Three of a Kind: Fife homes with a difference

Move to Fife and you won’t look back – except to take in the spectacular views, says Kirsty McLuckie

The Fife property market is undoubtedly influenced by its proximity to Edinburgh and the comparative value for money that it offers.

For those who want to get out of the city and experience a sense of space, privacy and have some of the most spectacular views in the UK, the area offers a huge amount of choice.

George Lorimer of CKD Galbraith points to Dalbeath Farm, by Cowdenbeath, as a property that delivers a great deal. “At its core is an attractive family house with excellent equestrian facilities and land, but there is also the opportunity to acquire woodland and building plots and so it is attracting a lot of interest from different areas of the market.”

The property is offered in five lots: the first includes the four-bedroomed house and just over 25 acres of gardens and grazing plus garaging, kennels and stables. There are two building plots, with a quarter of an acre of land each and two areas of woodland.

Lorimer says: “The building plots are attracting inquiries, with the changes to LBTT rates driving a resurgence in self building in Fife, but woodland is also seen as a good investment.“The whole is like a mini Scottish estate with a great deal of potential.”

"It looks over the Ochil Hills ... further views on a clear day reveal Goatfell on Arran, which is impressive for a house in Fife"

Dalbeath Farm’s location is also a plus. The views are over open countryside, while the elevated garden overlooks the Forth bridges and across the water towards Edinburgh.

Close to Cowdenbeath, there is easy access to the motorway and it is within commuting distance of the capital.

Saline, which is less than ten miles to the north-west of the Forth crossings is also prized by city workers.

Easter Killernie is a contemporary split-level house set in its own grounds which has been meticulously designed to take in the fabulous panoramic views.

Duncan Fergusson of Baird Lumsden says: “It looks down the line of the Ochil Hills. The skyline of Stirling with the Wallace Monument and castle are visible, beyond are Ben Lomond and the Arrochar alps, and further views on a clear day reveal Goatfell on Arran, which is very impressive for a house in Fife.”

He says that its central location makes it excellent for travelling to both Edinburgh, in about 40 minutes and Stirling, 25 minutes away, and it is only seven miles from Dollar, with its well-regarded independent school.

A pretty detached home office in the garden means the commute could be even simpler.

The property market in the East Neuk of Fife tends to work in its own bubble, outside the range of commuters, but there coastal views are most highly prized.

The picturesque fishing villages and quaint properties draw in a range of buyers from artists wanting to live in a like-minded community to holidaymakers looking for a second home and a traditional Scottish seaside experience.

The area is popular with retirees too, and those looking for an investment property to target the holiday rental market.

In Crail, Pagan Osborne is marketing a traditional village home, the Gables, which is not only a tardis of a house, with three bedrooms, a well-proportioned sitting room, dining kitchen and utility room, over three floors, but it has a perfectly framed view of the Isle of May from the top bedroom window.

KEYS TO KNOW

Where is it: Dalbeath Farmhouse, by Cowdenbeath.

What is it: Offered in five lots, the property comprises a beautifully laid out four-bedroomed farmhouse, stabling, kennels and outbuildings with 25 acres of grazing, plus the opportunity to add two building plots and over 100 acres of woodland.

The dining kitchen

Good points: A lovely private home with plenty of potential in either the small equestrian estate at the core or the wider tracts of woodland and the building plots.

The living room.

Bad points: Potential buyers may find themselves with stiff competition for each plot.

Price: Offers over £715,000 for the whole.

Contact: CKD Galbraith on 01334 659988.

KEYS TO KNOW

Where is it: Easter Killernie, Saline, near Dunfermline.

What is it: A split-level contemporary home in easy reach of Dollar, Stirling and Edinburgh.

Good points: Set in a rural spot, the outlook through huge windows is to the Ochils, Wallace Monument, Stirling Castle, Ben Lomond and even Goatfell on Arran on a clear day.

Bad points: Currently only three bedrooms but there is a detached garden office.

Price: Offers over £450,000.

Contact: Baird Lumsden on 01786 833800.

KEYS TO KNOW

Where is it: The Gables, Crail.

What is it: A traditional village house with three bedrooms, a living room, dining kitchen and utility room.

Good points: Period features abound and the house has views over the village from one side and the Isle of May from the other. Currently used as a successful holiday let.

Bad points: Only one bathroom and no outside space.

Price: Offers over £165,000.

Contact: Pagan Osborne on 01333 310703.

• Main pic: Dalbeath’s grounds afford spectacular views over the Forth.