Beautiful homes come in all shapes and sizes: bungalows, terraced houses and bijou flats, are the ideal choice for plenty of home owners.
Still, it's hard not to be seduced by the allure of a classic sandstone traditional detached house with their elegant design and grand appearance.
That's exactly what happened when Alastair Rattray first viewed Ravensmount , on Nithsdale Road, in Pollokshields, Glasgow
Alastair bought Ravensmount in March 2002, but at the time, it wasn't exactly the kind of property he was looking for.
"I had been living in Shawlands at the time and wanted a bigger property," he says. "I had been looking at houses in different areas and then I spotted this one was on the market.
"It was a little out of my budget but I came to see it and just loved it immediately. I decided to blow the budget a bit and go for it."
The property, a two storey detached house with an array of period details, is typical of the Pollokshields area.
Since moving in 10 years ago, Alastair has undertaken a series of renovations including re-wiring and re-plumbing the property.
"I lived in it for a couple of years before I changed anything," he says. "I wanted to get a feel for the property and what I wanted to do with it. But now I don't think there's a room or part of the house that hasn't been changed or decorated in some way."
The main living area is one of Alastair's favourite rooms. With its imposing bay window, which has views out to the front garden, and sanded wooden flooring, the room is a mix of traditional and contemporary styles.
This room also has wood panelling and an impressive display of intricate cornice work. Alastair has decorated the space by keeping the walls a bright neutral colour and fitting a pair of ruby red curtains. A traditional leather sofa and chairs finish the look off. The dining room is another traditional space, with a handsome black fireplace, wood panelling and cornice work.
Once again, the floors have been sanded in this room, which also includes a corner-shaped bay window.
"This house, because of its position, always feels very secluded," says Alastair. "I had the floors sanded not long after I moved in, apart from in the bedrooms where I fitted new carpets."
The master bedroom is another impressive room. This room has a large bay window and a central fireplace.
A luxurious cream carpet covers the floor, while the walls have been painted a similar shade in order to create a light and airy look. The master bedroom also benefits from having an en-suite bathroom.
"I wanted to keep the look in the bathrooms quite classic," Alastair says. "In the whole house I didn't want it to be too modern, but for the decor to blend in with what was already there."
The property also has a beautifully-appointed four-piece main bathroom, as well as a modern kitchen with walnut cupboards and a bright orange range cooker. There is also a front and back garden as well as a double garage which Alastair built a number of years ago.
Alastair says he is only leaving this property after much consideration and is now planning on moving abroad to be closer to family and friends.
"It's been a tough decision leaving this house because I really love it." he says. "I'm moving to Singapore so I know I will not be able to get anything like this house over there."
What: A traditional blonde sandstone detached house with four bedrooms.
Where: On Nithsdale Road, Pollokshields, Glasgow.
Price: Offers Over £649,000.
Contact: Corum on 0141 636 7588.
Elizabeth McMeekin
