A DINKY 19th-century schoolhouse which is one of Scotland’s best preserved clay buildings is on the market – for less than half the price of a one-bed flat in London.

The Old Schoolhouse was built to educate the children of millworkers in the mid-19th century, but became a Sunday school and was later converted into a church.

In 1929 a bellhouse was added along with a clapboard porch, now painted mint green.

At the time it was built, in Logie, near Montrose, Angus, there was a lack of usable stone in the area so a mix of clay, aggregate and straw was used.

The last church service was held in 1990 and the building fell into a state of “perilous” disrepair,. However, neighbours flagged up its historic significance to heritage bodies.

It was taken over by the National Trust for Scotland in 2005 – granting it A-listed status, and since then has been converted into a one-bedroom home, complete with a luxurious en-suite bathroom.

The tiny house, which won the highest building conservation prize in Europe, is for sale for offers over £155,000. It has an open plan living room, dining area and a kitchen, and is right next to a river with a giant garden.

Despite the historic building and beautiful location, it is less than half the price of a one-bed flat in east London, on the market for £395,000.

Hannah Christiansen, who works for estate agents Galbraith, described it as “a wee gem”.

Ms Christiansen said: “It’s got quite a colourful past. It was built in the mid-19th century and was originally a school.

“It really was one big room, then two rooms the schoolmaster used.

“It was quite a simple structure and was built using clay because there was a lack of stone at the time. At the turn of the century it became the Sunday school. It’s remained quite core to the community. After being a school it was turned into a place of worship.

“In 1990 it was closed to the public and became quite dilapidated. It was made a building of national importance, then the National Trust took it over.

“If anyone wants to make considerable alterations it’s something they need to speak to Historic Scotland about. There will always be an interest from the National Trust.

“It’s been a home for several people for the past 15 years.

“Despite its unique construction it meets the needs of modern practical living."