Three of the best former coach houses for sale in Scotland now

Some estate buildings, steadings and coach houses offer the perfect layout for modern living, finds Kirsty McLuckie

Living in a converted coach houses has many advantages.

Like other buildings repurposed as homes, such as churches and schools, a conversion to residential use can throw up some interesting design quandaries.

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However, spacious interiors, large openings for doors which can be changed to windows, and the presence of upper floors originally meant for staff accommodation mean that coach houses can actually present an easily adaptable layout for a very modern feeling home.

Getting it right will leave enough of the original features to lend character and charm.

Some stabling, steading or coach house conversions inevitably come with close neighbours, which can make them an affordable option for a rural home.

Stand-alone conversions with private grounds are sought-after and the best will rival the values of detached estate houses.

Converting a coach house from scratch can be an arduous business, but fortunately there are plenty on the market that have had all the hard work completed.

Bellspool Coach House has a striking architectural presence.

Set in the heart of upper Tweeddale, in the Scottish Borders, it is eight miles from Peebles and 30 miles from Edinburgh.

Picture: Strutt and Parker

Initially it was built around 1863 as the stabling and carriage quarters for Dawyck House, a familiar name now as its grounds are part of the Royal Botanic Garden.

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There was further development in 1909 to accommodate the motor car and it was converted to a home in 1998 and recently extensively upgraded.

Picture: Strutt and Parker

The exterior of the building is a stunning example of its era and it has impressive interior features, such as the red brick central archway reception hall, with windows looking out north and south.

Picture: Strutt and Parker

The house has five bedrooms and is set in a south-facing secluded garden of an acre of woodland plants, azaleas, rhododendrons, and mature trees.

Picture: Knight Frank

The Coach House at Mavisbank forms part of a traditional steading dating from 1840, converted to residential use a number of years ago.

It stands in a semi-rural setting close to the River North Esk in the small hamlet of Polton, in the Midlothian village of Lasswade.

Picture: Knight Frank

Its gardens including shed and wood store run down towards the river.

Period features include cornice work, working shutters and fireplaces in the sitting room, dining room and the upper landing.

Picture: Knight Frank

On the ground floor there is a sitting room and dining room. From there, French doors open into a Mozolowski & Murray conservatory with access to the rear garden.

Picture: www.primelocation.com

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The Coach House in Heriot is a fine Scottish Borders home with panoramic views including, on a clear night, the glow from Edinburgh’s city lights.

Picture: www.primelocation.com

The impressive five-bedroomed property has an indoor swimming pool, cinema, gym and dance studio, and both indoor and outdoor hot tubs.

Picture: www.primelocation.com

At its heart is the sun room with cathedral ceilings, windows that stretch almost the whole length of the walls and French doors that open out on to the garden decking.

Picture: www.primelocation.com

However, while it is very much in the style of a coach house conversion as its name suggests, the property is just 15 years old with all the high-spec, energy efficient advantages of a modern home.

At a glance

Where is it: Bellspool Coach House, near Peebles, Scottish Borders.What is it: A conversion from a Victorian estate’s stabling and carriage house. It has five bedrooms, four bathrooms, a sitting room, dining room, snug and study. One acre of mature gardens which are secluded and sheltered.Good points: Impress any visitors with the entrance through the Victorian red brick archway leading into the dual aspect reception hall with floor to ceiling windows.Bad points: Not much potential to add value as it is presented in immaculate condition.Price: Offers over £695,000.Contact: Strutt & Parker on 0131 718 4488.

Picture: www.primelocation.com

Where is it: The Coach House, Nettingflat, Heriot, Scottish Borders.What is it: A five-bedroomed modern house designed to resemble a stable conversion with living room, dining kitchen, sun room, cinema room, gym and an indoor swimming pool.Good points: All mod cons plus no excuse not to be fit as a fiddle. Elevated rural views.Bad points: A lack of period features as it is modern.Price: Offers over £825,000.Contact: Warners on 0131 668 0439.

Picture: Knight Frank

Where is it: The Coach House, Mavisbank, Lasswade, Midlothian.What is it: A three-bedroomed house forming part of a steading conversion. It has a sitting room, dining room, drawing room and dining kitchen.Good points: The Mozolowski &Murray conservatory is at the heart of the house and links to the garden .Bad points: Close neighbours.Price: Offers over ££480,000.Contact: Knight Frank on 0131 222 9600.