Space for all in a flexible larger home

Six-bedroomed properties are not just for big families, says Kirsty Mcluckie

How many bedrooms is the optimum number? Most families – particularly those with teenagers – would prefer a room each, but add in a guest room and perhaps one which could be used as an office or gym, and the four-bedroomed standard starts to feel a wee bit cramped.

There is also the changing needs of a family to consider, with flexibility a key selling point to those looking to adapt their homes as their needs change, perhaps to accommodate an aging relative or a returning adult child in the future.

Stewart Milne Homes has five and six-bedroomed properties in its range of developments across Scotland which appeal to larger families and those who prefer their own space within their home.

In the East of Scotland the company has just launched Castle Gardens, a striking new community which offers semi-rural living in the village of Pencaitland.

Set within mature rural landscapes, the development features a collection of three, four, five and six-bedroomed detached homes.

The picturesque setting features tree lined avenues, landscaped open spaces, and pedestrian routes which lead to the village centre.

The 14 different house styles offer spacious open-plan interiors, elevated ceiling heights, integrated appliances as well as turfed private rear gardens.

Buyers will also have the opportunity to tailor their new home, selecting from a range of contemporary kitchen styles, bathrooms and tiling from Porcelanosa.

With the larger house types, there are options to use the extra bedrooms in many different ways.

At just 12 miles south east of Edinburgh and five miles from Haddington, Castle Gardens offers rural living with excellent connectivity to the Capital and coast.

Marlyn Boal, sales and marketing director at Stewart Milne Homes, says: “Pencaitland is a fantastic location for growing families.”

But it is not the only option for families looking for a large contemporary home. The Longrush model is a six-bedroomed detached property which is available at Stewart Milne’s Hunter’s Meadow in Auchterarder.

Built over three levels, the house is flexible with a living room and either an open-plan dining-kitchen or separate dining room, both of which feature French doors leading to the garden.

On the next level, there are four bedrooms, one with an ensuite shower room as well as a family bathroom with both bath and shower.

The top floor is a flexible space – which could make master bedroom suite providing a sumptuous bedroom with walk-in wardrobe, well-appointed ensuite with large shower and a separate study or spacious dressing room. Alternatively, this floor could become the ideal children’s quarters with playroom included, or the perfect getaway for teenagers.

A Merrington in Earl’s Green, Troon, is equally flexible, with its two large rooms on the top floor. They could be used as bedrooms, or a bedroom plus gym, but there is also the option to use this floor as a separate apartment entirely, comprising living room, bedroom and shower.

Prices at Castle Gardens start from £247,000 for a three-bedroomed Corrywood, while the five-bedroomed Sandholme is available from £438,000.

The Longrush in Hunter’s Meadow, Auchterarder, is priced from £314,000, while the Merrington in Earl’s Green, Troon, is from £320,000