Three of the best rural Victorian properties on the market now

The solid promise of a substantial Victorian rural home is just as much sought-after today as in bygone eras, writes Kirsty McLuckie.

There is something reassuring about the solidity of a classic Victorian house.

Whether it is a country cottage, a former manse or a traditional farmhouse, many buyers are attracted by the simple symmetry which is so pleasing to the eye – like the archetypal child’s drawing of a house.

Even if they have been substantially added to and extensively upgraded, the proportions of the era were such that some period-property seekers would not dream in living in a house from any other era.

Picture: Strutt and Parker

Netherwood, in Dornoch, Sutherland, is a handsome traditional property dating back to the 19th century, with a wealth of period features.

Located in a secluded and private location, the house has been restored and upgraded and sits in beautifully landscaped garden grounds only a short distance from the centre of Dornoch.

Picture: Strutt and Parker

It is an excellent example of how Victorian houses only need slight adaptation to suit modern life.

Netherwood was originally designed and built as a bolthole for a well-to-do lady and the still working servants bells point to how the house was originally used, with rooms for a nanny and a maid, day nurseries and night nurseries.

Picture: Strutt and Parker

In recent years, the house has been fully rewired, replumbed and the kitchen layout has been updated, with an Aga at the heart.

Picture: Strutt and Parker

The layout now has a dining-kitchen on the ground floor, along with separate dining room and sitting room, three bedrooms and two bathrooms on the first floor and two pretty attic bedrooms on the top floor.

Picture: Strutt and Parker

The property is set in beautifully landscaped south-facing private garden grounds, with lawns, trees and raised beds.

Picture: Strutt and Parker

There are some useful outbuildings, which include a coal store and garden shed as well as a carport with room for two vehicles.

Lothian View is a three-bedroomed detached Victorian house situated in the peaceful village of Whitehill, just outside Dalkeith in Midlothian.

Picture: Simpson and Marwick

The house sits on an elevated position and provides stunning panoramic views over the rolling countryside towards Edinburgh, the Firth of Forth and Fife.

The aptly named Lothian View has beautifully presented garden grounds, a workshop and a copious driveway.

Picture: Simpson and Marwick

Its interior has been upgraded and extended to combine old features, such as the original wooden stair, with more modern areas, such as the sunroom extension, a modern open-plan kitchen, and living and dining rooms with floor-to-ceiling windows.

Picture: Simpson and Marwick

Wester Gauldwell House is a very impressive, extended traditional farmhouse located in an accessible countryside setting near Craigellachie, Moray.

Picture: Galbraith

Dating from the mid to late-1800s, the house has been comprehensively renovated but retains cornicing, working shutters and Victorian features, such as the boot room – an essential component for any rural family.

Picture: Galbraith

At the heart of the house is a well-equipped dining-kitchen with an oil-fired Aga, central island unit and integrated appliances, including a Neff oven and coffee machine, slabbed floor and French doors to the garden.

Picture: Galbraith

Outside, the grounds are formed over four acres and include gardens, a patio and a polytunnel.

There is also an enclosed riding arena, barn and hay store. The three-acre paddock and field shelter make it the perfect spot to keep a pony or two.

At a glance

Picture: Simpson and Marwick

Where is it: Lothian View, Whitehill Village, Dalkeith, Midlothian.What is it: Detached property in its own grounds with three bedrooms, two public rooms and two bathrooms. A kitchen extension at the back updates the house for modern life.Good points: The views are a major plus, looking over the Edinburgh skyline and the Firth of Forth. Within easy commuting distance of the Capital.Bad points: It currently has only three bedrooms, but there is loft space which could provide potential for extending.Price: Offers over £405,000.Contact: Simpson and Marwick on 0131-525 8623.

Picture: Galbraith

Where is it: Wester Gauldwell House, Craigellachie, Aberlour, Moray.What is it: An extended traditional Victorian farmhouse in an accessible rural setting. Four bedrooms, three reception rooms and four acres of grounds.Good points: Upgraded and very pretty, the house offers great scope for a rural family existence with plenty of room inside and out. Excellent period features, such as stained glass, and an immaculate finish .Bad points: A non-equestrian owner may struggle to find a use for the paddock and riding arena.Price: Offers over £440,000.Contact: Galbraith on 01343 546362.

Picture: Strutt and Parker

Where is it: Netherwood, Station Road, Dornoch, Sutherland.What is it: Handsome traditional Victorian property with five bedrooms, two reception rooms and three bathrooms. It has large gardens with outbuildingsGood points: All the hardwork has been done – the house has been extensively upgraded to become a modern family home but retains period features.Bad points: No bathroom on the top floor.Price: Offers over £480,000.Contact: Strutt and Parker on 01463 719 171.