Living the dream has become a reality for some, with million-pound property sales increasing for the first time in four years, writes Susan Welsh
Published:
Lynwood, 72 North Deeside Road, Bieldside
Waterton House, Stoneywood, Aberdeen is on the market for offers over £1,600,000
Woodlands, 15 Island Bank Road, Inverness is on sale for offers over £1,100,000
IT SEEMS the dream of living a millionaire lifestyle has become a reality for many more of us.
This year’s Lloyds TSB Million Pound Property Report has revealed that there are now 185,000 property millionaires in the UK, with sales of million-pound homes increasing at their fastest rate since 2006.
Suren Thiru, Lloyds TSB housing economist, said: “The number of properties sold for over £1million has risen substantially over the past year, reflecting the strength of the very top end of the housing market.”
In spite of market fluctuations, it seems that bricks and mortar are still a worthy investment, with 7,185 properties costing a million pounds or over sold in the UK in 2010, a staggering 54% increase on 2009.
These latest figures indicate that there has been a clear revival at the top end of the market.
Roughly 185,000 British homes are valued at £1million or more. Some of these can be found locally, including:
Lynwood, 72 North Deeside Road, Bieldside
This magnificent four-bedroom mansion, owned by Aberdeen businessman George Tester, who ran the city’s International Casino, sits within three fabulous acres of established gardens in one of the most desirable parts of town.
The mansion, which comes compete with a charming turret and enjoys southerly views over picturesque Royal Deeside, has a good blend of period and contemporary features which make it both grand and luxurious.
All rooms are of large proportions. They include three formal reception rooms, (drawing room, dining room and television room), a dining kitchen, utility room and a large cloakroom toilet.
On the mezzanine level a large double bedroom, principal bathroom and dressing room can be found. A master bedroom with en suite is located on the upper level, as are the remaining two bedrooms.
Lynwood is set within established walled gardens and boasts extensive areas of lawn, a range of mature trees, a stream, a waterfall and an ornamental garden with pond.
Entrance to the house is through a private, gated driveway, and there’s ample parking space for several vehicles.
Laurie and Co is seeking offers over £2,250,000 for Lynwood. For further details call 01224 645085.
Waterton House, Stoneywood, Aberdeen
Waterton House is another magnificent property.
This period B-listed house was built around 1840 as a wedding present for the daughter of the owner of Stoneywood Mill.
It sits in fantastic mature grounds which are home to some very interesting subjects, including five species of rhododendron which were “evacuated” from London’s Kew Gardens during the Blitz.
Throughout this stunning home, a wealth of period detail has been enhanced by tasteful decoration – most walls are hand painted.
Features of note include curvilinear bay windows, traditional wooden shutters, ornate cornicing, decorative and traditional working fireplaces and wood-burning stoves.
Elegant public rooms feature functional areas including office/hobby rooms, while the upper floor has two separate wings to the front and rear, bedrooms and bathrooms with roll-top baths.
The accommodation comprises a large reception area, cloakroom, drawing room, conservatory and dining room which won a City and Guilds Award due to its outstanding decor.
The house has a large dining kitchen, laundry room, inner hall, study, gym and golf/hobby room fitted with astroturf to allow indoor putting practice. There are also three good-sized offices/stores, and a guest master bedroom with en suite.
A sweeping staircase leads to the upper hall where there is a master bedroom with en suite and dressing room, two further double bedrooms and a luxurious family bathroom.
A rear landing leads to a self-contained wing housing a lounge, two double bedrooms and a bathroom.
A self-contained two-bedroom cottage could also provide rental income.
Other notable features include a courtyard with several large warehouses. Plans for this area include the possible erection of five detached houses – this land can be bought along with Waterton House upon negotiation.
Waterton House in Stoneywood, some four miles from Aberdeen city centre, is being marketed by Raeburn Christie Clark Wallace at offers over £1,600,000. For further details call 01224 564636.
Woodlands, 15 Island Bank Road, Inverness
Woodlands is a superb grade-C listed Victorian house, set in secluded grounds stretching to more than an acre opposite the beautiful Ness Islands and River Ness.
The house has the feel and charm of a large country house, yet is only a few minutes walk from the city centre.
Although many of the original features are still in place, the house has not been left in the past, and was completely refurbished in 1997 to a high standard.
Secure electronic gates on Island Bank Road lead to a tree-lined driveway and the house itself.
Accommodation includes an entrance vestibule, reception hall, study, formal living room, dining room, kitchen, cloak room, TV/family room, conservatory and master bedroom with dressing area, balcony and en-suite. The property also includes a guest bedroom with en suite, three further bedrooms and a family bathroom.
Although these rooms are all large, the house has a central vacuum system, so there’s no need to worry about carrying a heavy vacuum cleaner around.
Gorgeous gardens, featuring established trees, plants and a patio area, surround the house.
Rather unusually, the property also features a path leading to a hillside woodland walk and a former wartime air raid shelter, which is now used as a store. Other buildings include a greenhouse and a large double garage, shelved lock-up room, utility room and a large games and hobby room – the ideal space to house a home gym.
Murray McCheyne of selling agent, Murchison Law, said: “We are delighted to be marketing Woodlands for sale.
“The chance to acquire a home of such distinction rarely comes along. Being so close to the city centre but feeling like it is in the country really makes this house special.”
Murchison Law is seeking offers over £1,100,000. For further details call 01463 709992.