One Of Scotland's Best Places For Affordable Living Is An Ex-Mining Town With Victorian Streets And Vibrant Culture

Daydreaming about owning property in a country you've developed a fondness for is something many of us do, and Scotland's beauty certainly has that effect. Perhaps you're sitting in a cozy pub in Glasgow, and the spontaneous thought of heading out into the countryside to explore some affordable towns lodges itself firmly in your mind. Checking your map, you notice that deep within the moor-covered uplands of historic East Ayrshire, the town of Cumnock isn't too far of a drive.

A small town of roughly 9,500 people, Cumnock has a storied past, and although it was once known to be a coal-mining hub, you will find its streets full of Victorian character and color, notably from the favored red sandstone used for its landmark buildings. Having successfully recovered after its mining era, you will find Cumnock to be a welcoming Scottish town full of parks, a thriving town center, and a mix of historical and cultural gems worth exploring. It's an easy drive that takes under an hour from Glasgow via the M77 motorway through Robert Burns's homeland county of Ayrshire.

Cumnock stands out not only as one of the most affordable towns in Scotland but also as the most affordable town to buy property in all of Britain. For comparison, the average property values in Cumnock sit comfortably at $108,000 versus the UK average of $361,000, according to Zoopla. Cumnock isn't a local anomaly either, as four out of five of Britain's most affordable towns can be found in Ayrshire, with the annual household value-to-earnings ratio at an enticing average under 1.3.

Exploring the old town center of Cumnock is best done on foot, with many free parking options available. Your best bet is to park on 30 Ayr Road, situated right in the heart of town within view of the beautiful 140-foot-tall spire of the Crichton Church. Completed in 1899, it is a unique example of Gothic architecture with a twist thanks to its brightly colored red sandstone. Listed as a Category B building, it was built by the prominent Scottish architect Duncan Menzies, also responsible for the design of Murrayfield Avenue in Edinburgh, one of the most walkable cities in the world.

Adjoining the church, the facades of three charming Gothic shop units at 38 Ayr Road would make for a great photo opportunity. Completed around the same time as the church and designed by the same architect, their triple cast-iron arches and original woodwork add to the Victorian heritage of the street. For a relaxed meal of traditional Scottish dishes nearby, try the Dumfries Arms Hotel. It has stood for 300 years and hosted Sir Walter Scott and Robert Burns on many occasions.

Glaisnock Street, Cumnock's central artery, showcases the town's Victorian character. The Town Hall, at 62 Glaisnock Street, is of particular note and a source of pride for Cumnock's residents. Completed in 1885, it was funded by both public and private money. A bust of James Keir Hardie, founder of the Scottish Labour Party and a celebrated citizen of the town, stands at the Town Hall's front entrance.

To delve deeper into Cumnock's cultural heritage, the Baird Institute stands out as the most important cultural venue in the entire town. A result of a philanthropic will left by a wealthy local businessman by the name of John Baird, the institute has been serving the community since 1891. Built out of locally quarried pink sandstone, this Scottish Baronial-style building houses rotating contemporary art exhibitions, along with archives and resources tied to the history of East Ayrshire.

A local highlight that cannot be missed before wrapping up your visit to Cumnock lies just a five-minute drive outside of town and is royally relevant. The Dumfries House sits on 2,000 acres of sustainably managed woodland, parks, and gardens, dating back to the 18th century. Purchased with the help of King Charles III in 2007 to preserve its heritage and to educate the public in sustainability, you can book a tour to visit its restored 18th-century interior, or take a walk on its grounds. The estate hosts a rich calendar of events, including the annual local festival of music, The Cumnock Tryst.

Take advantage of your time at Dumfries House to explore its vast gardens that include many paths, an arboretum, and even a maze. As you leave Cumnock, you may realize that visiting Scotland's many ex-mining towns, like Prestonpans near Edinburgh, will reveal to you not only their affordability compared to larger cities but their beautifully preserved cultural identity. And if you're feeling inspired, drive an hour south to visit the market town of Dumfries, known as Scotland's "Queen of the South" and home of the country's beloved poet Robert Burns.