Research by estate and letting agent Savills, exclusive to The Telegraph, has revealed the most desirable villages in Scotland – based on “the combination of highest house prices, best lifestyle amenities, connectivity and chocolate-box appeal”.
Savills report that 60 per cent of their estate agents across Britain have reported a rise in demand for rental homes in countryside locations in recent times, driven by people not being able to buy property in their dream location.
Savills analyst Frances Clacy explained what property hunters were looking for: “People want villages that have a bit of everything, from schools to stunning countryside, with accessibility to cities and transport infrastructure. Less well-trumpeted factors count too, such as the main road through the village should only lead to other villages.”
Here are the villages in Scotland that made the list of 54 across the UK.
5. Elie
Hugely popular with holiday home owners, Elie has everything you could need for a great vacation - there are several sandy beaches, two golf courses, tennis courts, and a watersports centre. It's also a top spot for walkers, sitting on the Fife Coastal Path with the picturesque villages of Lower Largo, St Monans, Pittenweem and Anstruther all easily reachable. Photo: National World
6. Elie
The Elie Community is served by a number of independent shops, including the much-loved Elie Deli. There are also three pubs - The Station Bar, The 19th Hole and The Ship Inn. The latter two also have restaurants, while The Ship Inn has one of Scotland's most spectacular beer gardens and hosts beach cricket matches during the summer months. For fine dining, there are two Michelin-starred restaurants within a short drive - the Peat Inn and The Cellar down the coast in Cellardyke. Photo: National World
7. Killearn
Located at the base of the rolling hills of the Campsie Fells, in the Stirling Council area, the village of Killearn has an average house price of £315,927. Photo: National World
8. Killearn
Just 15 miles from the city attractions of Glasgow and seven miles from the tranquility of Loch Lomond, Killearn has a population of less than 2,000 people. Photo: National World