As this newspaper’s property writer I’m in the privileged position of getting to look around an amazing home every week of the year.
Courier Country is blessed with some very special places to live.
From the beaches of the East Neuk to Highland Perthshire’s mountains and lochs, Angus with its coastline and hidden glens, and Dundee’s riverfront setting, it truly is a lovely corner of the world.
Here are my 10 favourite properties I’ve featured in The Courier this year:
1. Pezulu, Glenfargie
Grand designs don’t get much more spectacular than Pezulu. This outstanding home sits on a wooded hillside overlooking the Glenfarg valley.
Spread over three levels, the house has a stunning open plan living area on the top floor. Meanwhile, the living room has a double height wall of glass to enjoy the views from.
It was designed and built by Charles Stewart who intended it to be his forever home.
However he has since gone on to buy a plot on the Zambezi River, just a few miles from Victoria Falls, and is building another superb home there.
2. Pirwindy Keep, Eask Neuk
Pirwindy Keep looks like it’s been keeping guard over the East Neuk for centuries. In actual fact it was built in 1998.
Made the old fashioned way out of solid stone it was the dream home of its builder and owner James Clark.
When he bought the plot in the 1990s it was the site of a ruined former blacksmiths.
One of the most spectacular rooms is the first floor great hall, which has a huge open fire.
Meanwhile no fewer than four streams flow through the 1.7 acre garden, spanned by arched stone bridges.
3. Myres Castle, Auchtermuchty
Having grown up nearby I’ve driven past Myres Castle hundreds of times without ever realising it was there.
The 16th century castle is hidden away behind high walls and a screen of mature trees. The four storey castle is a joy to explore – and the views from the top of the tower are extraordinary.
The grounds are just as special. They stretch to 45 acres and have a walled garden inspired by the gardens at the Vatican. It’s on sale for £3.5 million.
4. Blair House, Glen Doll
Few homes in Scotland enjoy as much scenery and solitude as Blair House. The striking eco home sits at the head of Glen Doll and has incredible views in all directions.
Harmony with nature was at the heart of the home’s design. Walls made from turf support wildlife. Scottish larch cladding is sustainable and requires little maintenance. The internal walls are made out of clay.
Extremely well insulated and taking advantage of solar gain, Blair House is designed to have super low running costs.
5. Shoreland, North Queensferry
With the Firth of Forth lapping virtually up to the walls, Shoreland has an unparalleled waterfront setting.
It was built in 1975 and it’s most recent owners carried out a dramatic overhaul of the house.
They added a living roof and remodelled internally, fitting circular skylights to make the interior brighter.
The garden runs along the shoreline, while North Queensferry’s cafes, pubs and shops are just a short walk away.
6. Kinfauns Parish Church
This extraordinary church conversion is in the hamlet of Kinfauns, just outside Perth.
Vaulted ceilings, mezzanine bedrooms, luxury bathrooms, wood burning stoves and exquisite stained glass windows are among its many highlights.
The main living space is double height and retains the church’s original timbers. Meanwhile the master bedroom is set over two floors and has its own living room.
A succession of three tower rooms offer increasingly amazing views over the River Tay.
7. Glencarse House, Perthshire
If grandeur is what you’re after look no further. Glencarse House is one of Perthshire’s most impressive country properties.
Designed by Robert Adam and completed in 1789 the 10 bedroom home comes with 19 acres of grounds and a gatehouse.
Heating is supplied by a biomass system which benefits from renewable heat incentive payments. Over the past five years these have averaged nearly £15,000 a year – making Glencarse House surprisingly cheap to run.
It went on sale in the summer with a price tag of £2,150,000.
8. Smiddy Croft, Tealing
An old farmhouse near Dundee has been transformed into an extraordinary eco home complete with its own swimming pool.
Smiddy Croft is powered by 70 solar panels and three air source heat pumps, making it efficient and environmentally friendly.
The house in Tealing has luxury features including an indoor swimming pool, games room, bar and cinema room.
It was on sale with an asking price of o/o £950,000.
9. The Quay Gallery, Aberdour
One of the most unusual and charming properties to come on sale in Courier Country in 2022 was the Quay Gallery in Aberdour.
The Fife property wasn’t suitable for everybody. It came with a commercial art gallery and a craft studio.
Its owner bought the gallery and adjoining home in 2014 when it was virtually derelict. After a couple of years of hard work and the addition of a lovely garden room extension it was transformed.
These days it’s a very special and unique home in a lovely Fife coastal village.
10. Caisteal, Broughty Ferry
This £1.2 million architect designed home in central Broughty Ferry came on the market in December.
Located on Hill Street, Caisteal is just a short walk to the centre of the town.
The house enjoys sweeping views across the Tay and over Tentsmuir Forest from its elevated position. Huge walls of glass take full advantage of the outlook across the river.
Fitted with an air source heat pump, underfloor heating, superb levels of insulation and triple glazing, Caisteal is a highly energy efficient home.
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