The answer my friend is Mr Dylan's des-res

AS THE Scotsman revealed yesterday, when we began our series on Scotland's most expensive homes, there has been a huge growth in demand for properties at the top end of the market over the past few years.

The first 2 million home in Scotland was sold in 2003 – but there are now more than 50 properties which have gone for above that figure, including one to music legend Bob Dylan.

Yet, while demand for expensive homes has undoubtedly risen, what customers want has stayed the same.

James Whitson, the head of private sales for Rettie and Co, says the pre-eminence of the Grange in Edinburgh remains unchallenged. "What we have seen throughout the year is that it's the one spot where people want to live," he said.

Large, traditional, stone houses, proximity to Edinburgh's independent schools and a short commuting distance to the business districts of the capital have all helped the Grange stay on top.

Faisal Choudhry, who researches prime property for the estate agent Savills, said: "The Grange has everything these sort of people look for."

While the prime property market in Scotland remains a conservative beast, there are signs of changes afoot.

Huge, ranch-style houses with American levels of luxury are one of the new trends at the top end of the market. And buyers of luxury homes are becoming increasingly willing to commute from rural areas.

The section of the list we publish today includes a modern house which set a new record for the Borders – and another new home in Bearsden, which retains the position it held last year of being the most expensive house sold in Glasgow.

While the most likely buyers of our most expensive homes are Scottish-born financiers, today's list includes one house whose owner is definitely from elsewhere – and a rock star to boot.

40

62 FOUNTAINHALL ROAD, EDINBURGH

Houses in Fountainhall Road, in the enduringly popular Grange area of Edinburgh, always fetch high prices, even when needing renovation.

Homes here are all set in large plots, with mature gardens and plenty of room for staff quarters, granny flats or self-contained accommodation for teenagers.

This huge Victorian house on three floors has seven bedrooms. Currently being extended, it is expected to go back on the market this year, when it is likely to fetch more than 3 million.

SOLD FOR 2,200,000 (Apr 07)

39

3 DRYMEN WYND, BEARSDEN, GLASGOW

It was the most expensive home in Glasgow last year and 3 Drymen Wynd in Bearsden still holds that title. While buyers in the east prefer traditional Georgian, Victorian and Edwardian properties, west coast millionaires are more modern in their tastes, preferring huge ranch-style houses and 3 Drymen Wynd reflects that. It sold for 1.1m new in 2003 and after extensive additions it was the first Glasgow house to reach 2m. Last year it was the tenth most expensive home in Scotland, this year it this year it has dropped to 39th place.

SOLD FOR 2,210,000 (June 06)

38

73 BRAID AVENUE, EDINBURGH

In some areas of Edinburgh, large Victorian and Edwardian family homes rarely come on the market, often being passed down through generations of the same family. Braid Avenue is one of those places – which is why this house fetched such a high price. This Victorian mansion set in a mature garden was one of the first properties in Edinburgh to sell for more than 2 million. There was fierce competition between a number of parties interested in the house, which did not come on to the open market but was sold privately.

SOLD FOR 2,239,000 (Nov 04)

37

23 MORTONHALL ROAD, EDINBURGH

A lack of available properties in the most popular areas of Edinburgh has brought huge opportunities to developers who specialise in transforming luxury homes.

This six-bedroom Arts and Crafts stone villa in the heart of the Grange was bought in 2006 for 1,536,500 and extensively restored using the finest local craftsmen. The three-storey villa has a huge suntrap conservatory and has been decorated in light, neutral shades, with polished wooden floors. A large secluded garden adds to the appeal.

SOLD FOR 2,250,000 (Oct 07)

36

11 MORNINGSIDE PLACE, EDINBURGH

Morningside is gradually shaking off its grand but rather staid reputation. With literary giants JK Rowling, Alexander McCall Smith and Ian Rankin, not to mention the Chancellor of the Exchequer, all ensconced in nearby Merchiston, the area is becoming hugely sought-after. Sold three years ago for 1.2 million, this five-bedroom Georgian house went for well over the asking price when it sold this year. A huge light-filled conservatory which overlooks the mature walled garden adds to the attraction.

SOLD FOR 2,250,000 (April 07)

35

AULTMORE HOUSE, NETHY BRIDGE, INVERNESS-SHIRE

When news spread that Aultmore House in Nethy Bridge had been sold to a certain Mr Robert Zimmerman, the Strathspey and Badenoch Herald could not have been more polite. "Welcome Mr Dylan", whispered the headline of the local paper, before expressing the hope that Bob would "play an active role in the community".

According to locals, his Bobness has not been seen since – but the selling agent did eventually confirm that a person not unadjacent to a Mr R Zimmerman had bought this grand Highland bolthole.

Rock stars like their comfort, so it was handy that this 16-bedroom Edwardian mansion had already been converted for use as a luxury Highland lodge. The house, which was built for a Russian retail magnate, has extensive grounds and magnificent views across the Cairngorms.

SOLD FOR 2,259,000 (September 2007)

34

65 GRANGE LOAN, EDINBURGH

With so many buyers chasing so few available properties, any property in the Grange area of Edinburgh is guaranteed to make top dollar, even if it is in need of extensive restoration.

Once the offices of Applecross properties, this is one of a growing number of commercial premises being converted back for use as a private home. With space for seven bedrooms and six bathrooms, this late Victorian mansion is one of the biggest properties in the area and went for half a million more than the asking price.

SOLD FOR 2,277,000 (Nov 07)

33

WESTER HAZLIEBURN HOUSE, WEST LINTON, PEEBLESHIRE

Grand ranch- style homes in beautiful rural settings are becoming an increasingly popular choice in an overcrowded prime market. This modern mansion built in traditional style set a new record for the Scottish Borders when it sold last month. The house, which has five bedrooms, a fabulous swimming pool and extensive kennels, is built around a courtyard designed for barbecues. Light and airy with a hand- crafted grand staircase and designer fittings, it is a mile from the centre of the conservation village of West Linton.

32

5 EASTER BELMONT ROAD, EDINBURGH

Set in secluded woodland at the edge of Murrayfield golf course, Easter Belmont Road is held by many to be Edinburgh's most desirable street. There are only 12 homes on this private road, which means that whenever one comes on the market there is intense competition. Homes there now fetch well over 3 million, but even back in 2003, prices were over 2 million. This 1930s home with five bedrooms has a huge mature garden filled with exotic trees and shrubs. If it came on the market now, it would be valued at over 4 million.

SOLD FOR 2,300,000 (Dec 03)

31

WEST WING, BELMONT HOUSE, ELLERSLEY ROAD, EDINBURGH

Once a huge rambling pile, Belmont House was bought in a run-down state in 2001 and broken up into three prime properties, the East Wing, the West Wing and the Penthouse.

Set in wooded grounds in the Murrayfield area of Edinburgh, the house is in an exclusive and sought-after area. The developer made a tidy profit when he sold the West Wing for 2.3 million at the beginning of 2007. One of the advantages of country house-style living is privacy. The Scotsman tried for a picture, but we couldn't get past the electronic gates.