Three of a kind: escape the rat race
Scotland has a great deal to offer escapees from the rat race, whether it is sleepy villages with a slower pace of life, whole communities that thrive outside the commuter belt or true get-away-from-it-all properties in spots where you can feel like you are master, or mistress, of all you survey.
Add in a far-reaching view to ensure your troubles don’t amount to a hill of beans, and you probably have the recipe for true contentment.
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Hide AdThe Knoydart peninsula on the West Coast has long been a haven for those who prefer to live an alternative life in an isolated community.
The main tract of land is managed by the community-led Knoydart Foundation and the peninsula has just 120 full-time residents, although its village, Inverie, has amenities that many larger places could covet.
There is a post office, primary school, team room and pottery as well as the most remote pub in mainland Britain.
However, there is no road access so visitors and goods have to come by boat.
While the number of visitors each year might put off the true misanthropist,
the walkers, artists, sailors and holidaymakers do provide good opportunities for making a living through the summer, while the winter months are more dormant.
For those who think a village life could be too sociable, there are other property types to consider.
Historically, a lighthouse man’s life would have been isolated by its very nature and with the lights around the coast either being decommissioned or becoming fully automated, there are opportunities to acquire a home in a spectacular setting.
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Hide AdLighthouse keepers’ cottages are a regular feature on the property market; there are currently several for sale around Scotland, including one on the island of Jura which offers a spectacular home that has already been refurbished.
Noss Head Lighthouse near Wick offers more potential. The historic property is situated on the rugged Caithness coastline, set behind a dry stone wall within its own grounds encompassing 35 acres.
There is a range of buildings available including two cottages and stabling, but a buyer with vision could create the most stunning home, well away from most of the problems of modern life.