Property overview

Easter Hillocks is one of the finest examples of a traditional granite U-shaped courtyard steading in Royal Deeside. Located close to the Cairngorm National Park, the property enjoys a Southerly secluded aspect in an idyllic countryside setting just 1mile from Tarland and approximately 4 miles from Aboyne. The steading is set within beautiful mature garden grounds extending to almost an acre with expansive views. The South facing multilevel courtyard garden provides a serene sun trap for outdoor entertaining.

The original steading dates back to the early 1800s. The bespoke architecturally designed renovation was carried out in 1997, retaining the unique charm and character of the traditional steading while offering an extremely high standard for modern living. The property is fully insulated to all walls, roof and there is under floor heating to all floors. All rooms are covered by independent room thermostats

The current owners have recently undertaken further significant upgrades and refurbishments and in addition both interior and exterior have been freshly redecorated throughout. The property is presented to the market in walk-in condition.

Easter Hillocks is a gated five-bedroom, four public room detached property with double garage and has ample parking.

Full Description

The property is entered by an open porch with rustic tree trunk pillars and hardwood front door into a vestibule. Wooden French doors lead into the West wing of the property and the spacious vaulted entrance hall is paved with limestone tiles. There is a WC/cloakroom and separate hall cupboard. A bespoke wooden staircase leads to a multipurpose room/studio with balustrade balcony overlooking the lounge. An additional cupboard houses one of three underfloor heating manifolds.

The entrance hall connects to a spacious dining room with ample space for freestanding furniture. The exposed beams and deeply recessed shuttered windows on both sides exude the rustic charm of the steading.

The formal lounge is at the gable end of the West wing and has a vaulted ceiling with exposed wooden beams. This light and airy triple aspect room has a large cathedral style window with spectacular views and French doors to the courtyard garden. The lounge is a light and airy space with an adobe style chimney breast and inset Danish Rais wood-burning stove resting on a substantial granite hearth.

A farmhouse door opens to reveal the beautiful open plan kitchen with dining area and family room which forms the middle wing of the house. The double aspect kitchen is fitted with an extensive range of shaker style Poggenpohl base and wall units with complementing granite and solid oak worktops.  Velux windows in the roof space highlight the vaulted lime washed beamed ceiling. Shuttered windows are deeply recessed and two have window seats.  An eco dual-control electric AGA inset under a traditional granite masonry arch and Belfast sink are perfectly in keeping with this modern country kitchen. The AGA and the free-standing American style fridge freezer are to remain and are included in the sale price.  A central island with granite worktop provides a work surface, storage and solid oak breakfast bar for informal dining. A recently installed freestanding Danish Scan wood-burning stove forms the focus of the Family room area, along with fixings for a TV. French doors give direct access to the sheltered courtyard garden ideal for al-fresco dining and entertaining. The whole South facing area is flooded with light all year and benefits from the warmth of solar gain.

Adjacent to the dining kitchen and family room is a recently refurbished utility room with additional larder cupboards, a shelved cupboard houses the second under floor heating manifold and a high-level cupboard houses a recently installed electric consumer unit/fuse box.

The lower and upper floors of the East wing are accessed by stairs leading from the family room.

The lower floor hallway leads to two double bedrooms and a bathroom. The principal bedroom is at the gable end of the East wing and provides two fitted walk-in wardrobes. This room is enhanced by an abundance of natural light on three sides, and it boasts a stunning arched cathedral floor to ceiling window to the gable end.  This room is a haven of tranquillity, perfectly positioned to capture the breathtaking garden and surrounding countryside. French doors open to the courtyard garden.

The second (double) bedroom on this level offers fitted wardrobe storage.

Situated between the two ground floor level bedrooms is a luxurious five-piece bathroom comprising sunken bath, shuttered window and walk in shower with body jets, a wash hand basin, WC, bidet, heated towel radiator and wall mounted charger. The bathroom tiling is exceptional with a variety of limestone tiles with embedded ammonite fossils.

The upper floor of the East wing includes a hallway with a large and easily accessible eaves storage and two large, fitted cupboards, one which houses the recently installed hot water tank.

There are three generously proportioned double bedrooms on this level.  Two offer fitted storage facilities, two have Juliette balconies overlooking the courtyard garden and one is currently utilised as a home office with dual aspect expansive views to surrounding countryside.

Completing the accommodation is a three-piece bathroom comprising bath with shower above and traditional bath tap with spray, stylish wash hand basin set in the deep windowsill, WC, heated towel radiator and extractor fan.

Outside

A substantial wooden gate allows access to a stone chip parking area for several cars. The double integral garage has up and over doors. It is served by power and light and there is a wall mounted bike rack.  To the rear of the garage, one door allows foot access out to the side garden and another door leads into the utility room. The garage walls, doors and floor and all external woodwork have all been recently repainted.

Easter Hillocks is set in a generous gated plot within truly stunning landscaped grounds. The gated, sheltered, South facing courtyard garden is perfectly positioned for al-fresco seating and entertaining and has an array of mature plants and shrubs.

Stone chip pathways allow for ease of access around the garden. Beyond the courtyard garden, a pergola pathway leads to a charming woodland area which provides privacy and shelter beyond the main lawn. The layout of the garden allows for outdoor seating to be positioned in several areas.

The recently installed water filtration system and new eco-boiler (under warranty) and sanitation unit are located outside the property. There is outdoor lighting around the premises, an outdoor water supply and a rotary clothes dryer.

Fixtures and fittings

All fitted floor coverings, all blinds and curtains except in the dining room.  All light fittings except the shade in the dining room. The AGA and fridge freezer are included in the sale price.

Location

Easter Hillocks is situated approx. 1 mile from Tarland and approximately 4 miles from Aboyne. Tarland boasts a strong community spirit with a variety of events taking place throughout the year.  There is a strong connection to traditional Scottish music in the area.  There is a community garden, mountain bike trails and a golf course. Other amenities include shops, a café and two hotels/pubs as well as Douneside House Hotel and Health Club. There is a village hall with a variety of daily community activities, post office, pharmacy, and GP surgery. Tarland has pre-school nursery and primary school facilities.

Aboyne is an active community with Primary and Secondary Schools along with a Community/Sports centre including swimming pool, library and theatre. It also has a Medical Centre, Dentist and Cottage Hospital including Maternity unit. An excellent 18 hole golf club and course and a selection of shops, hotels and restaurants. There are a number of outdoor pursuits available locally.

Directions

Heading northeast from Tarland towards Aberdeen, on the B9119. Immediately after the Culsh Earth House, take a right down (indicated by our For Sale sign) a country track and turn first left. Easter Hillocks is at the end of the track.

what3words ///juggles.blanket.avid