Three of the best traditional homes with modern extensions for sale in Scotland now

Contemporary additions, extensions and re-modelling can lend an older home balance, finds Kirsty McLuckie.

Adding an extension can vastly improve the comfort of a property, particularly one that dates from an age before modern living standards.

But some extensions go far beyond adding a comfortable kitchen or creating space for a second bathroom.

While creating a conservatory adds to the usable living space, some projects go far beyond and take in a whole remodelling of an outdated home.

The Tanhouse, in the Fife village of Culross, is a case in point.

Picture: www.satsolicitors.co.uk

The original B-listed building, as its name suggests, was used in the 18th century for tanning hides for the village’s shoemaking industry.

The original part of the building would have been a two-room workshop downstairs and the workers’ living accommodation above it.

Picture: www.satsolicitors.co.uk

While the house retains its Georgian feel from the road, at the back there have been extensive additions to create not only a large double-height family room and kitchen but an additional lounge.

Picture: www.satsolicitors.co.uk

Over the last few decades, the whole orientation of the house has shifted to make the most of views out to the Forth and a spectacular outside space which includes decking, sloping lawns, a vegetable pack and extensive parking area, plus a double garage with a fifth bedroom above.

Picture: www.satsolicitors.co.uk

Gail Bald, who owns the property with husband Douglas, says: “It really doesn’t look like much from the street, but once you get inside people’s eyes really widen.”

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Station Avenue, Haddington, is another property which is almost unrecognisable, due to an extensive remodelling and extension programme.

Picture: Strutt and Parker

What must have started as a modest home has increased by almost 100 per cent of floor space in an extension that has added a dining kitchen and family room on the ground floor and a vast master bedroom suite above.

Picture: Strutt and Parker

In addition, to the side of the property a large study has been created, with a floored loft storage room above.

Picture: Strutt and Parker

The detached gym in the garden, with floor-to-ceiling windows, means this property has really made the most of its space.

In Eskbank there is a good example of a contemporary extension on a period house.

Picture: www.edinburghprimeproperty.com

Owner Carolyn Orr says that the house, at No2 Lothian Bank, which has well proportioned traditional rooms, was severely lacking a decent-sized kitchen when they bought it 12 years ago.

Picture: www.edinburghprimeproperty.com

She says: “It was a very small kitchen with a dining space but we wanted to enhance the existing features of the house with something that also had a feeling of light and spaciousness and allowed us all to spend time in there together, rather than me being stuck on my own when I was cooking.”

Picture: www.edinburghprimeproperty.com

The contemporary extension, which was completed in 2015, houses a kitchen and utility room which is open-plan to a family room and dining area.

The design complements the original rather than being a pastiche.

The glazed addition also has bifold doors out on to the terrace.

Picture: www.edinburghprimeproperty.com

At the front of the house the Orrs have added a large conservatory off the drawing room, and the whole house has been enhanced by a balancing of the accommodation in the process.

At a glance

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Where is it: The Tanhouse, Tanhouse Brae, Culross, Fife.What is it: A traditional village house dating from the 18th century which has been extended and offers five bedrooms, a living room and dining kitchen, separate sitting room. Beautiful south-facing garden with decking, lawns, a sheltered courtyard and a workshop and garage.Good points: In terms of the wow factor, this house has it in spades. From its traditional Georgian exterior in the pretty conservation village of Culross, the interior is a revelation with contemporary extensions to the back. Double- height rooms with airy open-plan space lead out to the garden and its impressive views over Culross and down to the banks of the River Forth.Bad points: The garden could be a bit steep for those with mobility problems. One of the bedrooms is above the garage but would be good for guests.Price: Offers over £579,5000.Contact: Sturrock, Armstrong & Thomson on 0131 556 0159.

Picture: www.edinburghprimeproperty.com

Where is it: No2 Lothian Bank, Eskbank, Midlothian.What is it: A semi- detached extended Victorian villa with four bedrooms, a drawing room with adjoining conservatory and a modern kitchen extension open-plan to a family room and dining area with folding doors to the outside.Good points: A good balance of traditional and contemporary makes this an ideal family layout.Bad points: Little further potential to add value.Price: Offers over £635,000.Contact: Simpson & Marwick on 0131 525 8666.

Picture: Strutt and Parker

Where is it: No7 Station Avenue, Haddington, East Lothian.What is it: A chic modern house with six bedrooms, five bathrooms, an open- plan kitchen, dining room and sitting area, and a separate study. Detached gym, workshop and garage.Good points: An immaculate high end home for a large family.Bad points: The fights over the sumptuous master bedroom.Price: Offers over £937,000.Contact: Strutt & Parker on 0131 718 4595.