Three of the best traditional Scottish homes with beautiful views

Kirsty McLuckie locates inspirational properties which may persuade you to indulge your creative tendencies, as all of them have wonderful views.

The perfect home for an artist might conjure up visions of a home dominated by vast studios with just the right kind of light, but for those practicing their art from home, whether professionally or as a hobby, there are other considerations.

Inspiration on the doorstep is one.

Jennifer Thomson is a Scottish artist renowned for her paintings of Edinburgh and the East Neuk of Fife.

Picture: Thorntons

Her home in Elie is now on the market and she believes that the house has played a major part in her art over the years.

She says: “The East Neuk is such an inspiring place made up of picturesque villages, harbours and beaches with a potential painting around every corner.

“Our house is right in the heart of Elie village with large windows looking out on all directions.

Picture: Thorntons

“We can see everything that is going on in the village as well as the sea and a glimpse of the Granary.

“A couple of our windows have window seats where I have often sat and sketched the world below.”

Thomson’s paintings are famed for capturing happy moments in life and the view from the windows of the home, which is a three-bedroomed conversion, is the perfect spot to watch families on holiday and have inspired many of her paintings.

Picture: Thorntons

She says: “The house has a special atmosphere too.

“It is steeped in history as it was the home of The Lord Provost Of Elie in the early 1900s who made many important changes to the village such as the introduction of gas and electricity.

“He also ran the surrounding businesses from the house which have created some interesting features such as the half-width door in the hallway which would have originally been used to keep an eye on the baker’s shop.”

Picture: Thorntons

It has now been turned into a quirky cupboard.

For those searching for a home where they can look out of the window for inspiration for an artwork, Bridge View Cottage is another consideration.

Picture: Maloco & Associates

Set on Ferry Road, North Queensferry, the house has picture postcard views to the Firth of Forth and its bridges.

Picture: Maloco & Associates

Upgraded inside to a high standard, with the public rooms and master bedroom having the best of the views, there is also a pretty summer house in the garden which would serve well as an artist’s studio.

Picture: Bell Ingram

The Isle of Jura, part of the Inner Hebrides, is a remote romantic spot with a dramatic landscape.

A two-bedroomed stone-built cottage with a breathtaking outlook to the dominant Paps of Jura and to the sea is on the market for offers over £120,000.

Picture: Bell Ingram

The Bothy features a high wooden-clad ceiling, with natural stone interior and plenty of natural light.

On the upper floor is a large children’s playroom, which has potential to be adapted, perhaps as a studio.

Picture: Bell Ingram

Jura is home to 200 residents and the west coast of the island is wild terrain of raised beaches and caves, packed with wildlife, so providing plenty of subject matter to an artist specialising in landscape or nature.

Picture: Bell Ingram

And if your talents are more literary than in the visual arts, it is to be remembered that George Orwell came to a remote cottage on Jura to write his novel, 1984.

At a glance

Picture: Thorntons

Where is it: 1 Park Place, Elie, East Neuk of Fife.What is it: A two-storey traditional conversion with three bedrooms, a first-floor sitting room, dining kitchen, ensuite and sauna and a courtyard garden .Good points: Immaculately presented inside, the location is in the heart of a very pretty village with views to the popular beach and the sea. Plans have been drawn up to create a roof terrace with steps up from the courtyard.Bad points: The location is a busy spot in the summer.Price: Offers over £350,000.Contact: Thorntons on 01333 310481.

Picture: Bell Ingram

Where is it: The Bothy, Knockrome, Isle of Jura, Inner Hebrides.What is it: A two-bedroomed stone bothy with open-plan living space and kitchen, an upstairs playroom and private garden.Good points: Beautiful views, a quiet location and plenty of letting potential. The attic room could be developed for more accommodation or a workspace.Bad points: Jura can be a bit bleak in the winter and isn’t the easiest place to get to.Price: Offers over £120,000.Contact: Bell Ingram on 01631 566 122.

Picture: Maloco & Associates

Where is it: Bridge View Cottage, Ferry Road, North Queensferry.What is it: A three-bedroomed house with dining room, living room and conservatory.Good points: The views to the Firth of Forth and the bridges are spectacular.Bad points: Might go under offer this week.Price: Offers over £350,000.Contact: Maloco & Associates on 01383 629 720.