Luxe For Less: The Mansions You Can Buy For Less Than £600,000

Fancy living in a mansion? You don't need to be a millionaire to buy one. We bring you the pick of British and foreign mansions for sale priced at less than £600,000.

Who says you need to be a millionaire to afford a mansion? A property's price depends as much on location as on style, size and finish and, if you are prepared to move away from London and the South East of England, you can easily find lavish manor houses and opulent villas for little more than half a million pounds. One such is Firlands House, in Forres, Moray. Built in 1885, this elegant six-bedroom mansion is the quintessential Victorian country house. Although it needs modernisation, it oozes period charm, with plenty of ornate cornicing and plaster work, marble fireplaces, mosaic floor tiles and a beautiful cast-iron staircase. A roof terrace commands spectacular views. Outside, the mature grounds, which extend to two acres, feature a fabulous terrace and many fine trees. Offers over £550,000 through CKD Galbraith.

For more properties like this, visit the website of our sister magazine, Country Life.

Period Farmhouse, Gascony, South West France

This stunning, seven-bedroom country home, which dates from 1850, offers French country living at its finest. Painstakingly renovated, it is rich in character with gorgeous details such as stone flooring, a grand living room and a feature Gascon fireplace. A separate stone barn houses a covered terrace for alfresco dining and additional accommodation is available in a secondary cottage in need of development. Outside the 5.7 acres of landscaped gardens and grounds feature parterres, lawns, roses and an L-shaped swimming pool. 745,000 euros (about £590,000) through Knight Frank. For more properties like this, visit the website of our sister magazine, Country Life.

The Cairns, Fallaws, Monikie, By Broughty Ferry, Angus, Scotland

Set in 2.38 acres of grounds amid peaceful countryside teeming with wildlife, this striking, four-bedroom country home was designed by an architect for the current owners. The contemporary interiors feature a fabulous sitting room with a wall of picture windows, and a stylish Smallbone kitchen, as well as an elegant master bedroom. For all this, agents CKD Galbraith are seeking offers over £550,000. For more properties like this, visit the website of our sister magazine, Country Life.

Albert Cottage, Lammerlaws, Burntisland, Fife, Scotland

Don't let the name take you in - this C-listed, three-bedroom property is rather more than a cottage. Dramatically set on the northern banks of the Forth, it enjoys spectacular views from many rooms. The stylish interiors include a stunning sitting room, fabulous master bedroom and gym/cinema room. Offers over £595,000 through CKD Galbraith. For more properties like this, visit the website of our sister magazine, Country Life.

Gascon Mansion, near Mielan, Gascony, South West France

Newly built around a period cottage, this stunning, five-bedroom mansion has a strong traditional feel with exposed beams, tile and timber floor and a fabulous round tower. The kitchen terrace opens to an outdoor dining area with a huge slate table. The tiered terraces overlook the lush, peaceful grounds, which house a swimming pool and enjoy views of the Pyrenees. 425,000 euros (about £337,000) through Knight Frank. For more properties like this, visit the website of our sister magazine, Country Life.

Beechwood, Laurencekirk, Kincardineshire, Scotland

Sheltered from view by thick woodland, this sandstone country house, which has six bedrooms, is imbued with period elegance. The bright, airy interiors have retained many original details, from working shutters to ornate cornicing. Outside, the heavenly scented gardens are peppered with mature trees. Offers in excess of £595,000 through Strutt & Parker. For more properties like this, visit the website of our sister magazine, Country Life.

Dordogne Country House, near Eymet, Dordogne, South West France

This elegant, five-bedroom country home stands at the heart of its lush 24.7 acres of grounds within walking distance from the village of Eymet. The recently renovated interiors feature exposed beams and grand fireplace and a large kitchen and breakfast room that 's the hub of the house. Additional accommodation is available in the adjacent two-bedroom cottage. Lawns stretch at the front of the house, while, at the back, a formal garden leads to pastureland and a river frontage. 695,000 euros (about £550,000) through Knight Frank. For more properties like this, visit the website of our sister magazine, Country Life.

Springmount, Caledonian Road, Peebles, Scottish Borders

Striking period details, wooden flooring and bright, well-proportioned rooms infuse this charming, four-bedroom country home with a sense of elegance. The lush, secluded garden is studded with mature trees. Guide price £560,000 through CKD Galbraith. For more properties like this, visit the website of our sister magazine, Country Life.

The Byre, Knockbain, Munlochy, Ross-Shire, Scotland

Clad in Scottish Larch, this sleek, award-winning house has been cleverly designed by Skye architects Dualchas to make the most of the panorama across the surrounding countryside. Picture windows bring light and views into the stylish interiors?the bespoke German kitchen and the vaulted master bedroom are especially attractive. Offers Over £445,000 through Strutt & Parker. For more properties like this, visit the website of our sister magazine, Country Life.

Drumashie Lodge, Dores, Inverness-shire, Scotland

Beautifully situated above Loch Ness, this six-bedroom, former Georgian manse enjoys views of the waters from every front room. The interiors have been carefully improved while keeping the original period atmosphere intact - the rooms have preserved many interesting details, including working window shutters,cornicing, alcoves and lovely fireplaces. Outside, the gardens are laid to lawn dotted with flowerbeds, fruit trees and shrubs. Offers over £575,000 through Strutt & Parker. For more properties like this, visit the website of our sister magazine, Country Life.