Built at the beginning of the last century for a naval captain, this character property has been beautifully updated.

It's the gardens you see first. Green, luscious and full of life. Planted with trees, mature shrubs and bushes, these gardens even come complete with their own water feature.

Then Collalis, the house, comes into view – its pretty white exterior glinting in the sunlight. With a strong silhouette, pretty lattice windows and a red slate roof, this house – though nestled in the countryside – has definite kerb appeal.

The property, on Course Road, in the village of Balmore, was built around 1914 for Robert Craig, a retiring sea captain. Now, it's a beautiful family home, owned by Annette and Iain Doran.

"I think it was the size of the house and the size of the rooms we liked," says Annette. "The house also had lots of great character – there were a couple of original fireplaces."

The property, which is set over two levels, includes five bedrooms, a dining hall and a pristine dining kitchen with handmade, white-painted units.

"When we moved in, there was a very small hallway, so we knocked down some walls to enable us to have a bigger hallway," says Annette.

The dining hallway is indeed a bright and spacious room, which the couple completed with a neutral-painted wall colour and a 10-seater dining table.

This room also has a focal point fireplace as well as wooden ceiling beams. To one side of the dining hallway, there is a set of stairs which leads straight up to the top floor.

One of the most impressive rooms is the large dining kitchen. It has a set of white-painted, handmade wall and floor units, grey granite work surfaces and a row of lattice windows.

Appliances include a stainless steel Britannia Range and matching cooker hood, integrated microwave and a Kuppersbusch dishwasher.

There is also plenty of storage space including a pantry, utility room and a store room. The upper floor is taken up by the large master bedroom suite.

Once used as a bedroom, bathroom and nursery by the family the space has now been divided to created an atmosphere of luxury.

The spacious master bedroom includes hand-built, cherry-wood wardrobe units and a four-piece en-suite bathroom.

Once again, the room has been decorated in chic neutral colours, including a cream carpet, to reflect the bright and airy nature of the space.

This bedroom suite also includes a walk-in dressing room and the en-suite bathroom. This property isn't just about the well-decorated interiors though – there's the garden for a start.

With its open views and green outlook, Annette and Iain's garden is one of the most beautiful parts of the property.

Annette said: "I love getting up early and sitting at the pond in the garden. It's just such a peaceful place."

Along with the pond, the garden features a number of seating areas and a rose-covered archway leading up to the front door.

The house also includes two bedrooms which are situated to the rear of the property, each with their own en-suite bathrooms. As this side of the house has its own access, it would be ideal for use as "granny flat".

Annette and Iain have decided to down-size, although they still plan to live in Balmore.

"With my daughter going to university and my son not far behind, the house is too big for us," says Annette.

"I think it would be nice for another young family to come along and put their stamp on the property."

What: A spacious, detached property with a large garden and picturesque views.

Where: In Balmore, not far from Bearsden and Milngavie.

Price: Offers over £675,000.

Contact: Corum on 0141 942 5888.

Elizabeth McMeekin