east of the paddock. This woodland is predominantly deciduous with a mix of conifers and open glades, offering a haven for wildlife and a peaceful retreat for walking or exploring.

Located just 40 metres from the main house, a substantial multi purpose building offers exceptional flexibility for a range of uses. Sub-divided by block partitions, it comprises a workshop/plant room, boiler room, store, WC and a charming garden room. Two electronically operated up and over vehicular doors provide easy access, whilst a timber pedestrian door and self closing fire doors into the boiler and store room offer enhanced safety. The building is equipped with power, lighting, a consumer unit and three radiators with their own heating control programmer. A stairway leads down to a WC and wash basin.

The garden room adjacent is a delightful retreat, enjoying a sunny south facing aspect. Constructed with a timber frame and concrete floor, it features full height timber framed double glazing on three sides, flooding the space with natural light. Two external doors provide access to the surrounding grounds. Timber-lined, the room is fitted with a sink and hot water geyser. Power and light make it ideal for use as a studio, hobby room or tranquil garden lounge.

Accessed via an 80 metre gated concrete road, an additional outbuilding is both practical and well equipped. A wide 3.8 metre electronically operated metal roll up door and pedestrian door provide entry. The building is serviced with three phase electricity and water and includes a dedicated potting shed.

Garage: The west wing of the house incorporates an integral double garage/workshop (with bedrooms above): it has a polished concrete floor, two rear double glazed windows and is fitted with two electronically operated sectional timber panel up and over vehicle doors. There is a reinforced steel timber pedestrian door, power and light and hot and cold water taps.

The garage block lies 10 metres from the house and includes a four vehicle garage with polished concrete floor. It has a pitched slated roof of a similar design to the house. The block also benefits from a hatch to floored loft space, four electronically operated insulated uPVC sectional up and over vehicle doors, consumer unit socket