Location

Kennethmont is a rural hamlet and the perfect location from which to enjoy the great outdoors. While the surrounding area comprises rolling farmland and open countryside, this part of northeast Scotland is also famed for its outdoor pursuits, including walking, mountain biking and golf. Salmon fishing is available on the rivers Deveron, Don, Dee and Spey, while game shooting is another popular sport. The nearby coast offers sailing and sandy beaches. Apart from its rich agricultural heritage, the area is steeped in historical interest, being in the heart of "Castle Country". Leith Hall is a country house in Kennethmont built in 1650, on the site of the medieval Peill Castle, and was the home of the Leith-Hay family for nearly three centuries. Since 1945 it has been run by the National Trust of Scotland where events such as summer plays, music recitals and activities for children, including a nature club, are regularly held in the extensive grounds. Local schools include Kennethmont Primary School and the Gordon Schools, Huntly. Both are served by school transport.

Situated approximately (7 miles) away, Huntly is an historic town which prospered during the 18th century through the expanding linen industry. Today, the amenities include two major supermarkets, local shops and recreational facilities, including the popular Nordic Ski Centre and Huntly Falconry Centre. The train station provides a direct link to Aberdeen and Inverness, with a connection railway at Insch. A regular bus service also operates to Aberdeen.   

The pleasant village of Insch, approximately 6 miles to the southeast, has the closest railway station and provides some smaller local shops, a medical centre, leisure centre and other facilities.   

A further (10 miles) beyond Insch is the large market town of Inverurie providing a greater choice of supermarkets, shops and facilities, including a newly-built secondary school.   

Approximately (34 miles) distant lies the city of Aberdeen. The international airport provides excellent transport links by air to London and other UK and European cities. The Aberdeen Western Peripheral Route has greatly improved travel in and around Aberdeen, with a quicker and more direct route south. 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.

Distances:
Huntly                   (7 miles)
Insch                     (6 miles)
Inverurie               (17 miles)
Aberdeen City      (34 miles)
Aberdeen Airport (28 miles)*

*Please note that all distances are approximate

Description

Kennethmont Parish Church was built in the early 19th century (around 1812) to replace the earlier church located a short distance away. The B Listed property was converted into a two storey detached residential property with a single storey addition at one end the former vestry) in 1997. Original features such as the pulpit, altar, church bell, pitch pine doors, original high ceilings, panelling to dado height, exposed wooden beams and a stunning stained glass window remain intact.

A welcoming entrance vestibule with Gothic style original storm doors opens into the building with feature window and door. A striking room is the main reception space, currently used as a drawing/dining room. Twin aspect arched windows overlook a garden area. This impressive room has a stunning vaulted ceiling and pulpit. A multi-fuel burning stove with local stone, wooden mantel and slate hearth makes this reception room the heart of the home, while the stained glass window is another characterful feature. The stylish dining kitchen was refurbished in 2020 with a comprehensive range of Shaker style cream cabinets complemented by oak worksurfaces and dark blue glass splashback panels. Informal dining is catered for with a central island with seating. Appliances include an electric Rangemaster Infusion cooker, with double oven, induction hob and extractor hood within a brick feature wall. Additional appliances include a freestanding LG side by side refrigerator and freezer, dishwasher and Samsung washing machine. A Belfast sink overlooks the garden. There are two double bedrooms, one with a front aspect and the other with a garden view. These rooms are serviced by a contemporary shower room with large shower enclosure. At the top of the original staircase is a large landing window overlooking the garden. Ascending to the first floor is the principal bedroom with walk in wardrobes and an en suite bathroom which includes a white spa bath with mains shower and twin wash hand basins. The bedroom is particularly spacious with ecclesiastical arched windows and double doors opening onto the stunning gallery. This versatile space overlooks the ground floor reception room and would make an ideal study/library area.

Outside:
The garden around the house is largely enclosed with a stone wall. At the entrance to the property is a pair of ornate metal gates. Most of the garden is laid in lawn with recently landscaped flower beds and a kitchen garden.   Mature Scots pine trees are along three boundaries. Other boundaries are partially defined by timber post and wire fences.

Garage:
Timber garage with timber lined walls. Fitted with power including a circuit break consumer unit.
Vehicles can be parked on a tarred layby adjoining the property.

Directions

Follow the A96 from Aberdeen north and continue until the B9002 junction, follow until Kennethmont village; the primary school is on the right and Kennethmont Church House is on the left. Parking is on the roadside.