Charting a course from ship to shore

Both landlubbers and salty old sea dogs will find plenty to love in these seaside homes, says Kirsty Mcluckie

Anyone retiring from a seafaring life could do worse than consider setting up home at Shipmaster’s House, a period property set in the heart of the fishing village of Anstruther, and believed to date back to the 15th century.

The house, which has expansive coastal views, takes its name from a previous owner, William Adamson, and features beams crafted from ship mast timber.

Adamson was a sea captain and boatbuilder and would have appreciated being able to see his vessels out at sea.

Lived in from 1949 until 1983 by architect Robert Lorimer’s niece, the house has undergone extensive renovation including a curved glazed tower at the back.

A spiral staircase links the first and second floors, while underfloor heating, luxurious family bathroom and fitted kitchen, with solid oak floorboards and central island, have brought this characterful property up to date.

The sitting room on the first floor spans the width of the house with a bay-window seat providing an ideal viewpoint, and has exposed stone walls and a woodburner.

The dual-aspect third bedroom looks out over the harbour and Anstruther’s Stevenson lighthouse, while two bedrooms on the top floor have views to the Bass Rock.

The house has a south-facing sheltered walled garden with a large terrace and a lily pond.

Anna Gardiner for Savills comments: “Shipmaster’s House is a remarkable property with a real sense of local history.”

The Anchorage is an elegant Georgian former Manse which offers significant potential to create a leisure or tourism business in a popular area of Moray close to sandy beaches. The property, which dates from 1835, is B-listed and sits in a charming secluded setting in large private grounds near the village of Alves and seven miles from both Elgin and Forres.

Rod Christie, handling the sale of the property for Galbraith, says: “The Anchorage and in particular the wooded grounds and outbuildings would lend themselves to the establishment of a leisure or tourism-related business, such as holiday cottages or glamping.

“Full planning permission and listed building consent are currently in place for the conversion of two existing steading buildings into a four-bedroomed home and also for conversion of the former Alves Church into a further four-bedroomed property.”

The main house is a very attractive and substantial country home over four storeys, which has been comprehensively renovated throughout, while retaining its original features. The interior accommodation includes five bedrooms, four reception rooms and a wine cellar. The grounds include a charming walled garden.

The property at 12 Shorehead is located in arguably one of the best locations in St Andrews with breathtaking uninterrupted panoramic views over the harbour, pier and East Sands beach.

The refurbished apartment has been in the same family for more than 30 years.

It has a reception room with double patio doors and a Juliet balcony overlooking the harbour and sea beyond, while the balcony at the back overlooks the town’s cathedral ruins and St Rule’s Tower.

The dual-aspect windows in most rooms in the apartment offer superb north, east and west views.