Perthshire/Stirlingshire

[blossoms1983]

Moving due to my work. We want to be based in Stirlingshire or Perthshire. We are thinking; Aucheterader, Doune, Crieff (don’t think we could afford or get a house in Dunblane!). Where would you choose? Any other suggestions? Ideally like;

1. Countryside doorstep, village or small-town
2. Safe area with low crime, ideal for our young family
3. Facilities for young children nearby
4. At least a Co-op
5. Train station within 20 minutes

Budget 450k

If you need to be close to a train station then Auchterarder and Dunblane are your best options from that list. You should be able to find a house in Dunblane for your budget (size dependent).

Gleneagles train station isn't in Auchterarder, it's about 5-10 minute drive on the opposite side of the A9. Fine to drove to, bus service bit sporadic.

Crieff and Doune further from stations.

You probably get more choice of trains stopping at Dunblane too, a fairly regular service. I'm in Stirling and generally get the train from Bridge of Allan which is the next stop down so I might be wrong in thinking there aren't as many trains stop in Gleneagles as I tend to go south rather than north. I think some of the Aberdeen bound trains stop there so presumably also head down through to edi or gla via Stirling.

That budget would get you something decent in both Dunblane or Bofa depending on what size/property type you are after.

I think Dunblane ticks all your boxes and you definitely could get a family home within your budget. Also, there are lots of clubs etc. locally for children of all ages.
The train service is also fairly good and lots of people commute to Edinburgh/Glasgow.

Thanks for the replies. What are the primary schools like and for ASN? My son has ASD, it is not severe enough to warrant a CSP? in Scotland. It is not complex nor severe. Thanks

I’ve looked on Rightmove. Is that where most listings are? I am aware other parts of Scotland use specific websites with Solicitor listings. Thanks

Funnily enough we drove through BofA the other day. It looked very student heavy due to proximity to the Uni. Is there lots for young children to do?

Yes! In the general area you are spoiled with activities tbh. Mine are adults now and I live between Bofa and Stirling so have accessed both but they've been involved in scouts (all ages) judo, football, rugby, golf, skiing, canoeing, swimming, art, pottery, curling, mountain biking and much more. There is pretty much anything you can think of locally as well as parks, hills, rivers etc. It's honestly a great area to raise kids.

I'd say rightmove and maybe zoopla are probably your best bet but there is also cathedral city estates but I honestly think they advertise on those too.

Most of the student accommodation for the uni is in Stirling tbh, the campus is causweyhead rather than Bofa but there is some down from fountain park but most students would socialise in Stirling.

There is the advantage also that teens can get into Edinburgh or Glasgow on the train easily.

Most should be on Rightmove but it might be worth looking at Cathedral Estates. They were very helpful when we were looking for a property in Dunblane.
In terms of asn provisions in the primary schools, I don’t have any personal experience. My dc went to Newton but have now left school or are in the senior phase, so it’s a wee while ago. Having moved to Newton from an excellent primary in another area, I thought it was ok. There is also Dunblane Primary and St Mary’s. St Mary’s is small so could suit a child with asn but I don’t have any experience. The high school isn’t doing so well in the league tables and it’s not perfect but it is a good school.

Not Crieff! Ours are young teens and we've spent years ferrying them to Stirling or Perth just about every day!

What about somewhere like Kinross or Milnathort. Just south of Perth. Trains in Fife and Perth. Park and Ride, supermarket, walks, history etc.