Three of the best Scottish country cottages for sale now

For those who dream of a country life there are plenty of opportunities, says Kirsty McLuckie.

It is 40 years since the TV sitcom The Good Life aired but the fascination with self-sufficiency has never really gone away.

Whether it is renting a farm cottage with a big garden, taking on a Highland croft or buying a property to allow you to live off the land, it is a dream that is alive, particularly for urbanites fed up of a nine to five.

For those with a decent budget and a hankering to live a country life there are some tempting prospects on the market.

Picture: Savills

Stephanie Clarke of Savills says, “Easter Meikle Fardle is simply a delight.

“Add in the woodland, paddock and ‘working’ areas of the garden and you have a tailor made property for a buyer looking for a traditional country house with some land to play with.

“Plus, there is a two-bedroomed cottage that is separately available for a potential multi-generational purchase or perhaps to start as a holiday let business.”

The five-bedroomed house is in Perthshire’s Tay valley and was converted from farm buildings about 23 years ago.

Picture: Savills

The gardens have distinct areas, from the beautifully planted herbaceous borders and seating spot in the front courtyard to a rear terrace, water garden and ornamental pond.

A dog kennel and hen house with runs, a polytunnel and greenhouse, a 2.2 acre paddock and woodland, together create the perfect environment for a modest smallholding or for hobby livestock.

Inside is a fine drawing room and dining room with features including French windows, an ornate fireplace and a charming bay window seat.

Picture: Savills

The kitchen has a two-oven Aga plus separate hob and oven and a farmhouse style Belfast sink, and leads into a conservatory.

Clarke says that the house has real character in the superb formal entertaining rooms.

“The grounds have been a labour of love for the sellers, and are now ready to be passed on to new owners to enjoy."

Picture: Bell Ingram

Located in a tranquil Sutherland village, just next to Culrain, Easter Achnahanat is a croft house that has been extended and renovated.

Original features, such as its beamed ceilings, have been well maintained and lend it great charm.

The stone built property sits in an elevated position just next to the Kyle of Sutherland, enjoying views over the river and the hills beyond.

Picture: Bell Ingram

Over its two floors, the cottage has four bedrooms, two bathrooms and a large living area. Outside is a natural burn and bathing pool in its 2.6 acres of grounds.

Joanne Stennett, of Bell Ingram, said: “The serenity that Easter Achnahanat offers is just remarkable.

Picture: Bell Ingram

"And with the astounding views of its virtually untouched landscape, it’s the sort of property that persuades you to change your way of living and get back in touch with nature.”

Picture: Galbraith

West Cottage, Hillside of Row is a traditional three-bedroom cottage located in Dunblane, Stirlingshire, and was modernised to a high standard six years ago.

Picture: Galbraith

It has an attractive garden with land extending to 3.6 acres including fields of pasture land.

There are several adjoining outbuildings and a separate standalone hut used as a garden store.

At a glance

Picture: Savills

Where is it: Easter Meikle Fardle, Meiklour, Perthshire.What is it: A five-bedroomed country house with five reception rooms and seven acres of land including paddocks, woodland and outbuildings.Good points: It is perfectly set up for a fine country life with kennels and a hen house, grazing, polytunnel and greenhouses. The house itself is beautiful, with an excellent finish and plenty of space. The gardens are spectacular.Bad points: It is a substantial undertaking and you would need a decent budget to run it as a hobby farm. There is a two-bedroomed lodge available too, but that is extra.Price: Offers over £540,000.Contact: Savills on 0131 247 3739.

Picture: Bell Ingram

Where is it: Easter Achnahanat, Strathkyle, Argay, Sutherland.What is it: An extended former croft, with four bedrooms and 2.5 acres of land.Good points: The natural burn and bathing pool in the garden make a lovely feature, but the outstanding views over the Kyle of Sutherland are the real selling point.Bad points: It is a beautiful spot, but not the most accessible.Price: Offers over £275,000.Contact: Bell Ingram on 01463 717799.

Picture: Galbraith

Where is it: West Cottage, Hillside of Row, Dunblane, Stirlingshire.What is it: A traditional three-bedroomed cottage, finished to a high standard and surrounded by 3.5 acres of grazing land and outbuildings.Good points: County living in the Central Belt, within easy commuting distance of Glasgow, Stirling, Perth and Edinburgh.Bad points: The value reflects the location.Price: Offers over £475,000.Contact: Galbraith on 01786 434600.