Six of the best isolated properties
Looking for a property off the beaten track? Here are six of the best
Read why an isolated property might be for you here
Where? The wild and distant Shetland Islands
Why? Britain's most northerly outpost consists of 100 islands, with only 15 inhabited. Half of the population of 22,000 live within ten miles of Lerwick, so venture further out for space and privacy in abundance.
What can I get for my money?
£62,000 A two-bedroom former croft house, close to the sea and loch on the Island of Fetlar, with beams, a small byre and garden (01957 733311)
£110,000 Two refurbished, detached cottages set in four acres on the island of Yell.
£250,000 A 180-acre coastal farm on Papa Stour including a traditional three-bedroom farmhouse, detached two bedroom chalet and a range of outbuildings.
Where? Powys, in the shadow of the beautiful Cambrian Mountains.
Why? It is one of the most sparsely populated areas of the UK with no cities and few towns. Head for Rhayader, a bustling small town and the gateway to the Elan Valley - a few minutes' drive in any direction and you'll be in remote Welsh countryside.
What can I get for my money?
£210,000 A 19th-century shepherd's cottage in an elevated position with two bedrooms, beams, woodburning stove, cottage garden with vegetable patch and stunning views. Morgan & Co (01597 825682; www.morganestateagents.co.uk).
£360,000 A refurbished cottage in six acres, with four bedrooms, open fireplace, greenhouse and two paddocks.
£500,000 A three-bedroom stone house with views of the Eppynt Hills and an attached barn with planning permission for conversion.
Where? Isolated North Exmoor, straddling Devon and Somerset.
Why? North Exmoor's remote coast has a handful of small villages, with no major towns to east or west and miles of National Park to the south. Tiny villages such as Culbone (inaccessible by car), Oare (the setting for Lorna Doone) and Brendon (which has a great pub) are particularly charming.
What can I get for my money?
£178,000 A bungalow overlooking the East Lyn River in Exmoor National Park, with two bedrooms, a summerhouse and a courtyard garden.
£675,000 A period farmhouse in a sheltered valley, with large fireplaces, an Aga, six bedrooms and various outbuildings. Stags (01398 323174; www.stags.co.uk).
£950,000 A 25-acre farm between Brendon and Lynton, including a five-bedroom stone farmhouse with great views.
Where? Alston, Cumbria, surrounded by unforgettable North Pennines scenery.
Why? This pretty cobbled market town, with its handsome 17th-century stone buildings, has good amenities, but its location, in a narrow dale surrounded by fell and moors, miles from any major settlement, makes it perfect for middle-of nowhere lovers.
What can I get for my money?
£130,000 A Grade I-listed terraced house in the North Pennines, with two bedrooms and a small garden.
£300,000 A secluded, traditional Cumbrian longhouse with three bedrooms and planning permission to extend, set in 15 acres in an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty.
£680,000 Grade II-listed farmhouse in Keenley, with an Aga, four bedrooms and outbuildings. Red Hot Property (01434 601800; www.redhotproperty.co.uk).
Where? The far-flung northwest Highlands, mainland Scotland's last frontier.
Why? Remote with a capital R. Beautiful Ullapool on the west coast is a draw for tourists, but it still only boasts a population of 1,300. Beyond, tiny settlements dot the map, mainly on the coast, in a vast landscape of lochs, mountains and plains.
What can I get for my money?
£220,000 A four-bedroom bungalow on the shore of Lochbroom, with an open fireplace, greenhouse, garage / workshop and terraced garden.
£430,000 A modern four bedroom lodge with the feel of a traditional Highland home. Strutt & Parker (01463 719171; www.struttandparker.com).
£520,000 A dower house with original features and three additional holiday cottages, in 17 acres of land.
Where? Vast Kielder Forest, in Northumberland - a spectacular woodland with lake, bog and moorland.
Why? It may be a mecca for all kinds of outdoor enthusiasts, but Kielder Forest's 250 square miles easily absorbs all visitors. Tiny hamlets and villages pepper its environs, with Kielder village itself, which has a shop and petrol station, at the forest's heart. You'll find the odd shop, pub or tearoom, particularly in the more touristy regions, but most of the area feels extremely remote, and has the lowest levels of light, air and noise pollution in England.
What can I get for my money?
£200,000 A stone-built cottage on the edge of Kielder Forest with a bespoke kitchen, inglenook fireplace, three bedrooms and well-planted garden with garage.
£440,000 A smallholding using solar and wind power in an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty, with four bedrooms, Rayburn, stone outbuildings and views of the Catcleugh Reservoir. George F White (01434 674244, www.georgefwhite.co.uk).
£600,000 A smallholding set in 22 acres at the edge of the Forest in the Northumberland National Park with four bedrooms, detached barn, cottage gardens, permanent pasture and woodland.
All prices were right at the time of publication.
You might also like...
You might also like...
Thinking of moving to the country? Here's all you need to know before you go
Find out all you need to know about moving to a seaside resort
What's stopping you from moving to the coast? Take the quiz
Discover the UK's natural treasures with our wildlife special
Post your comment
You must be registered on All About You to post comments. If you don't have an account, join now - it's free!
