Three of a kind: escape the rat race

In the aftermath of the Brexit vote, with political turmoil on our news screens and uncertainty all around, it is tempting to dream about getting away from it all.

Ivy Cottage, Knoydart is on the banks of Loch Nevis and has a sun room which takes advantage of the spectacular views over Inverie Bay. The house is a modern redesign of a 19th century property and includes features such as a wood-burning stove and a bespoke antique pine staircase. It has four bedrooms plus outbuildings and its own mooring. Offers over £380,000. Contact MacPhee & Partners on 01397 702200.

Scotland has a great deal to offer escapees from the rat race, whether it is sleepy villages with a slower pace of life, whole communities that thrive outside the commuter belt or true get-away-from-it-all properties in spots where you can feel like you are master, or mistress, of all you survey.

Add in a far-reaching view to ensure your troubles don’t amount to a hill of beans, and you probably have the recipe for true contentment.

The Knoydart peninsula on the West Coast has long been a haven for those who prefer to live an alternative life in an isolated community.

Noss Head Lighthouse Cottages near Wick, Caithness comprises two former lighthouse keepers' cottages and ancillary buildings in a prominent cliff-top position overlooking the North Sea. There is plenty of scope for development to create one large house or to keep the homes separate. The lighthouse itself isn't included so you don't have the responsibility of warning passing shipping. Offers over £275,000. Contact Bidwells on 01463 796050.

The main tract of land is managed by the community-led Knoydart Foundation and the peninsula has just 120 full-time residents, although its village, Inverie, has amenities that many larger places could covet.

There is a post office, primary school, team room and pottery as well as the most remote pub in mainland Britain.

However, there is no road access so visitors and goods have to come by boat.

While the number of visitors each year might put off the true misanthropist,

36, Lonemore, Strath, Gairloch in Ross-shire is a four-bedroomed cottage with annexe in a crofting town. Recently refurbished, the house has an immaculate interior and beautiful views over to Skye. Offers over £260,000. Contact CKD Galbraith on 01463 224343.

the walkers, artists, sailors and holidaymakers do provide good opportunities for making a living through the summer, while the winter months are more dormant.

For those who think a village life could be too sociable, there are other property types to consider.

Historically, a lighthouse man’s life would have been isolated by its very nature and with the lights around the coast either being decommissioned or becoming fully automated, there are opportunities to acquire a home in a spectacular setting.

Lighthouse keepers’ cottages are a regular feature on the property market; there are currently several for sale around Scotland, including one on the island of Jura which offers a spectacular home that has already been refurbished.

Noss Head Lighthouse Cottages near Wick, Caithness comprises two former lighthouse keepers' cottages and ancillary buildings in a prominent cliff-top position overlooking the North Sea. There is plenty of scope for development to create one large house or to keep the homes separate. The lighthouse itself isn't included so you don't have the responsibility of warning passing shipping. Offers over £275,000. Contact Bidwells on 01463 796050.

Noss Head Lighthouse near Wick offers more potential. The historic property is situated on the rugged Caithness coastline, set behind a dry stone wall within its own grounds encompassing 35 acres.

There is a range of buildings available including two cottages and stabling, but a buyer with vision could create the most stunning home, well away from most of the problems of modern life.