1 MAYBOLE GBP375,000

WHAT: An attractive lodge house that has been upgraded to a high standard. Enoch Lodge has been renovated inside and out, and has a newly fitted kitchen with white units and a solid wood worktop.

There are four bedrooms - two with en-suite bathrooms.

WHERE: On Culzean Road, on the outskirts of the small, historic town of Maybole and only seven miles from Ayr.

WHY: Maybole is a beautiful little town with a thriving community. You can enjoy the benefits of living in the scenic Ayrshire countryside without being isolated.

WHAT'S OUTSIDE: The house comes with about 0.75 acres of land, including a large area of lawn surrounded by mature plants and shrubs. There is also a decking area.

ANYTHING SPECIAL: The house is packed with original details, such as antique stained glass windows, wooden sash and case windows, and an open fireplace.

CONTACT: Slater Hogg and Howison on 01292 286 866.

2 HOLLYBUSH GBP585,000

WHAT: AVictorian country house that makes the perfect family home. Balgreen Lodge was built by the Duke of Portland in 1882 as a home for his principal farm manager.

There are five bedrooms, three bathrooms, a large utility room and plenty of storage space.

WHERE: Just off the main road in the tiny village of Hollybush, just five miles from Ayr.

WHY: Balgreen House is in a superb location. Hollybush may not have a thriving high street or rows of shops, but it does have plenty of picturesque country roads.

WHAT'S OUTSIDE: This house would be perfect for a horseloving family because it has its own five-acre paddock. There is also a sizeable west-facing garden and a driveway.

ANYTHING SPECIAL: One for all those fishing enthusiasts out there. Balgreen House comes with salmon fishing rights on the RiverDoon. Perfect for home-made Sunday dinners.

CONTACT: CKD Galbraith on 01292 268 181.

3 FAIRLIE GBP420,000

WHAT: Garden Lodge is a charming detached house with bags of character and a contemporary feel thanks to large windows and spacious room dimensions. It has four bedrooms, two with en-suite bathrooms, and a large family kitchen with a range cooker.

WHERE: Within the former grounds of Fairlie House and not too far from the seaside town of Largs.

WHY: Perfect for those looking to live in the picturesque countryside but work in Glasgow.

WHAT'S OUTSIDE: Garden Lodge has a beautiful garden that has been well looked after by the current owners. There is a large area of lawn and plenty of plants, trees and shrubs.

ANYTHING SPECIAL: The kitchen is definitely something to write home about. Bespoke, handcrafted wall and floor units are teamed with a central breakfasting bar. There are French doors to the garden.

CONTACT: SlaterHogg and Howison on 01475 687 400.