3 of the best homes for sale with excellent outdoor space

Kirsty McLuckie finds the best homes on the market in Scotland for indulging in some indoor outdoor living.

Despite the record-breaking summer this year, Scottish weather can be fickle and the advantages of having a place to enjoy the outdoors, without necessarily being exposed to the elements, are numerous.

Not only does a conservatory or sunroom extend the floorspace, it provides a room that can be used throughout the year and can range from a modest porch in which to grow an exotic house plant or two to an extension which completely changes the nature of a property – and the occupants’ whole way of living.

And there can’t be many homes in Scotland better laid out for enjoying the outdoors than Kinvaid House, on the edge of the hamlet of Moneydie, near Perth.

Picture: Rettie

The six-bedroomed modern country home is a bespoke design, completed in 2005.

It has a lovely garden with riparian rights over the Schochie Burn which runs alongside, paddock grazing, an equestrian arena, garaging and a stable block, plus a coach house, gym and cinema room.

Picture: Rettie

Set within six-and-a-half acres of established grounds behind electric gates, the property is orientated towards the south.

Picture: Rettie

The interiors are impressive, but the real wow factor is perhaps the conservatory, leading off the kitchen, which was added in 2015.

The room features striking terrazzo-style floor tiling and tall windows to the south and west framing far-reaching views over the garden and the countryside beyond.

Picture: Rettie

Two sets of French doors lead to the flagstone terrace, a sheltered, south-facing area, which is the ideal spot to catch the sunshine.

If it is warm but wet there is also a timber pergola for shelter.

Picture: Rettie

The terrace is ideal for alfresco dining and features fragrant climbing plants, suspended heat lamps, a charcoal barbecue and an open aspect to the west.

What is more, at the front of the house is a pretty duck pond and, on the other bank, an exceptional summer house for more alfresco living and entertaining.

It features concertina glass doors which fully open out onto a large area of timber decking, with panoramic views over the garden, the house and the riverside setting.

Picture: Bell Ingram

Delford House is a five-bedroomed Georgian home set in two acres of landscaped gardens and grounds in the picturesque village of Kinnaird near Inchture in Perthshire.

Picture: Bell Ingram

It also has a coach house, with guest suite, gym and home office, but its impressive conservatory leads out to a flagstone terrace and that rarest of Scottish house features, a heated outdoor swimming pool.

Picture: Bell Ingram

Carl Warden of Bell Ingram says: “Delford House is a hidden gem with fantastic views over some of the best countryside Scotland has to offer.

"The house alone provides impressive space but also has the benefit of the coach house conversion – a unique extra area for guests.”

Picture: Galbraith

A more modest offering is Garden House, Montgreenan, by Kilwinning in North Ayrshire, a four-bedroomed property with more than half an acre set in the wooded grounds of the Montgreenan Estate.

The quiet and secluded spot is the perfect place for a conservatory.

Picture: Galbraith

The room is linked to decking and looks out onto the estate’s former curling pond, a delightful wooded wetland area and a haven for wildlife.

At a glance

Picture: Rettie

Where is it: Kinvaid House, Moneydie, Perthshire.What is it: A six-bedroomed contemporary home with four public rooms, six acres of landscaped grounds, a coach house, equestrian complex and grazing.Good points: The interior of the house is impressive, with a galleried hall and staircase, dining room, sitting room and huge kitchen. But the spectacular conservatory, coupled with the glazed summer house, are high points. There’s also a cinema room to entertain in bad weather.Bad points: The equestrian facilities would be wasted on anyone who wasn’t horsey.Price: Offers over £1.1 million.Contact: Rettie & Co on 0131 220 4160.

Picture: Galbraith

Where is it: The Garden House, Montgreenan, by Kilwinning, North Ayrshire.What is it: A traditional house with four bedrooms, two public rooms and more than half an acre of gardens.Good points: Set in a secluded spot on a country estate, the conservatory is the perfect place to do some wildlife spotting.Bad points: Immaculately refurbished so not much room to add value.Price: Offers over £350,000.Contact: Galbraith on 01292 292319.

Picture: Bell Ingram

Where is it: Delford House, Kinnaird, Perthshire.What is it: A classic Georgian country house with three reception rooms, five bedrooms, outbuildings and two acres.Good points: The heated outdoor swimming pool is a fantastic feature, but the spacious conservatory would be used all year round.Bad points: With extra guest accommodation in the coach house, you could be inundated with guests every time the sun shines.Price: Offers over £1.1 million.Contact: Bell Ingram on 01738 621121.