There are certain types of property which rarely become available - such as these elegant townhouses in Glasgow's West End. However, an opportunity has arisen to purchase not only one but three full townhouses with adjoining mews flats.

Currently functioning as The White House Hotel, these B-listed terraced homes were designed and built in 1876 as part of Cleveden Crescent by Glasgow architect John Burnet - or possibly his son.

There has been some debate on the subject - it seems the plans for the house were done in metric measurements, which suggests Burnet junior had a hand in its construction. Others argue that it is unlikely an 18-year-old, fresh from L'Ecole des Beaux Arts or not, could have undertaken such an extensive commission and acquitted himself so impressively.

Whatever the buildings' origins, the three for sale are now used as one of Glasgow's more unusual hotels, made up of individual self-catering apartments. They offer between them 33 apartments and five attached mews flats.

It's a golden opportunity for a developer, the buyer who might want to turn these buildings into a small and exclusive flatted development right in the heart of one of the most prestigious areas in the West End. Or for the buyer who might wish to run it as a going concern, maintaining its character as one of the city's more individual hotels.

Alternatively buyers might want to convert the building back into three individual townhouses, complete with mews cottages to the rear. This is an investment opportunity of potentially epic proportions.

The units are also offered for sale separately, however, so the sale of the homes is equally open to individuals looking for a residential development opportunity.

Although the buildings themselves are in excellent condition - the whole crescent has in fact been well-maintained through the efforts of the residents and the resident's association through the years - they will need a little work to be returned to private residential status. It is currently possible to walk from one to the next through an expanded reception hallway and right through into the mews at the rear.

That said, the owners of the White House Hotel have maintained much of the character of these homes - they have still many of the original features so sought-after in the traditional residential market and the rooms themselves offer plenty of scope for family living.

Certain buyers may even be attracted by the idea of self-contained units - those with teens who like to leave a mess in the kitchen and hog the bathroom, for example.

Each of the three townhouses is on the market at offers over #275,000, and each offers 11 separate apartments over three storeys. There are five mews flats, three of which are two-bedroomed and are priced at offers over #71,500; the remaining two have one bedroom each and are on the market at #68,000 and #69,500.

They are self-contained units and have their own distinct style. They have the potential to make excellent work and study areas for those working from home. They might also make individual starter flats.

Further information is available from Clyde Property on 0141 567 1777.