Recent converts

Adapted industrial or agricultural buildings make for characterful homes, discovers Kirsty Mcluckie

Three of a Kind surveys rural homes revamped in a modern style from older buildings,

Properties that started life with a purpose other than as a residence can become homes with the best mix of character and luxury if the conversion has been carried out with imagination and flair.

A traditional exterior can give way to an ultra-modern interior to make a modern home with a history.

Tailend of Grange, in Ayrshire, is a stunning example of a converted byre. Renovated by the current owner, its interior height has been used to create vaulted ceilings and mezzanine areas – one above the kitchen forms a study, while above the master bedroom is a luxurious raised bath area.

The main lounge has a vaulted ceiling, picture windows and French doors to the garden. Outside are beautiful grounds, with a formal garden adjoining a woodland and a sheltered decked courtyard.

The house is in a private spot and offers some scope for further development, with grazing and a large byre.

The Mill House, set above Lunan Bay in Angus, was completely restored and renovated in 2005, by a developer, for himself. It had previously been a flour mill for the Ethie Estate and is over three floors and has a traditional feel.

Two ensuite bedrooms are on the lower ground floor, the open-plan living space is on the floor above, and the top floor is taken up by a master bedroom with full-length windows overlooking the sea, and a vast bathroom.

Ruaraidh Ogilvie of Savills says: “For anyone with a love of Lunan Bay beach, The Mill House is a tempting prospect. Immaculately presented, it would make a fantastic weekend or holiday property or indeed a fine permanent home.”

A four-bedroomed steading at 21 West Fenton Court sits within a development in open East Lothian countryside. It is close to Gullane, with Drem Station nearby for commuting.

The accommodation is on the first floor, with a good use of high ceiling heights, open-plan living and windows to create a modern feel in a beautiful old building.

Immaculately presented, it would make a fantastic weekend or holiday property or indeed a fine permanent home