Scottish retreat: three of the best rural homes for sale that offer total privacy

Privacy is the ultimate luxury for a significant number of Scottish househunters, says Kirsty McLuckie

With so much space available, properties in Scotland can offer the most desirable of qualities, isolation.

The associated benefits of tranquillity, privacy and the feeling of getting away from it all are on many buyers’ wishlists.

These are homes without stated commuting times to the city in the brochure and the most remote can be only accessible by other modes of transport than a car.

Tiny island cottages, bothies at the end of a rough track or even homes that you need to hike to all attract attention when they come on the market and the reasons for the popularity of such properties tend to be what they don’t have – traffic noise and other people – as well as unlimited access to peace and quiet.

The best will have a buffer zone of land around a house, to ensure privacy, but extra land can attract those wanting to start a holiday business too.

On the edge of Loch Torridon and two miles from the village of Torridon, Coire Roill Lodge is in a beautiful setting with spectacular views over the loch to the Torridon mountains.

Picture: Galbraith

The house was built in 2001, its aspect taking in the rugged scenery and with easy access to the shore to launch a boat.

Picture: Galbraith

It is surrounded by its own four acres of gardens and grounds on the tip of a small a peninsula and beyond that is the 60-acre parkland and woods of a luxury highland hotel.

Picture: Galbraith

Dingwall is 50 miles away and Inverness airport 68 miles.

Achnambroc is a more modest property but has all the privacy you could desire.

Picture: Achnambroc, Bell Ingram

Close to Taynuilt in Argyll, it is set in what must be one of the most picturesque locations in the country, in 23 acres of unspoiled land.

Picture: Achnambroc, Bell Ingram

It also has 480 metres of shore frontage over the majestic Loch Awe, one of Scotland’s largest freshwater lochs, and the sale includes fishing rights.

The three-bedroomed home, built in 1972, has a pretty garden room with a south-facing bay window.

Picture: Bell Ingram

Carl Warden, senior associate at Bell Ingram, says: “Achnambroc offers buyers an incredible opportunity to purchase a property in a picture postcard setting.

“Scotland is famed for its beautiful scenery and this property truly encapsulates this and more.

Picture: Bell Ingram

“The rolling hills and lochs make Achnambroc perfect for those house hunters looking for their own slice of secluded serenity”

As well as an acre of garden it has seven acres of woodland and a further 14 acres of grass, which eventually leads to the shore of Loch Awe.

Picture: Bidwells

Offering an adventure just to get to the front door, Broamisaig on the Knoydart Peninsula, is the last word in isolation.

Picture: Bidwells

The two wooden chalets, one with accommodation for six and the other a workshop, are set in 325 acres with access to a small bay below, a stretch of coastline and an established woodland.

Picture: Bidwells

Angus Kelly of Bidwells says: “Access to the property is most easily gained by boat with Mallaig being a 40-minute sail away.

"It’s a remarkable location with magical views and this is a unique opportunity to purchase a sizeable piece of hill ground and woodland on Knoydart.

Picture: Bidwells

“The ideal getaway for those who love seclusion amongst an abundance of flora and fauna on land and sea.”

At a glance

Picture: Galbraith

Where is it: Coire Roill Lodge, Annat, Achnasheen, near Torridon, Ross-shire .What is it: A contemporary five-bedroomed house in four acres of grounds in a spectacular setting.Good points: The house is fitted with modern technology and ispositioned and designed to make the most of the views. There is easy access to the shore for when you want to launch a boat and the whole property gives a feel of being in a private kingdom.Bad points: The nearest neighbour is the Torridon, an exclusive hotel, but it is very secluded and does provide a gourmet restaurant and gastro pub within a few minutes’ walk.Price: Offers over £525,000.Contact: Galbraith on 01463 224343.

Picture: Achnambroc, Bell Ingram

Where is it: Achnambroc, near Taynuilt, Argyll.What is it: A three-bedroomed bungalow in one of the most spectacular locations in Scotland.Good points: The 480 metres of loch frontage and 23 acres of land ensure total privacy to enjoy the scenery and the wildlife.Bad points: The house isn’t huge and could benefit from an upgrade of decor.Price: Offers over £295,000.Contact: Bell Ingram’s Perth office on 01738 621 121.

Picture: Bidwells

Where is it: Broamisaig, Knoydart Peninsula, Lochaber.What is it: Two buildings consisting of a six-berth bothy and a workshop, in 325 acres with over a mile of shoreline of Loch Nevis.Good points: It has massive potential as a unique holiday let with its remoteness, in a beautifully tranquil spot, a selling point.Bad points: A long trek or sail if you have to buy milk or bread.Price: Offers over £240,000.Contact: Bidwells on 01397 707645.