A luxury British estate agents has just named the poshest villages in the UK. Savills' research, which it has shared with The Telegraph, named the most desirable villages to live in 54 counties across England, Wales and Scotland.
The extensive list contains four locations in Scotland, including villages in Fife, East Lothian, Perthsire and Stirling. With one village chosen per region, "based on the combination of highest house prices, best lifestyle amenities, connectivity and chocolate-box appeal", the Telegraph says.
Savills analyst Frances Clacy said: “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."
The four villages named in Scotland were:
Strathtay in Perthshire
(Average House price: £287,476)
Chosen for its Victorian architecture, gorgeous pubs and wildlife, as well its nearby golf course, this Perthshire village is considered one of Scotland's most desirable.
The Telegraph team said: "Red squirrels bound through the landscaped gardens that belong to the large Victorian villas of Strathtay. The architecture and, therefore, the look of the village remain largely unchanged from this era.
"By the River Tay, there’s a golf course that opened in 1909, and in the spring the woods are carpeted in bluebells. Pubs within walking distance include the Inn on the Tay and the Grandtully Hotel."
Gullane in East Lothian
(Average House price: £356,615)
Outwith the obvious golf courses, Gullane was praised for its art galleries and restaurants.
The Telegraph team said: "This pretty village, with a double village green and ruined castle, is just along the coast of the Firth of Forth, five miles west of North Berwick.
"It’s dominated by the number of golf courses surrounded by large villas. It attracts windsurfers and also boasts the Myreton Motor Museum, art galleries and lots of restaurants, including the Bonnie Badger."
Killearn in Stirling
(Average House price: £315,927)
With its close proximity to Glasgow and one of the central belt's most famous distilleries, Killearn was picked out for the Stirling area.
The Telegraph team said: "Killearn sits near the north-western end of the Campsie Fells, 17 miles from Glasgow, and on the “Highland Line” – the imaginary divide that separates highland from lowland Scotland.
"The church/village hall is home to the Kitchen Window, a dog- and baby-friendly café, and hosts plenty of activities, from yoga to a baby music class. There’s a theatre school in the village, too. Glengoyne, the most southerly Highland malt whisky distillery, is nearby."
Elie in Fife
(Average House price: £349,951)
Expansive beaches, farm shops and of course the Michelin-starred Peat Inn, there is plenty to like about Elie.
The Telegraph team said: "This sheltered inlet started out as a harbour village in the 16th century. It was the Victorians who built large detached properties and turned it into a tourist resort.
"There are five beaches with plenty of watersports on offer, a tennis club and an abundance of restaurants, including the Ship Inn and the 19th Hole at Earlsferry, and the Michelin-starred Peat Inn is a short drive away. There’s the treasured Ardross Farm Shop and the Wade Gallery, too, along with a primary school."
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