Tower Villa3 Mary Avenue, Aberlour, Moray, AB38 9PL

Tower Villa is a stunning and supremely livable family home located at the end of a quiet street in the heart of one of the most pleasant villages in the Highlands. It was built in 1875 as a school for the local orphanage on a fine bluff over the Lour Burn, and features Italianate sandstone detailing, large windows and thick granite walls. It is easy to see why the headmaster soon ordered it transformed into his private residence.

The house retains historical elements including the iconic tower with original bronze school bell, gargoyles and cockerel weather vane, with several high windows strategically positioned to avoid distracting children at their studies. The extensive formal and informal gardens, lawns, patios and fenced areas encourage outdoor activity in all seasons, with a profusion of flowers and easy maintenance.

Tower Villa is in a peaceful position on a corner site off a short cul-de-sac at the south end of Mary Avenue. Tall pillars and a sturdy iron gate frame the entrance to a block-paved drive with room for multiple vehicles. A magnificent 8-foot oak castle door opens to the base of the bell tower and makes for an impressive entrance. Off the tower entrance is a cloakroom with vintage decorated fixtures, gothic windows and rustic wood ceiling. The entrance hall features Oregon pitch pine panelling, doors and matching staircase, and gives access to the reception rooms and kitchen.

A pine door with decorative frosted window leads to the inviting sitting room. When the house was converted from school use, a splendid box bay window was installed overlooking the formal front garden. The room is of pleasing proportion, with an ornamented cornice and marble fireplace.

The large dining room is bright and airy with wide windows overlooking the informal garden. It features an original sanded pine floor, antique floral wallpaper, a vintage tiled fireplace and easily accommodates a 10-foot 12-seat dining table.

The family room is cozy, square-proportioned, and especially well-suited for video entertainment, with blank walls perpendicular to the large window, heavy curtains, and a tiled fireplace with wooden mantel opposite the window. It is exceptionally pleasant to watch a movie in an appropriately darkened room with a small fire burning to one side and no glare on the screen.

The atmospheric kitchen is the heart of the home. It features handmade cabinets in the traditional local style, open shelves, vintage baker's table, cast iron radiator, stone wall sections, and a striking red Marmoleum floor (made in Kirkcaldy, Fife). The premium Falcon range includes five gas burners, one of which is high-BTU suitable for a wok, two convection ovens, a grill and a matching powerful extractor hood. The exposed brick fireplace niche with a coal-effect gas stove is a fine focal point, and the perfectly-located breakfast bar becomes an easy gathering place.

From the kitchen a door leads to the utility room which has built-in cabinets, a coat cupboard, and space for washing machine, tumble dryer and second fridge. Off the utility room is a delightful shower room with tasteful green wall tiles, spacious shower cubicle and oversized radiator. The kitchen, utility, and shower rooms also have underfloor heating. An exterior door leads to the forecourt and garage. At the end of the main hall, a useful walk-in cupboard provides easy access to electrical and telecommunications utilities. The kitchen pantry is conveniently located under the staircase and has built-in shelving.

The first floor has five double bedrooms and a family bathroom. The principal bedroom is very generously proportioned, has windows overlooking the gardens, and a cast iron fireplace with wooden mantel. Bedrooms two and five at either end of the house are especially generously proportioned and feature large windows. Plumbing stubs under the floor would simplify addition of a sink or en-suite bathroom in bedroom two. Addition of flooring and railing could create a wonderful balcony outside bedroom five. Bedroom three, at the top of the stairs, is a bright guest room with a wash basin and original pine floor. Bedroom four is currently used as an office and has a cast iron and slate fireplace. French doors lead to a Juliet balcony inside the bell tower. The family bathroom has a shower over the bathtub.

Tower Villa is beautifully situated within outstanding mature grounds and surrounded by magnificent Scots pines and ancient lime trees. The formal front garden is a flat lawn with central working fountain set against greenery, a traditional stone wall and lush flower border. A private path with rope handrail leads from the front garden down a spectacular wildflower bank towards a variety of pleasant seating areas.

Adjacent to the house is a child- and dog-friendly fenced area with a flat lawn, dazzling array of flowering plants and shrubs, tidy greenhouse, practical raised beds, summer house, large garden swing and block-paved terrace. Outside the back door, which is used as the everyday entrance, a large concrete terrace is separated by a stone wall from the main drive. It is used to access the garage, provides additional parking, and is extremely convenient for an array of outdoor activities and chores. At the back of the house is low-maintenance, gravel-covered utility area with clothes dryer.

A second, long paved drive leads to the High Steet (A95). This green and pleasant private lane is favoured for pedestrian access to the village, park and river.

The more-than-double garage features a tall ceiling, excellent lighting, an inspection pit, multiple power points, and an Ethernet connection from the main house. At the rear of the garage is a well-lit and insulated workshop with its own entrance door. Above the garage and workshop is a versatile, insulated loft ideal for a home office or studio.

Adjacent to the garage is a capacious wood store adorned with wisteria.

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