Looking for a house near to Stirling - no idea what areas to consider!

[FallingGoldfinch]

Any help very gratefully received.

We'd like 4 beds, large rooms if possible (or potential to knock rooms through, maybe extend).

Has to be semi-rural, no close neighbours, ideally a converted steading or similar.

Don't mind a bit of doing-up, but really don't want to rip things out that I hate but are seen as 'features' by estate agents (Aga, wood burning stoves, that sort of thing).

Ideally within 20 minutes or so of Stirling University.

I've checked Dunblane, Bridge of Allan, Auchterarder, Dollar - not sure where else I should look as I suspect the place I want maybe won't have an actual town name if that makes sense.

Thank you .

This looks nice! Braco. Bit pricey mind you!

You could try Doune, Blairdrummond, Gargunnock, Kippen, Deanston, Muckhart.

A lot of steading conversions are converted into groups of two or three properties round here, hard to avoid near neighbours.

That is a bit pricey haggis - and there's an open fire which is on my hate-list .

That rules out steadings then wiggly - shame, as I really just want to take my house with me.

I'll have a look at those areas, thanks.

There is a bungalow for sale in Muckhart that has a two acre garden, it's on Drumburn farm road I think. not very exciting looking but it could be a blank canvas for an interesting extension.

Do you have a link for that wiggly?

Found it!

I've heard a few negative things about Dollar - anyone from there?

(that didn't come out the right way!)

Me! Ask away, I think I am fairly impartial.

Drymen? Balmaha? Alloa? Falkirk?

Kippen?

Sorry Wiggly's already said Kippen.

Bridge of Allan?

If you are willing to go a wee bit further out, DRum, Crook of Devon and Rumbling Bridge are possibilities, they tend to have more semi rural properties.

My sister's on MN and she's from Dollar. What have you heard about it?

Can't think of anything negative about Dollar - other than the traffic jam every morning with the influx of kids to the popular private school there.

To be honest, if you're looking at semi rural, I'd chase the property then look at the area. There are some beautiful areas round about Stirling. Some of the towns might have a reputation for being a bit rough, but are often surrounded by beautiful homes in fantastic surroundings (e.g. Plean or Cowie)

What's your approx budget?

Do you have DC's that will be attending primary/high school?

I think about £400k but might be flexible - primary and high school please (state not fee-paying)!

I don't want to offend anyone with what I've heard about places, but am happy to be told it's nonsense so will just say anyway . . . have heard that Dollar is a bit status/money obsessed. Have heard Bridge of Allan is similar, bit cliquey (and trying to get away from all that).

I've not stayed in Bridge of Allan too poor but I've worked there, I love it. Lovely primary school, loads of wee shop's and cafes around.

Bridge of Allan would be great as somewhere local that I could go to, but wouldn't want to live there.

My geography is really awful - is there somewhere that is between Stirling and Perth that is commutable and has what I'm after? I really like the feel of Perth (although I like Stirling too, just can't seem to find any houses ).

Very close to the Uni and major routes, but tucked away in a very green corner www.rightmove.co.uk/property-for-sale/property-33342489.html

Thanks Olly - it would need to be a lot cheaper than that if it needs so much done though; that one is a bit of a project .

So you are looking up towards Auchterarder way then?

You'll know that Dunblane gets the best academic results in the area - I'm not necessarily saying that makes it the best school btw - Certainly at the moment there is no problem getting a place from out of catchment, they are actively seeking pupils, but transport (or lack thereof) can be an issue.

www.s1homes.com/property-for-sale/2015011511263240.shtml

ANy good?

Aberfoyle? A bit further than 20 mins from the uni but rural :

www.s1homes.com/property-for-sale/2014040223160577.shtml

Fintry?

www.s1homes.com/property-for-sale/2014121605044458.shtml