Take a dekko at this

If you were asked to produce a list of well known Aberdeen houses, this fine detached house in Kings Gate would surely feature in the top 10. A landmark building in a prime location, it’s a house that is familiar to generations of Aberdonians, many of whom will have wondered what it’s like inside. As the house is now up for sale, Susan Welsh took the chance to find out

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AS FINE properties go, Val and Stewart McHattie’s ranks highly.

A gorgeous Art Deco-style house built in one of Aberdeen’s finest locations, it ticks all the boxes for those looking for a prestigious home with added wow factor.

Built in 1937 for a wealthy city businessman, it has had only three owners from new.

For the past 21 years, it has been home to the McHattie family – Val, Stewart and their four daughters, Carol, Val and twins Jill and Linda.

All the girls have long since flown the nest, and now it’s time for mum and dad to do the same.

Val said: “This has been a superb family home, but now it’s just a little bit big for Stewart and I, so we’re looking to move to a smaller place.”

They leave behind a house which is in remarkably fine condition, with many of the Art Deco-style features beautifully preserved.

Art Deco has its roots in turn-of-the-century Paris and was originally for the elite, but the style, which uses geometric and angular shapes, bold rectangular fireplaces, polished woods, lots of glass and mirrors, took hold and was, until the outbreak of World War II, hugely popular with everyone living between Hazlehead and Hollywood.

“We really liked the style, particularly the soft, sweeping lines used in the bathrooms. The main bathroom still has the original yellow Art Deco suite,” said Val.

“It has lovely curved lines, a huge sink and a big deep bath which suits my husband, as he’s 6ft 2in tall.”

Traces of the style can also be seen in the beautiful pitch-pine woodwork on the doors and stairway, and on the lovely tiled fireplaces in the lounge and living room.

The house will certainly appeal to fans of this period, but what shouldn’t be overlooked is that, first and foremost, number 182 King’s Gate is a superb house which can provide comfortable family accommodation on a grand scale.

On the ground floor, there is a lovely vestibule with teak-panelled front door, panelled walls and a cloakroom. A glass door leads into an elegant square hall, which has a leaded-glass window with a wrought-iron panel. There is lovely pitch-pine woodwork and high-level shelving, and a fine stairway leading to the first floor.

The lounge is a spacious room with a big square bay window to the side and a double window to the front. The original tiled fireplace with an open fire makes a nice focal point. The living room also has a square bay window and original tiled fireplace, but it’s fitted with a gas fire.

The dining kitchen has a good range of solid oak units and comes with an electric hob and double oven/grill, but the item which attracts most attention is the original bell system, which harks back to the days when it was the butler, not the owner, who answered the door to callers.

This floor also has a handy utility room, a tastefully refurbished modern shower-room and a morning room which could also be used as a study or bedroom.

Upstairs, the main landing has a large walk-in linen cupboard and a hatch to a well insulated loft.

There are three large and bright double bedrooms, a toilet and bathroom. Bedroom one has a feature tiled fireplace, while bedroom two has double built-in wardrobes with mirrored doors. Bedroom three comes with an en-suite wash-hand basin.

The house is set on a large corner site which is well laid out. To the front, a winding path leads to the front door, and there are attractive lawns, well stocked borders and a large rockery garden with exotic trees.

The walled garden to the rear is fully enclosed and well laid out with a circular lawn and lovely borders.

The driveway has double gates and leads to a long car port to the side of the house with space for four cars. There’s also a very long (30ft) double garage.

As for location, it’s ideally placed for the city centre, primary and secondary schools, and parks including Hazlehead.

“When the girls were at home, it was ideal as it would only take them about 20 minutes to walk home after a night out in the city centre,” said Val.

“And when they did get a taxi home, drivers would say to them, ‘Oh, you’re the one who lives here’, because they all knew which house it was.

“They didn’t even need to give the address, just say the house on the corner of King’s Gate and drivers would reply, ‘I know exactly where you mean’.”

Now Your Home readers know it, too.