Three of the best seaside homes for sale in Scotland now

Both landlubbers and salty old sea dogs will find plenty to love in these seaside homes, says Kirsty McLuckie.

Anyone retiring from a seafaring life could do worse than consider setting up home at Shipmaster’s House, a period property set in the heart of the fishing village of Anstruther, and believed to date back to the 15th century.

Picture: Savills

The house, which has expansive coastal views, takes its name from a previous owner, William Adamson, and features beams crafted from ship mast timber.

Adamson was a sea captain and boatbuilder and would have appreciated being able to see his vessels out at sea.

Lived in from 1949 until 1983 by architect Robert Lorimer’s niece, the house has undergone extensive renovation including a curved glazed tower at the back.

Picture: Savills

A spiral staircase links the first and second floors, while underfloor heating, luxurious family bathroom and fitted kitchen, with solid oak floorboards and central island, have brought this characterful property up to date.

The sitting room on the first floor spans the width of the house with a bay-window seat providing an ideal viewpoint, and has exposed stone walls and a woodburner.

Picture: Savills

The dual-aspect third bedroom looks out over the harbour and Anstruther’s Stevenson lighthouse, while two bedrooms on the top floor have views to the Bass Rock.

Picture: Savills

The house has a south-facing sheltered walled garden with a large terrace and a lily pond.Anna Gardiner for Savills comments: “Shipmaster’s House is a remarkable property with a real sense of local history.”

Picture: Galbraith

The Anchorage is an elegant Georgian former Manse which offers significant potential to create a leisure or tourism business in a popular area of Moray close to sandy beaches.

Picture: Galbraith

The property, which dates from 1835, is B-listed and sits in a charming secluded setting in large private grounds near the village of Alves and seven miles from both Elgin and Forres.

Picture: Galbraith

Rod Christie, handling the sale of the property for Galbraith, says: “The Anchorage and in particular the wooded grounds and outbuildings would lend themselves to the establishment of a leisure or tourism-related business, such as holiday cottages or glamping.

“Full planning permission and listed building consent are currently in place for the conversion of two existing steading buildings into a four-bedroomed home and also for conversion of the former Alves Church into a further four-bedroomed property.”

Picture: Galbraith

The main house is a very attractive and substantial country home over four storeys, which has been comprehensively renovated throughout, while retaining its original features.

Picture: Galbraith

The interior accommodation includes five bedrooms, four reception rooms and a wine cellar. The grounds include a charming walled garden.

Picture: Thorntons

The property at 12 Shorehead is located in arguably one of the best locations in St Andrews with breathtaking uninterrupted panoramic views over the harbour, pier and East Sands beach.

Picture: Thorntons

The refurbished apartment has been in the same family for more than 30 years.

Picture: Thorntons

It has a reception room with double patio doors and a Juliet balcony overlooking the harbour and sea beyond, while the balcony at the back overlooks the town’s cathedral ruins and St Rule’s Tower.

Picture: Thorntons

The dual-aspect windows in most rooms in the apartment offer superb north, east and west views.

At a glance

Picture: Savills

Where is it: Shipmaster’s House, The Esplanade, Anstruther, Fife.What is it: A period townhouse dating back to the 15th century with six bedrooms, dining-kitchen, sitting room and garden.Good points: It is a wonderful historic house, beautifully positioned in a very pretty fishing village, which has been updated and finished to the highest specification. The first-floor sitting room is a highlight and the garden is nicely sheltered and boasts a lily pond.Bad points: Those wanting to purchase a home may find themselves competing with buyers looking for a holiday let investment, as the house would be popular with tourists.Price: Offers over £495,000.Contact: Savills on 0131-247 3700.

Picture: Thorntons

Where is it: 12 Shorehead, St Andrews, Fife.What is it: A three-bedroomed second-floor apartment with spectacular views over the harbour, pier, East Sands beach and out to sea .Good points: The views in the other direction are almost as good, taking in the cathedral ruins. The apartment has a double garage, and two balconies.Bad points: There is also a roof terrace, but it is shared.Price: Offers over £700,000.Contact: Thorntons on 03330 430090.

Picture: Galbraith

Where is it: The Anchorage, Elgin, Moray.What is it: An elegant Georgian manse with five bedrooms, four reception rooms, six acres of grounds and a steading and church ripe for conversion.Good points: Beautiful peaceful setting close to the coast with an immaculate house and bags of potential.Bad points: The steading and church may be sold separately.Price: Offers over £755,000.Contact: Galbraith on 01343 546362.