We take a look at why South Side is the place to be

WELCOME to Part Two of our Spotlight on the South Side.

This week we’re going to take you a bit further in to the South Side to explore prominent areas such as Giffnock and Newton Mearns.

Continuing to entice families and business professionals, Giffnock has a mix of generously sized semi- detached properties, detached homes and flats.

You’ll know you’re in Giffnock by the huge sandstone houses and wide, tree- lined streets leading to the impressive Rouken Glen Park boasting various activities for kids, many of which are free and a lovely garden centre and Boathouse cafe overlooking the pond – perfect for lunch with a view.

There are tonnes of places to eat along the main street like CATCH for fish and chips ( yes, we hunt down the best chippie no matter where we are…) and Pane E Vino specialising in Italian and Continental food and wine and home interiors shops. Don’t forget, essential food shops like Aldi and Morrisons, but if you’re looking for a gluten free treat, make sure you make a visit to Wild Flours bakery.

Giffnock is a hot spot for car dealerships too, from Mercedes- Benz to BMW so you’re in the market for a property and a car then you could be in for a winner here.

Property prices in Giffnock can vary, for example, a one- bedroom modern flat just off Fenwick Road starts at around £ 140,000 whereas you can also bag yourself a six- bedroom period home for just over £ 1 million.

Mansewood just next to Giffnock is a bit more affordable with prices starting at the

£ 80,000 mark, making it affordable and still within reach of all Giffnock has to offer

For prime, high end, property, the suburb of Newton Mearns continues to be one of the most affluent areas in Scotland with some of Scotland’s best performing schools in St Ninian’s and Mearns Castle, with houses starting from £ 200,000 and leading up to ( and over) if £ 500,000. Boasting some of the city’s most impressive houses, the majority of homes here are detached with three, four or five bedrooms.

Typically more of a residential area, but you’ll still find some lovely places to eat out, like La Vita and Miller & Carter. Fancy some retail therapy? Then the Avenue Shopping Centre is the perfect place for weekend shopping sprees or picking up last minute bits in the evening without heading to the city centre.

Let’s head over to the Maxwell Park and Dumbreck area now, near Pollok Park and just off Nithsdale Road which leads from the Strathbungo area of the Southside.

You’ll find similar, larger properties around this area as you would in Giffnock, especially leading along Nithsdale Road and up to Bellahouston Park itself. You’ll also find Sherbrooke Castle Hotel in this area, a very popular wedding destination. You’re not only a stone’s throw from the nightlife of Shawlands but also right next to the motorway with links to the city centre, west bound to Braehead Shopping Centre, Paisley and beyond. Not to mention being close to Bellahouston Park to enjoy walks with your fourlegged friend, picnics with family and in recent years, a popular festival venue. Take a visit to House of an Art Lover, designed by Glasgow’s most famous architect, Charles Rennie Mackintosh, right.

With stunning design features, it’s become a very popular wedding venue, but you can also take a tour and stop off for lunch in the café. You’ll know now that the south of Glasgow is packed full of different places, all with their own character and highlights. So it’s really down to your own personal preference as to where is the right fit for you.

No matter what you’re looking for and what price range you have in mind, Glasgow South has something for everyone.

If you’re ready to make your move, check out the impressive properties to buy or rent on s1homes. com right now.