Location

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. Craigentoul lies west of Aberdeen city, nestled in about 3.5 acres of its own grounds. 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. More locally, just a mile away there is the challenging 18 hole course at Deeside club house.

The Cairngorms National Park known as a stronghold for many rare and endangered species of flora and fauna is situated 51 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 (49 miles), Glenshee (60 miles) and Aviemore (91 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 creation and opening of the AWPR ensures affords easy access to the north and south of the city. Aberdeen International Airport is 7 miles away and 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 (2 miles). Gordonstoun (70 miles) is a co-educational private school for boarding and day pupils for children between the ages of 8 – 18. The highly ranked Cults Academy (state school) and Cults Primary School are both nearby.

Half a mile away is the leafy residential suburb of Bieldside along the Royal Deeside corridor which is surrounded by rolling countryside and has a couple of shops, a coffee shop, a bar/restaurant, beauty clinic, hairdresser and a vet. The old Deeside Railway Line is very close by providing walking, running and cycling paths.

Description

Dating back to about 1880, Craigentoul is a stunning detached south facing Victorian mansion in a semi rural location in the sought after leafy area of Bieldside. The present owners have lavished great time, expense and sensitivity to create the magnificent residence of today.   Michael Rasmussen Architect was involved with the sympathetic extension which perfectly blends the old and the new. Stylish and contemporary living spaces sit in harmony with period style features including pitch pine woodwork with panelled doors, Lincrusta panels to dado height, column radiators, deep skirting boards and bay windows. There are three fireplaces in the drawing room, morning room and dining room. The front facing original reception rooms have gas fires and the dining room is an open fire. Flooring is a combination of polished sanded and sealed floorboards, Amtico, engineered oak, Italian porcelain tiles and high quality carpets. Renowned specialists Laings of Inverurie were involved in a number of the bathroom and shower rooms of which fittings include Villeroy & Boch and Kohler.

In turnkey order throughout, the property begins with an entrance vestibule which opens into the welcoming reception hallway. There is a cloakroom with WC and washbasin. From the hall there is access to each of the original reception rooms of the house. With a more formal aspect, boxed bay windows in the drawing and morning rooms overlook the front of the property. The home office is ideal for full or hybrid home working. Informal relaxation space is found in the family room currently used as a television/cinema room.   Absolutely stunning is the particularly generous dining kitchen/breakfast room fitted with a vast and comprehensive range of Charles York cabinets, complemented by granite bevelled worksurfaces. The focal point is a centre island which incorporates a low level area for everyday dining. Appliances are by Miele, Gaggenau and Fisher & Paykel. A split level semi open plan area leads to the dining room with wall to wall windows overlooking the swimming pool. On open plan is the superb garden room which truly brings the outdoors in with patio doors opening onto the sheltered terrace. A side vestibule has a cloakroom with WC and washbasin room. For domestic chores there is a well equipped laundry room and utility room. In addition to extensive cabinet space the kitchen is supplemented by temperature controlled wine room and larder.   Ascending to the first floor are wide steps with ornate metal spindles and attractive balustrade leading up to a split level staircase. The principal bedroom suite spans the entire width of the house and is wonderfully luxurious, enjoying beautiful views of Deeside. En suite is a shower room with dressing room fitted with Neville Jones furniture. Behind are two further guest bedrooms. Towards the rear of the property is a more self contained space comprising a bedroom with adjacent sitting room. Opposite is a large bathroom with separate shower which also services the guest bedrooms. On the second floor again the more creative configuration has a bedroom with sitting room adjacent and a shower room opposite. This floor is completed by two further bedrooms with dual aspect en suite shower room.

Within the fantastic leisure complex wrapped around the side elevation of the house is the curved 4-8 feet deep swimming pool. In addition there is a separate hot tub, steam room, sauna and air conditioned gym.

High level electric gates are flanked by pillars opening into the meandering tarmacadam driveway which is lined with mature rhododendrons producing vibrant seasonal colour. The boundary perimeter is enclosed with granite and brick walls, making the area exceptionally safe for pets and young children alike. Majestic trees provide a high degree of privacy and shelter. The 3.5 acres of garden grounds are truly an oasis. The extensive patios and terrace areas were landscaped by award-winning gardener Kirsty McLean. These areas offer the ultimate alfresco experience.

A sheltered section provides a productive kitchen garden and soft fruit bushes. Two large greenhouses are fitted with electricity and one with heating. Beyond this area within the lower part of the boundary is a lawn screened with hedging. This separate area could have potential to create a building plot with the necessary planning applications, although the current owners have not pursued this option.

Impressive detached garage block with slate roof which can accommodate four vehicles. The garages are interconnecting creating an internal open plan space.

Full size sand based, Astro surfaced floodlit tennis court. The perfect spectating spot is from the tennis pavilion which has a decking area.

Directions

Aberdeen Airport 7 miles
Dundee Airport    70 miles
Inverness Airport 95 miles
Glasgow Airport   156 miles
Edinburgh Airport 123 miles
ABZ Business Park 7 miles