Property of the Week: Pitfour Chapel

It’s a thought so extravagant that it has probably never crossed your mind.

But close your eyes and imagine this… it’s a beautiful summer afternoon; the sun is shining and a crisp, cooling breeze is whistling by.

You’ve made your lunch and want to dine alfresco, but instead of heading out to the garden, you head upstairs to your very own private turret (yes, that’s right, TURRET) and spend the afternoon watching the day go by.

It’s a picture of bliss, but one which could be yours at Pitfour Chapel, a stunning Aberdeenshire church which has been painstakingly converted into a unique seven-bedroom home.

The property, which has just this morning come on the market with Aberdein Considine, not only offers breath-taking panoramic views for lunch, it’s also perfect for night-time star gazing and even comes complete with a working clock in the chapel tower.

'One of a kind'

With an asking price of offers over £450,000, Alan Cumming, National Estate Agency Director at Aberdein Considine, said the property is “one of a kind”.

“This is an exciting property, steeped in local history, and brought back to life as a fantastic home,” he said.

“The many features are hard to convey on paper and a viewing is a must for the buyer seeking a substantial family home or something special and just a little different.

“The chapel could be the perfect setting for an events venue, guesthouse or to run a business from. Alternatively, it could suit an equestrian buyer or provide space for growing fruit and veg, for keeping livestock or fowl or simply freedom for children and pets.

“There are so many exciting possibilities.”

The property has fabulous open plan reception room, a viewing gallery and seven bedrooms - but the space is very flexible to meet individual needs.

The main building was originally constructed as private chapel for the use of the Ferguson family and their estate in 1850 after a falling out between the laird and the Episcopal clergyman at Old Deer.

It had fallen into disrepair by the 1980s but was lovingly restored in 2003 for use as a house, winning several conservation awards.

It is the epitome of country living, with a number of beautiful landmarks in the near vicinity such as Aden Country Park, Deer Abbey and Pitfour Lake. The property is also close to the very busy village of Mintlaw, which also acts as a central hub in Aberdeenshire for transport links and commuters.

Original features

Alongside the spacious living areas, the property also retains the original windows and an oak staircase.

As such, it’s probably no surprise that the restoration project won the “Highly Commended” award for craftsmanship from Aberdeenshire Council in 2010, with the judges commenting that “it allowed for the retention of the ecclesiastical spirit and integrity to remain prevalent both internally and externally”.

Substantial parking is a given, and the large double garage, which has remote controlled doors, a toilet and an office on the upper floor, could also be utilised as a workshop.

The grounds are extensive, containing a walled garden, and for those with green fingers, exceptional opportunities to landscape across approximately two acres.

There is no question that properties of this nature rarely appear on the market and it offers buyers’ a chance to acquire some history, as well as providing a legacy for family generations to come.

Its location means you’re never far away from the city, but step outside the front door, and you’ll enjoy wide open fields and the sound of wild birds as you start the day.

For the same price as a three or four bedroom apartment in Edinburgh, or a family villa in Aberdeen, the life of a 19^th century estate owner could be right up your street.

Book a viewing

To view the full property details, or to book a viewing online, click here