Lily Bank, Linn O'Dee Road, Braemar, Ballater, Aberdeenshire, AB35 5WT

The property

Situated on an elevated site within one of Scotland's most sought-after Highland villages, Lily Bank is a deceptively spacious 236 sq m (2540 sq. ft) late-nineteenth-century detached Victorian villa that enjoys un-interrupted, panoramic protected views across the Dee valley and up towards the Linn O'Dee. Situated within the heart of the Cairngorms National Park, this truly stunning and unique property offers extremely flexible accommodation and would make an ideal main residence or second home for anyone looking to retreat to Royal Deeside. The main house spans over three floors and a self-contained annex is accessed externally to the rear of the property where the living area features an original granite fireplace with wood burning stove, double bedroom with en-suite shower room and full height storage area with space for preparing light refreshments. Lovingly renovated by the current owners, many of the original features have been retained and enhanced using Farrow and Ball neutral tone paints to achieve a traditional yet contemporary feel. The house is finished to an extraordinarily high specification throughout and is unquestionably in walk-in condition. Only the finest materials have been used in the restoration including bespoke, handcrafted hardwood sash-and-case double-glazing by George Moir Carpentry, Forbes & Lomax power points and light switches and Samuel Heath ironmongery. The roof has been finished using Welsh slates and the granite paths, steps and patio areas recreate the native charm once seen at this property when originally constructed more than 140 years ago. Internally there are many period features including ornate cornicing, high skirtings, bannisters, panelled doors, exposed beams and working shutters. Slate flagstones and engineered oak wood flooring feature throughout the property and enjoy the convenience of underfloor heating. Both the lounge and dining room feature wood burning stoves and the electric Aga in the kitchen provides additional heating. Technology and convenience has also been considered with high-speed, business-grade internet throughout, hardwired Sky Q TV system and hardwired Sonos multi-room audio system with in-ceiling speakers. The property is well protected with a security alarm system and the smartphone-operated CCTV system with events recorder allows owners to monitor their property when not at home. There is a large utility/boot room with wall-panelling "hidden" doors which conceal household appliances and provide an abundance of general storage space. Externally, the original Victorian appearance is evident with traditional Drystone dykes and dwarf granite wall which form a secure boundary around the substantial plot. Deer and stock-proof fences with mature beech hedging surround the grounds and provide privacy to the front, back and sides. The low maintenance garden grounds surround the house with a large area of lawn to front and wide traditional style double gates with side panels and panel-mounted post box to side of property which allow vehicular and pedestrian level access from Linn O'Dee Place. A large driveway to the rear provides parking for multiple vehicles. There are Granite patios for entertaining/dining to either side of the house, with the west patio housing the refurbished original fire pit. Traditional log store with separate covered garden-equipment/bike storage area behind. The traditional garden shed is currently used as a store however the specification is such that it is believed suitable as additional living accommodation or even a detached home-office, subject to obtaining appropriate consents. The current owners have had detailed architects drawings prepared for the erection of a double garage with large mezzanine storage area above on the site of the east car-parking area, and these are available to solicitors acting for potential purchasers on request. Located in the heart of the Cairngorms National Park at the upper end of Royal Deeside, Braemar has a warm, generous, welcoming and inclusive population with a strong sense of community and the wider area boasts many attractions and opportunities for walking, ski-ing and all types of seasonal outdoor pursuits. The famous Royal Highland Gathering in September draws tourists from all corners of the world including members of the Royal family who attend annually from nearby Balmoral. Braemar is also of course home to the amazing, world-famous Fife Arms Hotel, the Sunday Times Hotel of the Year 2019. Lily Bank is only a short stroll from the village centre, and thus combines all the benefits of rural living with the more desirable elements of a twenty-first-century semi/virtual-urban lifestyle. As well as a whole host of excellent cafes and restaurants, Braemar boasts any number of speciality shops, a well-reviewed gallery, a gastro-pub and a soon-to-open micro-brewery, along with a grocer's/post office, butcher's, pharmacy and healthcare centre.