Period homes offer perfect place in time

The solid promise of a substantial Victorian rural home is just as much sought-after today as in bygone eras, writes Kirsty Mcluckie

There is something reassuring about the solidity of a classic Victorian house.

Whether it is a country cottage, a former manse or a traditional farmhouse, many buyers are attracted by the simple symmetry which is so pleasing to the eye – like the archetypal child’s drawing of a house.

Even if they have been substantially added to and extensively upgraded, the proportions of the era were such that some period-property seekers would not dream in living in a house from any other era.

Netherwood, in Dornoch, Sutherland, is a handsome traditional property dating back to the 19th century, with a wealth of period features.

Located in a secluded and private location, the house has been restored and upgraded and sits in beautifully landscaped garden grounds only a short distance from the centre of Dornoch.

It is an excellent example of how Victorian houses only need slight adaptation to suit modern life.

Netherwood was originally designed and built as a bolthole for a well-to-do lady and the still working servants bells point to how the house was originally used, with rooms for a nanny and a maid, day nurseries and night nurseries.

In recent years, the house has been fully rewired, replumbed and the kitchen layout has been updated, with an Aga at the heart.

The layout now has a diningkitchen on the ground floor, along with separate dining room and sitting room, three bedrooms and two bathrooms on the first floor and two pretty attic bedrooms on the top floor.

The property is set in beautifully landscaped south-facing private garden grounds, with lawns, trees and raised beds. There are some useful outbuildings, which include a coal store and garden shed as well as a carport with room for two vehicles.

Lothian View is a threebedroomed detached Victorian house situated in the peaceful village of Whitehill, just outside Dalkeith in Midlothian.

The house sits on an elevated position and provides stunning panoramic views over the rolling countryside towards Edinburgh, the Firth of Forth and Fife.

The aptly named Lothian View has beautifully presented garden grounds, a workshop and a copious driveway.

Its interior has been upgraded and extended to combine old features, such as the original wooden stair, with more modern areas, such as the sunroom extension, a modern open-plan kitchen, and living and dining rooms with floor-to-ceiling windows.

Wester Gauldwell House is a very impressive, extended traditional farmhouse located in an accessible countryside setting near Craigellachie, Moray.

Dating from the mid to late1800s, the house has been comprehensively renovated but retains cornicing, working shutters and Victorian features, such as the boot room – an essential component for any rural family.

At the heart of the house is a wellequipped dining-kitchen with an oil-fired Aga, central island unit and integrated appliances, including a Neff oven and coffee machine, slabbed floor and French doors to the garden.

Outside, the grounds are formed over four acres and include gardens, a patio and a polytunnel.

There is also an enclosed riding arena, barn and hay store. The three-acre paddock and field shelter make it the perfect spot to keep a pony or two. 0 Netherwood, Dornoch has a beautiful symmetrical exterior. 0 The house’s sitting room is traditional.

3 The modern kitchen with traditional Aga.