Three of the best historical homes for sale in Scotland now

Finding a historical home with modern additions - especially a wood burning stove - is an attractive selling point for many house hunters.

It may only be the first week of September but the nights are drawing in and the trees are beginning to be tinged with russet.

The start of autumn also traditionally kicks off the second busiest time in the year for buying and selling property.

But whereas in the spring buyers might be tempted by glorious gardens in bloom, light-filled interiors and outside eating areas, at this time of year, thoughts turn to cosy evenings spent indoors.

If a home possesses charm and a hint of quirkiness so much the better, and modern insulation, glazing and central heating means older properties, if fully renovated, can offer a comfortable warm haven to wait for winter.

A wood-burning stove in pride of place creates the best kind of welcome for viewers, especially if found in a historical abode.

Picture: Zoopla

Number two, Kirkhill House in Broxburn is a one-bedroomed B listed building, dating from 1590 that has been fully renovated and upgraded to create a unique and beautiful home, oozing charm.

The terraced house is over three floors plus it has an attic room.

Picture: Zoopla

It is in a glorious setting with a private south-facing garden overlooking adjoining grounds and beyond to attractive open countryside.

Picture: Zoopla

When the current owner bought it in 2005 it had three bedrooms, but the rooms were small, dated and lacked insulation.

Picture: Zoopla

It has since been stripped back to the bare walls and the rooms rebuilt, creating a much better living space with attractive exposed stone work.

During the work, the original fireplaces were found and wood-burning stoves were installed in the kitchen, living room and bedroom.

Picture: Zoopla

The addition of modern insulation means that it is now a cosy home, with plenty of period charm, in a quiet location, close to the city.

Picture: Strutt and Parker

Easter Balmachreuchie is an enchanting traditional cottage with superb views of Strathardle, three miles from Bridge of Cally in Perthshire.

Picture: Strutt and Parker

The front porch opens into an extensive vaulted open-plan sitting and dining area with a wood-burning stove set in a stone fireplace. Bi-fold doors lead from the sitting room out to a decked patio.

Picture: Strutt and Parker

Stairs lead up to a mezzanine level, currently used as a study, but suitable as a snug or guest accommodation.

Picture: Strutt and Parker

The garden is a particular feature of the property being filled with colourful and interesting plants and shrubs, and it is enclosed by an old stone wall and a mature beech hedge, attracting a variety of wildlife.

Picture: Galbraith

Willies Mill is a more substantial country property with a literary connection. The historic mill house in Ayrshire has been extended and modernised into a very attractive, characterful family home.

It sits in just over four acres of grounds, which are divided into landscaped gardens and paddocks, with stabling and outbuildings.

Picture: Galbraith

Willies Mill has strong Burns connections as the former owner, the eponymous William Muir, featured in Burn’s poem Death and Doctor Hornbrook and was also a close friend.

He took in Jean Armour when she discovered that she was pregnant to Robert Burns for the second time.

Picture: Galbraith

All of which makes Willie’s Mill’s comfortable sitting room, with wood burning stove, the perfect spot to while away an autumn evening with the Bard.

At a glance

Picture: Zoopla

Where is it: 2, Kirkhill House, Kirkhill Court, Broxburn.What is it: A unique terraced house dating from 1590, fully upgraded, and over three floors with a dining kitchen on the ground floor, a living room on the first floor and an en suite bedroom upstairs. An attic room could serve for storage or a small guest room. The spiral stair is located in the turret. Private south-facing garden.Good points: Fully renovated, the house is fully of historic charm but is also a warm, comfortable, modern home.Bad points: Chopping all that wood to feed the stoves on each level might be a chore, but it has central heating too.Price: Offers over £240,000.Contact: Warners on 0131 667 0232.

Picture: Strutt and Parker

Where is it: Easter Balmachreuchie, Ballintuim, Blairgowrie, Perthshire.What is it: A beautiful traditional stone cottage with two bedrooms, two bathrooms, an open-plan living and dining room and mezzanine study. Stone fireplace with wood burner.Good points: Outstanding views from an elevated position. Excellent order inside and there is a very pretty walled gardenBad points: Only two bedrooms.Price: offers over £285,000.Contact: Strutt & Parker on 01738 783350.

Picture: Galbraith

Where is it: Willie’s Mill, by Tarbolton, Ayrshire.What is it: A four-bedroomed historic mill house on the edge of a pretty village.Good points: As well as its charm there is a stong literary connection with Robert Burns. The upgraded accommodation offers a great deal of comfort, and the grounds are substantial at over four acres.Bad points: The equestrian facilities might be too much for non-horsey buyers.Price: Offers over £430,000.Contact: Galbraith on 01292 292535..