Escape the city: three of the best grand family homes in West Lothian

West Lothian offers easy commuting, good amenities and some excellent homes, plus prices are much cheaper than their Edinburgh equivalent

West Lothian is a good location for house hunters looking to get more brick for their buck.

Figures from the Registers of Scotland show that while the average sale price of a property in Edinburgh was £254,552, in West Lothian it was almost £100,000 less expensive, at £163,928.

Of course, moving out of the capital will always give you more for your money but West Lothian’s values compare well with other areas considered prime commuting hotspots for Edinburgh.

The Midlothian average sale price is over £200,000, while in East Lothian it is £231,315.

Linlithgow, Livingston, Bathgate, Broxburn and their surroundings offer a range of properties and for those working in the capital, commuting eastwards into work rather than westwards is likely to mean getting more for you budget.

Linlithgow is considered a commuting hotspot. It is an attractive ancient town with cobbled streets and its own ruined palace beside Linlithgow Loch.

With lovely canalside walks and good schools, shops and leisure activities, it is a popular choice for families.

It is 20 miles from Edinburgh and with its own train station and a quick link to the M9, it is also very commutable to both the capital and Glasgow.

Picture: Rettie

The property at 6 Royal Terrace is a delightful Georgian villa, which has plenty of space and a remarkable, traditional garden.

Picture: Rettie

The sort of property which would command millions in the capital, it is approached through a pillared entrance with off-road parking.

Picture: Rettie

At the back is an extensive garden with lawns and borders. A wrought iron gate leads to a walled garden with grass tennis court and summer house.

The interior has four bedrooms, a dining room, drawing room, family room and garden room.

Picture: Savills

In contrast, Linlithgow Hill is a modern house designed and built in 1971 in a rural spot less than two miles from the town.

The house sits in a raised position giving stunning views to the Avon viaduct and the Firth of Forth.

Picture: Savills

Spacious and bright, Linlithgow House is set in generous grounds of just over an acre and it benefits from a flexible layout and plenty of natural light.

Anna Gardiner for Savills says: “Linlithgow Hill’s great advantage is its tremendous position, exceptional views and spacious rooms.

Picture: Savills

“Internally the house has a most appealing light, airy and open feel and the simplicity of its design provides a clean palette for a new owner – perfect for a buyer who wants to make their own design mark.”

No 3 Southhill Steadings, near Livingston is another West Lothian beauty.

The four-bedroomed steading conversion is in a quiet development in a rural part of Blackburn, overlooking open farmland with views towards the Edinburgh skyline.

Picture: Clyde

The property is finished to a high standard and in a courtyard with beautifully maintained gardens.

Picture: Clyde

There is an exceptional addition of a wooden barbecue hut with fully fitted rotisserie charcoal grill and fully ventilated cooking chamber.

Picture: Clyde

The house is environmentally sustainable with triple glazing, solar powered water heating and an electric vehicle charging point.

At a glance

Picture: Rettie

Where is it: 6 Royal Terrace, Linlithgow, West Lothian.What is it: A beautiful Georgian villa with drawing room, dining room, family room and garden room and four bedrooms. Outbuildings, front and back gardens with tennis court and a summer house.Good points: Royal Terrace is a sought-after street in Linlithgow with fine period houses that have elevated views to the palace and Linlithgow Loch. Number 6 is a very pretty house but the gardens are the high point, with a patio, lawns and a traditional formal walled garden.Bad points: The house has only one bathroom.Price: Offers over £675,000.Contact: Rettie & Co on 0131 220 4160.

Picture: Clyde

Where is it: 3 Southhill Steadings, Blackburn, West Lothian.What is it: A four-bedroomed conversion with a high-end finish and large garden.Good points: It is a well-designed house with spacious living rooms, featuring double-height ceilings and impressive home technology. The detached barbecue cabin would be fun.Bad points: Near neighbours but the house is quite private.Price: Offers over £380,000.Contact: Clyde Property on 0131 297 5999.

Picture: Savills

Where is it: Linlithgow Hill, Linlithgow, West Lothian.What is it: A contemporary house dating from 1971, two miles from Linlithgow with five bedrooms and over an acre of grounds.Good points: The light, spacious house has panoramic country views which take in the Firth of Forth and the beautiful garden.Bad points: Might need a little work to update the interior.Price: Offers over £595,000.Contact: Savills on 0131 247 3714.