Three of the best: modern mansion houses

Top of the range contemporary mansion homes can be worth the price tag, finds Kirsty McLuckie.

Musing over what type of property you would buy if you ever found yourself winning the lottery or inheriting a windfall, is a national pastime.

While a period house, in its own manicured grounds or a chic city penthouse would tempt many with unlimited budgets, for an easy luxurious life, you could do worse than buy a contemporary mansion.

With every modern convenience, from energy efficiency, maintenance-free exteriors and gardens, to layouts to provide luxury to family and guests, top of the range modern homes have it all.

The best have every modern convenience from swish ensuites for every bedroom to the latest in sound and lighting systems at the touch of a button.

And while you may be tempted to buy a plot and build your own, or buy directly from a high end developer, there are plenty of ready-made homes on the market which offer the ultimate in easy living.

Archerfield is an exclusive location situation close to the conservation village of Dirleton on the East Lothian coast and so within easy commuting distance of Edinburgh.

The development offers private, country living with running tracks and wooded walks to the beach and Dirleton village, there are two golf courses and the renowned Walled Garden restaurant and Fletchers Cottage Spa all within walking distance.

Picture: Simpson and Marwick

No 43 The Village at Archerfield, is a stunning and individual detached house which has been designed by the current owners to maximise the privacy.

It has a large garden and stunning sea views.

Picture: Simpson and Marwick

With six bedrooms and six bathrooms, plus six public rooms, there would be room for all the family – and the detached triple garage has a studio with kitchen and shower room to house the staff.

Highlights include the large verandah with a fireplace accessed from the living area, with steps down to the garden and uninterrupted sea views.

Picture: the living room, Simpson and Marwick

It has a beautiful hand built kitchen and a large games rooms with double doors leading out to the terrace.

Caberfeidh House lies in a beautiful, secluded setting close to the village of Auldearn on the Moray coast.

Picture: Galbraith

The four-bedroomed house, which was built in 1999, has been finished to an exceptionally high standard, incorporating the best features of a traditional country property.

The landscaped grounds have sweeping lawns, mature hedging, woodland and raised terraces.

Picture: Galbraith

Central to the house is a beautiful staircase from the reception hall leading to the galleried landing with a dais providing a sitting area with far-reaching views.

Picture: Corum

St Ann’s in Roddinghead Road, Whitecraigs, sits in one of the most exclusive villages on the south side of Glasgow.

Set behind electric security gates, the house offers superb family accommodation of five bedrooms and kitchen, dining room, lounge, sitting room, cinema room and an integral garage.

Picture: Corum

It has, in addition, a leisure complex that incorporates a swimming pool, shower room and sauna.

A perfect spot to while away your free time.

Quick Look

Picture: Simpson and Marwick

Where is it: 43 The Village, Archerfield, by Dirleton, East Lothian.What is it: A unique home with six bedrooms and six public rooms in a beautiful open layout, extensive manicured gardens and a triple garage with studio apartment above.Good points: There is certainly space for the largest family and it would make a wonderful house to entertain in. The location is private and secure, with a restaurant, spa and – perhaps most importantly – two golf courses on the doorstep.Bad points: Membership at the golf courses is among the most expensive in Scotland.Price: Offers over £1.295 million.Contact: Simpson & Marwick on 01620 892000.

Picture: Galbraith

Where is it: Caberfeidh House, Auldearn, Nairn.What is it: A four-bedroomed, three reception room contemporary house with an immaculate finish and two acres of grounds with woodland and a burn.Good points: The private setting gives views over open countryside. The open galleried stair makes for an impressive entrance.Bad points: Only four bedrooms but there is scope to add a self contained annex.Price: Offers over £775,000.Contact: Galbraith on 01463 224343.

Picture: Corum

Where is it: St Ann’s, Whitecraigs, Glasgow.What is it: A five-bedroomed detached house within easy commuting distance of the city centre.Good points: An impressive home already, the swimming pool and sauna add another level of luxury. Gardens are completely enclosed and feature a large terrace. It also comes with one of the best addresses in the west.Bad points: Not a home for non-swimmers.Price: Offers over £1.05 million.Contact: Corum on 0141 376 9140.