Property description

Detached historic former kirk in showhome order with multi-generational living space and detached chalet in a delightful rural hamlet.

Description
Built in 1773 to replace the Old Church of St Brandon at Inverboyndie, Boyndie Kirk has undergone several changes over the years. In 1996 the Church of Scotland chose to retain Trinity Church in Whitehills as the parish church in preference to Boyndie Kirk and the last service took place on 25 August 1996 and is remembered fondly. It will always be associated with important events in the lives of many local people. The Kirk was badly damaged by fire in 2000 and, following the then owner’s refusal to carry out necessary repairs, the Kirk was acquired by Aberdeenshire Council under Compulsory Purchase Order procedures. The North East Scotland Preservation Trust (nespt) commissioned a consultant team led by ldn Architects to undertake an options appraisal to investigate potential uses for Boyndie Kirk which could secure is future. This included conversion to residential use.

As a ruin, the former kirk was lucky to be found by the current owners in 2013. A tremendous amount of vision, time and expense was lavished on the conversion to create the stunning turnkey home of today. Attention to detail includes the extensive use of pitch pine doors, reclaimed wooden flooring from Mulben Distillery, travertine and ceramic tiles, solid wooden floors, some window shutters and reclaimed and restrored column radiators.

The accommodation begins with a spacious vestibule with Velux and arched windows opening into the welcoming and bright hallway. The focal point of this area is the delightful wooden staircase complete with safety glass panel balustrades. A cloakroom is fitted with a white WC and wash basin set in a vanity unit. Handmade bi-fold doors open into the superb sitting room with triple aspect windows, two of which are fitted with window seats to enjoy the countryside outlook. A fireplace with deep slate hearth houses a log burner. An open archway allows the two reception areas to flow seamlessly. This well appointed room has a window and window seat enjoying a similar aspect to the sitting room. Again, an open archway leads to the stylish dining kitchen with an extensive range of base cabinets and drawers. A central island has drawers and shelves below. The cabinets and island are completed with Van Gogh from Brazil work surfaces. Appliances include a seven burner gas hob, three electric neff ovens and an integrated KitchenAid coffee machine. There is also a walk-in pantry with extensive shelves. To bring the outdoors in are the French doors opening to the terrace which is flanked on either side by substantial stone chimney stacks salvaged from a distillery. For everyday domestic tasks is the laundry room which is plumbed for a washing machine and has space for a tumble dryer. Steps lead down to the boot room with an exterior door and cloak cupboard. Well equipped is the preparation kitchen with base units along with a Bosch hob, oven and dishwasher. This part of the building can be a self contained annexe and is extremely versatile in use. It can be completely independent for multi-generational living space or offer a commercial aspect. Previously our clients have operated a very successful tea room. A spacious snug room is currently fitted with bookcases and already in place is a window and radiator, making it flexible as a sitting area. The current cloakroom is large in size and has plumbing in place for a shower. It is fitted with a white WC and Laufen wash basin along with a large window and shutters. A particularly generous double bedroom has two windows and an external stable style door and there is wood panelling to dado height. The wide staircase ascends to the spacious first floor galleried landing with two Velux windows and a large arched window. This space is relaxed and informal as a library/study/home office area. There is a deep walk in linen cupboard. The principal bedroom suite is elongated in shape and houses two separate dressing rooms, study and a particularly large en suite bathroom. A feature is the cast iron rolltop freestanding bath and over sized walk in shower enclosure with built in seat. Bedroom 2 has an en suite shower room and the third bedroom with bi-fold doors is serviced by a separate shower room.

A pillared entrance leads to a turning and car parking area for numerous vehicles with a thick gravel covered driveway. A treated sandstone path leads to the house itself. An easily maintained lawn sits alongside pine and sycamore trees, cherry and Christmas trees. There is a mature rockery with heathers and other hardy plants. A large potting shed also incorporates a log store. A wonderful south facing alfresco spot is the raised decked area providing extensive space for outdoor relaxation and refreshments.

Location
Situated at the mouth of the River Deveron is the Royal Burgh of Banff which dates back to the 12th century when the first castle was established to repel Viking invaders. Many of the properties located in Banff date back to the late 17th or 18th century including the magnificent Duff House which was built in 1730. Duff House operates as an outstation for the National Galleries of Scotland and has extensive grounds including a play park for children. There is a regular bus service into Aberdeen and schooling is available locally with various primary options and secondary schooling provided at Banff Academy. Gordonstoun School is a co-educational independent school for boarding and day pupils in Moray. Banff offers a wide range of local amenities and activities including fishing, golfing, walking and cycling. There are also a number of castles and distilleries nearby.

Acreage:
0.5 Acres

Directions
Banff 3.5 miles
Aberdeen 50 miles
Aberdeen International Airport 49 miles
Inverness 70 miles
*Please note that all distances are approximate

Additional Info
Chalet

The detached timber residential chalet is utterly charming. A cosy sitting room has an additional door opening onto an enclosed decked area. The kitchenette corner provides a sink, refrigerator and microwave. There are two radiators serviced by a combi boiler. Well proportioned is the bedroom with a beamed ceiling and en suite shower room complete with WC and washbasin.
Amenities

4 bedrooms, 2 with en suites

2 reception rooms

An annexe providing self-contained living space

Commercial aspect formerly used as a tea room

Detached residential chalet

Ideal as a writers’ or artists’ retreat

EPC Rating = C