homes • interiors • style • expert advice • shopping • living
luxury properties in east central scotland brought to you by ESPC
SEPTEMBER 2012 £priceless
CREATING CLASSICS meet the architects shaping edinburgh’s skyline
Light fantastic
30
premier properties inside>>>
SEE INSIDE FOR INSPIRING INTERIORS, CLASSIC DESIGNS AND MODERN ICONS
WIN A LUXURIOUS SPA EXPERIENCE FOR TWO page 37>>>
Premier contents
12
news
4 market summary A look back at six promising months in the premier homes market.
6
collection
6 a sumptuous affair Forget austerity and celebrate bold colour with these warming wonders.
18 kitchens
10 coffee machines From beans and grinding to perfect percolation, we have the tricks of the trade for aspiring home baristas. 18 timeless design From classic style to modern chic, great kitchens come from great quality.
property
12 family time A beautiful family home, with plenty of well designed space for work, play and relaxation. 25 ELEGANCE IN ACTION With quality craftsmanship in every nook and cranny, this elegant Eskbank villa is a delight for the senses. 40 an idyll in the city Cleverly set around its own cobbled courtyard, this unique stable conversion in leafy Barnton is a must-see. 44 Premier properties Six pages of luxurious and stylish homes in East Central Scotland.
bathrooms
30 step into luxury Showering is no longer about expediency. We look at the most luxurious, relaxing and downright decadent options.
living
22 Grab some swag Fed up of equity returns? Take a look at alternative investments. 32 we are sailing Relax, get fit and meet new people in East Lothian’s vibrant sailing scene. 36 holidays It’s Scotland, but probably not as you know it.
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{on the cover}
‘Falling’ LED pendant light by Tobias Grau (www.dbdgroup.com, claire@dbdgroup.co.uk)
residential streets in Edinburgh. It is also available from the ESPC showroom on George Street. Premier Living is written, designed and published by Connect Communications (Scotland) Ltd on behalf of ESPC. www. connectcommunications.co.uk Premier Living is a magazine by ESPC, the No.1 place for advertising homes for sale in East Central Scotland. Premier Living is produced twice a year and is delivered to the premier
architecture
14 renovation Find out how to get the best from your period property. 16 Architects’ inspiration We talk to three top Edinburgh architects about what drives their award winning designs.
MAIN OFFICE ESPC, 90a George Street, Edinburgh EH2 3DF T: 0131 624 8000
EDITORIAL & DESIGN Editor: Neil Harrison Design and production: Debra Johnson, Richard Croasdale ADVERTISING ESPC Media Sales: Claire Boulton, Moyra Vivian Tel: 0131 624 8872 email: mediasales@espc.com
The views expressed in Premier Living are those of invited contributors and not necessarily those of ESPC. The information contained in Premier Living is of a general nature and is not to be taken as advice on any individual situation. ESPC accepts no liability to any person for loss or damage suffered as a consequence of their responding to, or placing reliance upon, any claim or representation made in any advertisement appearing in Premier Living. Readers should make appropriate enquiries and satisfy themselves before responding to any such advertisement, or placing reliance upon any such claim or representation. By so responding, or placing reliance, readers accept that they do so at their own risk. All prices correct at time of going to press © ESPC 2012. ISSN: 1469-3054. Printed on paper produced from fully sustainable forestry in accordance with FSC legislation.
ESPC: No.1 for property in East Central Scotland
Welcome Welcome to the latest issue of Premier Living, ESPC’s insight into the world of high value properties and amazing interiors. In this issue, as well as pristine properties, immaculate interiors and great gadgets, we have been finding out all about sailing, cocktails and shaping the Edinburgh skyline. Plus we have an exclusive interview with paralympian and world champion Libby Clegg, who has been sponsored by ESPC during 2012. Libby has become part of the ESPC team and during October we will be joining Libby on a tour of local schools as she talks about her life as a professional athlete. As you would expect, we are also publishing our unique insight into the top-end of the property market. With the large number of high value homes advertised and sold through ESPC, we have a perspective on the market that others cannot offer. It is this knowledge and track record ESPC solicitor estate agents have in the premier market that explains why independent research found that the majority of AB consumers in our area start their property search with ESPC. At ESPC we are continuing our work to give homeowners the best exposure possible for their property. We are taking some of the lessons we have learnt from Premier Living and applying them to our weekly newspaper. You should start to see these changes from October 2012 onwards. The same independent research mentioned before found that ESPC has brand awareness of 95%. To set this in context, the next nearest property website was a massive 35% behind ESPC. This is why ESPC is a must for anyone looking to advertise their home for sale in East Central Scotland. We hope you enjoy this issue. To date, the magazine has gathered very positive feedback from readers who receive a copy through their door, from one of our showrooms or read it online. We are delighted to receive any thoughts you have. Just visit one of our showrooms in Edinburgh or Dunfermline, or email marketing@espc.com. Malcolm Cannon, chief executive, ESPC espc.com/premierliving 3
Premier MARKET SUMMARY
ESPC’s Neil Harrison looks at the property picture in Edinburgh and across East Central Scotland
Premier market activity on the rise
2012
saw a brisk start to the year for the property market in Edinburgh, the Lothians and Fife. The number of homes sold during the first half of the year, while still below peak levels, rose by 11.7% annually to the highest level recorded since 2008. Interestingly, the recent upturn in activity didn’t stem from a rush of sales prior to the end of the Stamp Duty holiday in March. In fact, sales in the affected £125,000 to £250,000 bracket rose by just 8.5% annually – well below the rate of growth seen in other segments. Other factors have had a more marked impact on bringing buyers back to the market. In the first instance, the stability we’ve seen in house prices over the last couple of years has helped improve buyers’ confidence. Latest Housing Market Confidence figures from HBOS showed 34% of Brits expect house prices to rise over the next 12 months compared to 19% who expected a fall in prices. We’ve also started to see a slight upturn in activity from first-time buyers, some of whom now have deposits in place having started saving in the wake of the credit crunch almost five years ago. Finally, some sellers who’d been on the market for some time showed more of a
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willingness to accept offers slightly below Home Report valuation to secure a sale, which has helped stimulate activity. The market for premier properties grew faster than any other segment during the first six months of the year. The number of sales of homes at £500,000 and over rose by 24.7% annually, the fastest growth of any market segment. The premier market has consistently outperformed other areas, as factors such as tighter lending
Despite sluggish price growth, properties at the top end of the market are now moving. And the omens look good. criteria have a much lower impact for those looking to secure a home at the top end. Demand for premier homes remains much higher than for more affordable homes. Properties at £500,000 or more can expect to receive over 300 views per week each on espc.com – roughly three times more than properties below the £125,000 mark. While the rate of growth in sales may ease off in the second half of the year, we
expect the number of premier homes selling to be higher than in recent years. There’s unlikely to be a significant upturn in house values in the short to medium term due to continued weakness in the UK economy and it should go without saying by now that significant downside risks remain to the market. There are also reasons to be more bullish about the outlook for the market though, particularly that for premier properties. Our latest consumer research results show that there has been a substantial rise in the number of local residents who are planning to buy a property in the next few years. Overall, 31% of respondents said they planned to buy a house as a residence in the next three years, up from 21% when the same question was asked last year. Buying intentions were even stronger in the AB socioeconomic group where 35% planned to buy a home in the next three years – up from 17% last year – and 71% saying they were planning to buy within five years. Interest rates are likely to remain low for some time yet, which will help minimise the number of distressed sales in the market and we should start to see a slight easing in lending criteria in the next six to 12 months, meaning that prospects for the market look a little brighter than they have done for some time.
ESPC: No. 1 for property in East Central Scotland
Premier property news
ESPC still the first port of call
about our magazine... ESPC’s Premier Living is published twice a year – in March and September. With a circulation of 20,000, 75 per cent of copies are delivered to the areas of Edinburgh where you will find higher value properties based on data from ESPC’s unique property archive. A copy can also be obtained from your local solicitor, ESPC showrooms and other select locations. Premier Living is a celebration of fantastic properties, design tips, local knowledge and ideas to help make a home fabulous. It can be read online at www.espc.com/ premierliving Light
homes • interiors • style • expert advice • shopping • living
luxury properties in
east central scotland
brought to you by espC
fantastic
septeMber 2012 £priCeless
CreAting ClAssiCs Meet the architects shaping edinburgh’s skyline
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premier properties inside>>>
see insiDe For inspirin classic designs and g interiors, Modern icons WIN A LUXUrioUs spA
eXperieNCe For tWo page 37>>>
Come to George Street for all your property needs The ESPC showroom on George Street has become a hub for all things property. As well as probably having more properties advertised in one showroom than anywhere else in the world, it is a place where you can have just about any property question answered. Our panel of experts cover legal matters, finance, architecture, interior design, garden design and home improvements. Plus the ESPC team are on hand to help you with your property search. For more details pop into the showroom or visit www.espc.com/asktheexperts
Every year at ESPC we commission research to help us benchmark our performance and investigate buyer and seller behaviour to ensure we deliver a high level of service to our clients. In May, Why Research, an independent research company, carried out over 640 interviews with residents across Edinburgh, East Lothian, Midlothian, West Lothian and West Fife. The results – particularly in the AB socioeconomic group – made interesting reading. The research gave us some useful insights into the changing behaviour of buyers and sellers. There was a marked increase in the importance sellers placed on seeing their property advertised in a showroom or property shop window: 96% said this was “very” or “quite important” – that’s higher even than the 92% who placed importance on online advertising. Indeed, despite the obvious importance of the internet in marketing a home, the majority of respondents said they would also use more traditional channels like showrooms and printed property guides at some stage in their search. This is not to diminish the importance of the role technology plays when it comes to selling, as 26% of sellers said the ability to
market their property through mobile websites would be of some importance and the growth of mobile browsing is certainly something we’ve seen at ESPC with traffic to our mobile website rising by 80% annually. The results of research like this helps shape our services and direct investment to meet our customers’ needs. We’ve already invested in upgrading our prestigious showroom on George Street in Edinburgh. In the current economic climate even those with a great deal of experience in the property market clearly value a high level of personal service from knowledgeable staff they can put their trust in. In response to the rise in popularity of mobile browsing we are upgrading our mobile website so buyers and investors can quickly access information on properties of interest when they’re on the move. We don’t view either our market-leading position or the recent upturn in sales activity as cause for complacency. We’ll keep working tirelessly to bring buyers and sellers together, delivering the best possible service to both, so that we can continue to say with pride that we’re number one for property in East Central Scotland.
Premier homes on espc.com are viewed an average of 300 times a week
7 out of 10 plan to buy a new home in the next five years
AB brand awareness of ESPC
more ABs start their property search with ESPC than the nearest competitor espc.com/premierliving 5
Premier COLLECTION
A NEW FLAME Designed by Peter Maly for Conmoto/SkanthermGermany, Balance is a contemporary log-burner with a 7kW output and a modular composition that includes a log storage unit, chest of drawers, seating, and multimedia platform. Available from Encompass, the stove costs from £5,179, excluding modular elements (02392 410045/www.encompassco.com)
Warm to
Colour Neutral shades and austere interiors have had their day. Now it’s time to celebrate the autumn and winter seasons with sumptuous fabrics
A SITTING STATEMENT
Greenfynch is a dramatic seat-for-two with a tall back and sides like that of a wingback chair with traditional ball-and-claw feet. But that’s where normality ends. It goes beyond the call of duty and doubles as a work of art as it is covered in folded cotton/linen which is printed with a dazzling Brazilian landscape. Handcrafted in the USA, it’s available from Anthropologie in Edinburgh, £2,198 (bolster pillow included) and would make a stunning statement in a hall or drawing room (0131 260 5200/www.anthropologie.eu)
MONSOON HAS ALL THE TEA IN CHINA ‘Cosmic’ is a signature tableware pattern from the Monsoon archives, a stunning contemporary interpretation of a Paisley print in deep blue, teal, mauve and lime with metallic highlights on fine cream china. And being Denby, it is safe for use in the oven, dishwasher, microwave and freezer. Shown here, dinner plate £8.50; teapot £37 and butter dish £30. Available from Denby’s Designer Outlet in Livingston (0845 313 7506/www.denby.co.uk)
CUSHIONS COVERED
Tatiana cushion covers in luxurious, brightly-coloured velvet and silk fabrics – part of the autumn/winter collection at OKA, which also includes velvet-trimmed herringbone throws. Cushion covers start at £25, with throws from £85 (0131 555 6463/ www.okadirect.com)
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A REAL DESK DRIVE
As graceful as it is decorative, the understated Home Desk has become one of George Nelson’s design classics. Suitable for use virtually anywhere in the home, it has a veneered walnut frame, white laminate writing surface, chromed metal legs and colourful dividers. From Designshop UK’s Edinburgh store, £3,514 (0131 667 7078/ www.designshopuk.com)
ESPC: No. 1 for property in East Central Scotland
Premier STYLE
Low energy, high style Beautiful, atmospheric lighting no longer needs incandescence
Arco LED
The timeless Arco lamp, designed by Achille and Pier Giacomo Castiglioni, has become a genuine design icon since its release in 1962. To mark its 50th birthday, Arco’s manufacturer, FLOS, has engineered a new version. Arco LED is enhanced with the most advanced and high performance lighting technology available. Arco LED is available from Edinburgh’s October First. (www.octoberfirst.co.uk, or 0131 452 8889)
THE ‘FALLING WATER’ PENDANT LIGHT The ‘Falling Water’ pendant light from Tobias Grau is a calm, fluid design, which brings the tranquillity of pure running water into your home. The lamp uses the latest integrated LED technology to produce a strong yet broad-spectrum light, far warmer than traditional LED solutions. Falling is available in polished aluminium, black gloss and matt black. The full range of Tobias Grau lighting products is available from David Brown Lighting. (www.dbdgroup.com, or contact claire@dbdgroup.co.uk)
Great designers of our time – Matthew Hilton Julian Darwell-Stone continues his series on great designers, with a practitioner whose iconic work for many international manufacturers not to mention his own brand of furniture – has garnered him a global reputation. MATTHEW HILTON After graduating, Matthew Hilton worked initially as an industrial designer and model maker before setting up his own studio and workshop in 1984. SCP was the first manufacturer to produce Matthew’s work and more than 25 years of collaboration has resulted in numerous products, including iconic designs such as the Balzac armchair, Orford sofa and Flipper table. Hilton’s ability to design original and practical furniture has seen him go on to work with
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international manufacturers including Driade, Montis, Perobell, Ycami, XO and Sawaya and Moroni. In 2008 he was named British Designer of the Year by Elle Decoration. Five years ago Matthew launched his own brand with the aim of greater control of the
design, manufacturing and marketing of furniture. Matthew Hilton has a small, focused design studio while cooperation with Portuguese company De La Espada brings craftsmanship and the experience of using premium materials combined with advanced manufacturing. The designer and Portuguese craftsmen work together to develop new products; in Matthew’s own words: “I now have a place to fulfil my passion to create exquisitely made, desirable, rigorous and beautiful products that I hope will stick around because they work and people love them.” Julian Darwell-Stone is the Managing Director of Tangram, leading experts in contemporary furniture and interiors. Visit www.tangramfurnishers.co.uk
ESPC: No. 1 for property in East Central Scotland
Fargo customisable sofa from £2,295 Ogi chair from £795
#1 WE BELIEVE IN URBAN DANISH DESIGN
DANISH DESIGN IS NOT ONLY TO BE ENJOYED BY A FEW DANES Danish design is our legacy, but a great legacy should always be balanced by innovation and new ideas. BoConcept has taken the great traditions of Danish design to the world’s big cities and made it our own. We call it Urban Danish Design. It has the comfort and simplicity from Danish design and the vibe you get from urban. Delivery available throughout Scotland.
BoConcept Glasgow, 257 Sauchiehall Street, Glasgow. 0141 341 4920 www.boconcept.co.uk Also in Harrods Knightsbridge, Selfridges Oxford St, Tottenham Court Road, Kingston & Notting Hill London and Bournemouth, Leeds, Manchester & Newcastle.
Call for your 2013 design catalogue
Premier COFFEE
A truly great brew is no longer the preserve of high-end coffee shops. Premier Living lists the essential ingredients for the aspiring home barista
Dream beans Since its discovery in mid-fifteenth Century Yemen, coffee has become a source of near-obsession for its devotees, many of whom are prepared to go to extraordinary lengths for the perfect brew. Mercifully, coffee in the home has come a very long way since Anthony Head asked Sharon Maughn if he could borrow a cup of sugar, way back in 1987. Indeed, with the right kit, some good quality coffee and a little know-how, domestic baristas can easily produce a cup to put high street café chains to shame.
The beans
The cherries of the genus Coffea, coffee ‘beans’ are one of the world’s most traded commodities. Yet, particularly when processed and roasted, not all coffee beans are created equal, so sourcing the right raw ingredients is essential for a truly knockout cup. Megan Barker, a manager at Artisan Roast on Broughton Street (and Scottish Barista of the year 2011), said: “Your choice of bean really depends on what you’re looking for and the kind of coffee you’re going to make – are you going to use milk, for example? Talk to your supplier and they’ll be able to match a bean for you.”
Knowledge b ase The ESPC matching dataproperty ba the details of se has ov 68,000 house er hunters
“Timing and storage is also important. You really want something that’s been roasted around a week ago, which will then be good for another fortnight. And, contrary to what many people think, beans shouldn’t be stored in the fridge. They’re very porous, so will pick up fridge aroma and flavours – better to keep them in an airtight container in a cupboard. “Equally, single origin coffees tend to work for filter coffees and cafetierres, while blends are generally better for espresso - you can take a Sumatran coffee for body, then add a wee bit of Azerbaijan in there to sweeten it up a little bit. You need to know what coffees will add to the flavour – again it’s a preference thing.”
The machine
The grinder
Serious coffee lovers will often avoid pre-ground coffee, opting instead for the extra control and freshness offered by a countertop grinder. And it smells sensational, which certainly helps. Quality grinders, such as the range from Mazzer (www.mazzer.com – starting at around £330) will make constant and minute adjustments to the coarseness of the grind, ensuring total consistency and a coffee that is perfectly suited to your preferences and the set up of your coffee machine. 10 espc.com/premierliving
The sheer range of coffee machines on the market can be a little daunting. For the serious home barista though, fine control should trump less important features and gizmos every time. Retailing at around £5,000, the surprisingly small La Marzocco GS/3 (www.lamarzocco.com) sets the benchmark for domestic coffee machines. Despite its traditional looks, the GS/3 crams in professional-grade technology, allowing near limitless tweaking and ensuring absolutely consistent conditions, shot after shot. ESPC: No. 1 for property in East Central Scotland
Premier PROPERTY
Room for living
S
ituated in a quiet cul-de-sac in Inverleith, this spacious and sun-filled home is ideal for family living. Surrounded by playing fields and well placed for access to Fettes College and The Edinburgh Academy, among other schools, this lovely house is just waiting for a new family to call it home. Built in 1926 and sitting on a third of an acre of grounds, this substantial two-storey property retains much of its original charm, complemented by a modern but tasteful extension which provides pleasing views of an attractive banked garden. Set back from the street behind a hedge and pretty ornamental shrubs, the house is a wonderful place to bring up children, boasting plenty of room to be with the kids alongside tranquil, luxurious spaces for a spot of ‘you time’. Through the front door, a warm and welcoming entrance hall leads into two generous reception rooms – a parlour and a breakfast room.
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We discover the perfect home for family and entertaining, right in the heart of the city Throughout this section of the house, doors, skirting and working shutters are all original, set in a lustrous oiled oak which draws the eye and lends a sense of quality and strength. The proportions of the reception rooms are an unexpected surprise in a home of this period, with high ceilings and generous dimensions working with the light from the large bay windows to create a grand impression. Moving through to the kitchen, we find ourselves in the heart of the home – architecturally as well as spiritually. A large traditional Aga fills the space with its distinctive warmth, while the dining table and multiple entrances to other rooms reflect the importance of this kitchen to both entertaining and family life. Tucked off to one side, a handy utility
room with its own sink and worktops provides a useful place to store used pots and pans during a party, while a WC next to the property’s side entrance serves both the kitchen and the garden. Beyond the kitchen is a superb modern extension, comprising a bright, spacious lounge and elegant dining room. The quality of the build is worthy of the older section of the house and the feeling of solidity is carried through, tying everything together. Engineered walnut flooring throughout the extension picks up the light from the wide French doors at the rear of the house and several cleverly placed Velux windows fill every corner of the room with a rich glow. Off the lounge, (see box-out) the dining room is perfectly proportioned and suits a ESPC: No. 1 for property in East Central Scotland
Premier PROPERTY
The lounge The lounge, which is comfortably large enough to accommodate several large sofas, is clearly intended and used as a multipurpose space. Adjoining the kitchen as it does, this feels like the home’s natural family room, with plenty of space for everyone to spread out and spend an evening in each other’s company. But the design aesthetic is also very sophisticated and tranquil, with sharp, clean lines and plenty of reflected light making it an ideal venue for entertaining. It is easy to imagine coming through to this room after a meal, throwing open the doors to the garden air and serving drinks as the sun sets in the west.
large table. Even on the rather dark day that Premier Living chose to visit, the natural light from both ends was more than sufficient. Once again, an abundance of wood recalls the traditional areas of the house without ever falling into pastiche. Continuing along the western side of the property, we pass first into a small conservatory area with large windows and a glazed roof – perfect for reading in the evening, even as the days are drawing in – past a WC, and on to another multi-purpose public room. This space is large and bright, with windows running the full length of its southern and western walls. Although more recently used as a children’s den, it has also been set up as a music room at one time, with discrete acoustic tiling. Upstairs, the master bedroom faces south and a large bay window exposes stunning views of Arthur’s Seat and Calton Hill. Across the hall, but still facing south, the drawing room is a real feature, with a large fireplace and well-kept period plaster
mouldings framing its high ceiling. Thanks to its position on the first floor, this rather grand room presents a host of potential uses for any buyer. Two more large double bedrooms and a separate bathroom and WC complete the first floor. Moving outside the property, the attractive, low maintenance, family-friendly back garden extends upwards in stone terraced flowerbeds from the paved and decked area to the rear of the property, before levelling out into a broad lawn. There is a definite philosophy that has shaped this house, both through its original and modern sections. It is filled with bright, attractive spaces that will naturally bring people together.
{more information} 20 Kinnear Road, Edinburgh, EH3 5PE, offers over £1,300,000. For more information, call Anderson Strathern on 0131 253 2732 or visit www.espc.com/kinnerroad
Or you might like...
33 The Village, Archerfield, Dirleton, North Berwick EH39 5HT Outstanding Georgian style villa with four car garage and gardens extending to 1.15 acres, enviably located within an exclusive gated development and resort between Gullane and North Berwick. In the region of £1,100,000 Visit www.espc.com/33archerfield or call MacMac on 0131 253 2909
espc.com/premierliving 13
Premier ARCHITECTURE
Updating period homes for modern living can be fraught. Premier Living talks to the experts
magıc Renovation
E
dinburgh boasts a truly exceptional breadth of period properties, from early Georgian to late Victorian and everything in between. While owning such a property is a genuine joy, it can also bring a weighty sense of responsibility; a feeling which is reinforced by the litany of planning and conservation rules which apply to many areas of the city. There is undeniably a conflict between the need to preserve the fabric and character of these properties – which are, after all, part of Edinburgh’s collective heritage – and owners’ legitimate desire to create a home for the 21st century. Bridging this gap are renovation experts such as Tremmel Properties, based on India Street in the New Town. For architect Ron Tremmel and interior designer Katrina Tremmel, the key to marrying old and new is always in the detail. “Architecture and interior design follow certain sets of rules,” says Ron. “You can exercise a lot of creativity within those rules, but if you don’t understand them properly, you’re in trouble. “The answer is often in the smallest architectural details. For example, if you’re renovating a late Victorian building, don’t use square corner mouldings, which create a sharp contrast between surfaces. Even if you’re putting in a modern kitchen, for example, breaking that seemingly insignificant rule of Victorian architecture will jar. Instead, you use rounded mouldings to bend the light around and create a soft transition.” Inevitably though, renovation is not just about decoration. Changes are often needed to the fabric of the property, which really is where an architect’s expertise comes to the fore. “One of the most common problems with 14 espc.com/premierliving
period properties is lack of light. There are various things you can do about that, including enlarging windows or taking out dividing walls. “A lot of structural alterations will need planning consent and it’s a case of working with planners and making your case. Being able to show that you understand the requirements and are sensitive to the broader architectural character of the building and area is vital.” In many ways, the job of renovation experts such as the Tremmels is a thankless one. Executed properly, the updating of period homes for modern living should be seamless; the ingenious engineering and delicate balances hidden and discrete. Katrina, who handles the interior design side of the firm’s projects, says: “The highest praise we can receive is when our work isn’t even noticed, but reflects the taste and personal vision of the client. If they can say to guests ‘Ron and Katrina helped out, but it was our project’, we’re happy.”
ESPC: No. 1 for property in East Central Scotland
Premier ARCHITECTURE
A new heritage Edinburgh’s iconic architecture plays an incalculable role in shaping the city’s character and its enduring appeal. Premier Living caught up with three of today’s leading Edinburgh architects to discuss their inspiration and what makes their city so special
Newhaven house extension and alteration
Hart Street
Richard Murphy One of the intriguing aspects of architecture is that there are so many strands of thought which go towards making a building. I put particular emphasis on context, reading the nature of a place – without of course falling into the abyss of mimicking its history – but I’m also an architect who believes passionately in getting the plan right; in other words understanding what we call the social agenda of a building. The architect, Cedric Price, summed that up by saying: “The reason for architecture is to encourage people to behave 16 espc.com/premierliving
both physically and mentally in ways they had previously thought impossible.” Of course one is always interested in both historic and contemporary architects. Working in Edinburgh is both a privilege and a problem. It’s a wonderful place, a city that is legible and convivial with its two contrasting cities in the very centre. I have made a variety of contributions from little back garden subversive extensions where we enjoy making an architecture of contrasts to larger housing projects in both old and new towns which all have a very intense understanding of the place in which they are. But Edinburgh is a problem because people here can be so antagonistic to anything contemporary. I keep saying my mission here is to give the future of Edinburgh some history from today, but it’s not a message that always goes down very well!
William Tunnell Our principal occupation, wherever we’re working will always be the place. You’re never working in a vacuum. Our architecture is responsive, so when you’re working somewhere like Edinburgh you would obviously approach the old town in a very different way to the new town. We’ve been lucky enough to do a lot of work in Edinburgh over the years, on a lot of different scales. So you learn about a place and Edinburgh is such an interesting and varied city. There are some areas which give you very clear signals – the formality of the New Town for instance – and there’s a lovely interest to the old town. Somewhere like Glasgow probably gives you more scope to do lots of different things architecturally and still fit in. It’s more of a challenge to work
in Edinburgh, but challenges are good! In Edinburgh, you’re contributing to a built environment that is highly valued and highly regarded, both by people who live here and the people who come to visit. That’s quite a responsibility! It’s always very hard to summarise what you do, but ultimately I think the most important component in any building is not the bricks and mortar – it’s the people and the space they occupy. We don’t live inside walls, or in roofing, but in the spaces between those things. So our starting point is always space and, once you’ve got that figured out, your tools for bringing that to reality are bricks and mortar. In that sense, we don’t make buildings, we make spaces.
Circus Lane
ESPC: No. 1 for property in East Central Scotland
Premier ARCHITECTURE
David Blaikie All of our projects are shaped by the path of the sun. We understand that the warm tones of south light make a living environment happy and restful. This is especially important in Scotland and we have developed concepts and techniques to capture sunlight to animate new living spaces. I draw inspiration from the 20th century heroes of Scandinavian Modernism – Alvar Aalto, Sverre Fehn, Wenche Selmer and Erik Gunner Asplund – the simplicity and honesty in their
use of form, materials and construction and their fearless use of colour informs much of our work. The crowning glory of Edinburgh is its Georgian architecture. For me, there is no better experience than wandering through the New Town and enjoying the harmony of the composition and proportioning of the buildings and spaces between. We can learn so much from this. Our work is overlain by classical proportioning, which provides a sense of harmony and peace in architecture. The ancient civilisations understood this – why argue? Our approach is people centred. Homes should be comfortable, happy, light filled places for people to live and children to grow up in. We design animated spaces that respond to the different times of the day and the changing seasons.
Hermitage Gardens
Our work is contemporary and responds to the pressures that we as individuals and Scotland as a nation are under today. We design using new materials and constructions that are environmentally sustainable and safe for the occupant and the wider environment to create bright, warm, low carbon architecture with low energy costs.
Home maker If you are thinking about building your own home or making changes to your existing property, ESPC offers free consultation sessions with local architects in our Edinburgh showroom. Visit espc.com/ asktheexperts for more details.
espc.com/premierliving 17
Premier KITCHENS
Classic, modern…
Timeless You’ll always find your guests in kitchens at parties when the designs are this good
Classical elegance
Contemporary chic
Combining contrasting shades of contemporary grey to help define zoned areas, the Linear kitchen from Harvey Jones Kitchens creates a striking modern design statement. Innovative touches include a built-in sink, oven and hob in bright white and cabinets with concealed hinges for a simple and clean look. A rich and ultra thick Wenge wood breakfast bar counter balances with the neutral tones of the painted kitchen. Offsetting the linear lines of the cabinets, the breakfast bar adds an interesting structural shape, while the textured grain brings depth and warmth. (Harvey Jones Edinburgh: 0800 389 7365, www.harveyjones.com)
{Interiors expert}
John Lewis PRESENTS NEW JAPAN, A STANDOUT COLLECTION BLENDING JAPANESE AND SCANDINAVIAN DESIGN – by Toby Durant, Home Design Advisor New Japan is the key contemporary trend at John Lewis for the coming season. The look is a fusion of Scandinavian and Japanese style, so expect to see lots of wooden pieces with clean and simple silhouettes. All of the items in the New Japan trend look stylish from every angle, thanks to the incredible detail and lightness of frames.
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Coming from renowned kitchen designer Clive Christian, this ‘Architectural’ kitchen in ivory, blends architectural details with wall panelling to create a bold but elegant statement. The flow of space between the lounge and the kitchen through the archway fulfils the desire for contemporary social spaces, while showcasing classic styles and craftsmanship. All furniture is hand-made to individual specification in the UK, creating a unique design for your home. (Clive Christian: 0141 332 8989, clive.com Showroom at 97-99 Great Western Road, Glasgow G4 9AH)
Otsu sofa, £1400, Akemi coffee table £199, and side table, £125, Ikat Spot cushion, £25, Soapstone Owl, £10
They’re real stand out pieces. We are encouraging customers to declutter their rooms when they choose this style of furniture for their home. This is the sort of furniture that has most impact when it’s given a bit of breathing space. As for colour, the New Japan trend looks strongest against a white background. Steely grey and indigo blue are excellent accent colours, helping to define a space. Accessories from this trend have lots of pretty details. You’ll see that ceramics are making a come back and the ceramics from this trend have beautiful, matte, biscuit finishes.
ESPC: No. 1 for property in East Central Scotland
Premier COLLECTION
Silver is enjoying a revival, particularly custom-made tableware, which is increasingly being seen as a sound investment as well as something unique and beautiful that can be passed on to future generations
illuminating paris
Ilfari represents Dutch design at its absolute best. Original, innovative and jaw-droppingly beautiful lighting collections handmade in crystal and glass will add that sparkle to your home. ‘Night in Paris’ was inspired by an aerial view of the city’s sparkling lights at night, interpreted in a sweeping 135cm wide arc of spun glass lined with silvery chrome. Available from Ottimo Lighting, prices start at £1,629 (0131 226 4750/www.ottimolighting.com)
GETTING FRUITY
Fruit bowl in Britannia silver from the Dunblane workshop of Graham Stewart, who makes high-profile presentation work as well as domestic scale family silver to be enjoyed for generations. Made to order, price on application as the cost of a silver commission is based on materials and workshop time (01786 825244/ www.grahamstewartsilversmith.co.uk)
Silver chic SUCK IT AND SEE Shiny and sleekly curvaceous, this object’s function is not immediately obvious but turns out to be a hand-held vacuum cleaner – with all the design hallmarks of Alessi, which gives it form as well as function and puts it in a different league from the more mundane version. Made in stainless steel and white resin, it comes with a charger, integrated crevice tool and wet nozzle. From Designshop UK in Edinburgh, £88 (0131 667 7078/www.designshopuk.com)
really cutting it
LET THERE BE LIGHT
Arborescence four-light candelabra handcrafted in the Haute Orfevrerie workshops of Christofle. Tall, elegant and understated, its silver-plated branches swivel, enabling them to be positioned as required and folded flat when not in use. Available from the luxury website Gift Vault, £1,740 (020 7491 7961/www.giftvault.com) 20 espc.com/premierliving
Sterling silver hollow-handled Georgian cutlery. An Aurthur Price design that is beautifully balanced and weighted, its rounded end capped with a neat finial while the symmetrical indentations reflect the 18th and early 19th centuries. Seven-piece set, £1,065; 44-piece set (six-place settings), £6,750 from Jenners of Edinburgh (0131 225 2442/www.houseoffraser.co.uk)
ESPC: No. 1 for property in East Central Scotland
Premier LIVING
Robert Outram, editor of accountancy and finance bible The CA, looks at the latest advice on alternative investments
Weak returns? Bag some SWAG D
ubbed ‘SWAG’ by investment experts, silver, wine, art and gold continue to represent an attractive class of investment for those looking beyond conventional products. SWAG investment items are all valued for their scarcity and, unlike cash, cannot be devalued by a sudden increase in supply (as happens when banks decide to print more currency). This has meant that with a lack of confidence in stock markets and currency, especially during the current recession, there has been an increased
interest in fine art and other SWAG items. Luckily, there are still people with the capital to purchase such treasures. Datamonitor estimates that while those with £30,000 or more in liquid assets represent only 7.3% of the world’s population, their ranks are growing, particularly in Brazil, India and China.
FINE ART
Leading auction house Christie’s recently announced record art sales of £2.2 billion pounds for the first half of 2012, a rise of 13 percent over the same period of 2011 and further
evidence of the strength of the high end of the art market. In May of this year, US fund manager Leon Black bought Edvard Munch’s “The Scream” for £77 million – a record for any artist’s work at auction. The European Fine Art Foundation estimates the art market was worth €46.1bn in 2011, up 63 percent from 2009 when it slumped during the financial crisis. However, investors should be aware that the art market, like any other, has ups and downs. The recent boom has been partly fuelled by wealthy investors from China, and
although that economy is still growing, it has slowed significantly in recent months. Also, the spectacular growth that the art market has seen recently has been at the very top end of the range. Experts say that works by middle to lower priced artists have not fared so well.
FINE WINES
If you really think you know your wine and have a substantial sum to invest in a risky but potentially lucrative sector then fine wine could be worth a punt. The quality of wine is affected by factors like
{finance advice} Victoria White of Adam and Company outlines the benefits of working with a professional wealth manager Adam has been providing a complete private banking service, combining traditional values with a broad range of wealth management services since its foundation in Edinburgh. A genuinely Scottish private bank, clients will typically have a minimum requirement of £500,000 for lending and investment. However, we
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recognise that clients will come to us at differing stages of their wealth journey. In today’s world of automated and rather impersonal banking, we take our client relationship very seriously. The first step in this is to match our people to our clients. They receive a personal service, where a bespoke solution has been developed for them. These
solutions are designed to protect and enhance the clients’ wealth. Our clients are busy and successful people, many of whom have shaped and guided the society we live in today. They are typically entrepreneurs, family business owners and executives but we also serve a number of clients from the
arts, science and literature. They also tell us that they appreciate the opportunity to meet and share experiences with similar successful people in order to enrich their knowledge and personal communications and so we host a number of events and forums throughout the year to facilitate this.
ESPC: No. 1 for property in East Central Scotland
Premier LIVING climate year on year, so even long-established producers cannot entirely control either the quality or output of their vineyards. This means a vintage perceived as top quality can increase in value as stocks run out. As it stands, the fine wine investment market is now valued at approximately $4bn (£2.6bn) worldwide. Ironically, wine is anything but a “liquid asset”. That is, it is a lot harder to trade than equities and bonds. London’s “Liv-ex” market, however, publishes five indices that provide a good guide to what’s happening in the world of fine wine. The wine traded by the case on Liv-ex is all investmentgrade and mostly from classic French producers. Advisers suggest that an individual building up a wine portfolio should be prepared to commit a six-figure sum. Alternatively, you could go through one of the collective funds set up to invest in wine, such as the Wine Investment Fund, the Vintage Wine Fund and the Wine Growth Funds.
FORESTRY
Shares, fine art and fine wines can see their value go up and down, but trees tend to grow in one direction only – up! Investment in forestry in the 1980s gained a reputation as something of a tax loophole, one which a number of wealthy celebrities took advantage of. It was also widely condemned by environmentalists for encouraging planting in inappropriate ecosystems such as in the case of Scotland’s Flow Country.
We are able to draw on a wide range of expertise, resources and experience to educate and empower clients beyond the routine aspects of wealth management, particularly in the areas of philanthropy, family business and next generation. We know our clients value our
Nowadays, however, planning is far more considerate to the environment and the tax breaks available to forestry are entirely intentional. Income from the commercial occupation of woodlands is free from income tax and national insurance; a consideration from the sale of trees and standing timber – but not the underlying land itself – is exempt from capital gains tax. Provided woodlands are held for a minimum period of two years, 100 per cent business property relief will be available for inheritance tax purposes. Helen Mackenzie, a tax partner with Edinburgh-based accountants Chiene & Tait, says forestry has long been recognised as an attractive long-term investment, and a straightforward, tax-efficient method of passing wealth to the next generation. She adds: “The tax favoured status of forestry businesses presents a strong, sustainable and valuable investment opportunity, although this must be viewed in the longer term. “Forestry can be used as part of an individual’s overall inheritance tax planning strategy and the forestry syndicates mean that this is not just an opportunity for the very wealthy”. With the right advice, investment in alternative assets can work out well. Perhaps the golden rule is to make sure you are investing in something you love and value personally. That way, there is a benefit and a personal interest for the investor, beyond the bottom line.
anne everest on the benefits of independent schooling
School for life St George’s School, like many independent schools, is an all-through school: we educate children as young as two, and we see confident young women leave our sixth form each year, ready to take their place in the world. What happens between these two ends of the age spectrum is the interesting bit. You would expect us to do our very best to ensure the highest standards of learning and teaching in every part of the school – and we certainly do try very hard to achieve this aim. However, we want to do more than offer an excellent education in discrete areas: our intention is that we should be seen as one school managing transition from each stage to the next in a smooth and coherent way so that each girl is always building on previous learning in a dynamic context. We want every girl to enjoy her learning. Research has shown that girls learn best when they are at ease and happy in their surroundings; they need to feel valued for themselves and they deserve to have a variety of exciting extra-curricular and classroom experiences. We believe that our Nursery and Junior School provide many opportunities to encourage our girls to develop into young women who are considerate of others, open to new ideas and with the ability to judge what is right. As
the oldest girls in Junior School, our Primary 5 girls willingly take on leadership roles, and then they are ready to move into Lower School. Lower School is a vibrant and energetic place – the middle part of the school – where the transition from primary to secondary education is managed seamlessly. From Primary 6 onwards, our Lower School girls demonstrate their talents, not only in academic work but, just as importantly, in music, drama, dance, sport and a whole host of other activities. Moving to Upper School at the end of Lower 4 (S1) is not a daunting process because the girls already know many of their teachers and they are familiar with teaching spaces like the art studio and sports hall. We are not complacent. We are enthusiastic about building on our success, and that is why progression and coherence in our learning and teaching are at the heart of our development plans. We are privileged to work in an all-through school: it is wonderful to see the whole process of children developing into adults of whom we can be proud. Anne Everest is Head of St. George’s School for Girls
guidance, support and experience in these areas. For further details please contact: Victoria White, Associate Director on 07769 931 531, email Victoria.white@adambank.com or visit www.adambank.com.
Do you have a question about independent education?
If so, e-mail Anne at enquiries@st-georges.edin.sch.uk.
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Premier property
This striking Eskbank villa combines family living with pitch-perfect decor
Elegance in action espc.com/premierliving 25
Premier PROPERTY
Main reception room
This impressive room is well-proportioned, with high ceilings and a large bay window, and is immaculately decorated with a chandelier, sumptuous wall coverings and intricate plaster coving. A tall bay window looks south, while a smaller window faces east, ensuring the room is bathed in natural light from dawn to dusk. The original working fireplace with its marble surround provides a weighty focal point, but fits perfectly in this space.
A
very tastefully renovated late Victorian, six bedroom property, Stonefield House is distinctive from the moment its large electric gates swing invitingly open. The stone front façade is very much as you would expect of a house of this period on the edge of central Edinburgh; well-proportioned windows promising high ceilings, generous dormers in the roof and an impressive portico framing a wide front door. What makes this property unusual is that this imposing front aspect faces away from the road, looking instead onto a large and carefully sculpted rear garden. This orients the reception rooms and master bedroom toward the south, giving them an unbroken view and abundant sunlight. As an interesting historical note, it is believed that Park Road was built by the local mining company, with senior managers in the south side properties and their middlemanagement underlings lodged on the north side of the road. Next to the main property, a large former 26 espc.com/premierliving
coach house has been transformed into a two-storey outbuilding, with a garage and workshop on the ground floor and a general purpose upper storey. The high-walled garden itself features a well-kept lawn and several impressive mature trees, as well as a raised landscaped section and young but attractive borders. Moving into the house, the hallway sets the decorative tone perfectly. From the classic Victorian tiling in the vestibule, to the exquisite ‘arts & crafts’ marquetry bordering the floor, this property has clearly seen some serious craftsmanship. Across from the main reception room (see image above), a large kitchen and dining room runs from the front to the rear of the house. The decision to open what would once have been two rooms into a single space was a successful one. The combined space is large enough to create a great social room, without diners feeling they are at risk of burning their elbows. Far from it, in fact; the dining room feels quite distinct from the kitchen and the room’s Victorian proportions mean it copes easily with the layout. Off the kitchen (and hidden from any diners) is a generous and useful utility room.
As well as the usual amenities, this room contains plenty of extra worktop space and a capacious Belfast sink to handle the inevitable dinner party fallout. Anyone considering a large combined kitchen and dining room take note – this is how it’s done. The final room on the ground floor is a bright corner study, tucked away from the main traffic of the hall, without being isolated. Moving up the switchback staircase – past more fabulous stained glass – to the first floor, we reach the four bedrooms. Even next to the elegance of the master bedroom (see facing page, top) the adjacent second bedroom is no slouch. Wooden floors, powder blues and antique white woodwork typify this property’s painstaking decorative style; luxurious but light, traditional but with a distinctly modern feel and in perfect harmony with the building itself. The third and fourth double bedrooms, served by a large family bathroom and separate WC, both face north off the first floor landing. Both have ample built-in storage and are currently joined by a connecting door. ESPC: No. 1 for property in East Central Scotland
Premier property Master suite The master bedroom enjoys a wonderful view over the garden, from tall windows set into a deep bay. Everything about this room is light, spacious and calm. Many original features remain and have been kept in excellent condition, including a fireplace, Victorian cornicing and an elaborate ceiling rose. Leading off the bedroom is an en-suite shower room with a large, luxurious shower unit and WC. Pass through another door and you are in a dressing room the size of a double bedroom. With tasteful built-in storage, and another large double window, this room has the feel of a calm, adult sanctum at the heart of the house.
Or you might like...
The main hall, with beautiful arts and crafts marquetry
Trinity Park, Edinburgh The Georgian Villas at CALA Homes’ Trinity Park boast between 2,198 and 2,342 sq ft of luxurious living space, with prices starting from £699,000. And for a limited time only, the home of the month at Trinity Park is available with part exchange and stamp duty paid. Visit www.trinity-park.co.uk or one of the showhomes, open daily
Ascending the stair again, we reach the second floor – a wonderfully flexible space that either provides two further bedrooms or (as is currently the case) a kind of semi self-contained living area for house guests or a teenager in need of space. Past the well-fitted-out bathroom and ample store cupboard, the larger of the two bedrooms features a bright, wide south-facing dormer window, between useful built-in storage units. The second bedroom, currently used as a study/den, also boasts a dormer window and its own door onto the landing. Well-situated, near good schools and amenities, and with fast transport links into the city centre, this feels very much like a vibrant family home which is nonetheless uncompromisingly elegant and luxurious. The décor is traditional yet restrained and, matching the excellent state of the building itself, simply exudes quality.
{More information} Stonefield House, 22 Park Road, Eskbank, EH22 3DH. Offers around £995,000. For more information, call Sturrock, Armstrong & Thomson on 0131 253 2726. Visit www.espc.com/stonefield
Big plans
The property has planning permission, complete with fully specified architects drawings, for an attractive Victorianstyle orangery on its eastern wall, as well as for an extension to the coach house, which would effectively double its length. espc.com/premierliving 27
Premier STYLE
The floor show Flooring is arguably the single most important sensory element in any room or home. It can make or break the look of a room. Whether your style is modern or traditional, here are a few suggestions
Step into something different
For something durable, modern and original, why not talk to a commercial flooring supplier, many of whom will happily take on smaller domestic contracts? For example, modern concrete resin flooring allows you to embrace bold colour with a striking, hard-wearing gloss finish. (www.georgemillikenwallfinishes.com, 0791 307 5853)
Get tac-tile
With the increasing popularity of technologies such as under floor heating, tiles are encroaching into areas of the home where carpets or rugs would previously have been necessary. This is great news for imaginative homeowners, who can transform the look and feel of any room with a gorgeous natural product. With a dizzying range of high quality stone and ceramic tiles on the market, talk to an expert supplier about the characteristics you are looking for – some options will work more Buyers and se efficiently expert advice llers can get on with from interior toeverything le E heating SPC’s George gals in Str than others. showroom eet
Knowledge b ase
Good wood, understood
Beautiful wooden floors are a staple of the classic Edinburgh home but time and damage can leave homeowners with something they’d really rather cover up. While there is a lot to be said for starting afresh with a new wooden floor of your choosing, old wood often has a special character and warmth, and there are several specialist companies in the city who can work miracles restoring your battered boards to their former glory. (www.stockbridgeflooring.com/home) 28 espc.com/premierliving
{more information} See Premier Property on page 27 for a beautiful example of lost-and-found Arts & Crafts marquetry.
ESPC: No. 1 for property in East Central Scotland
Premier BATHROOMS
Bathroom bliss Mira Montpellier shower with 12" deluge head
The ultimate in power showers, the Mira Montpellier shower with 12” deluge head delivers a full drenching flow that will wash all your troubles away and leave you truly relaxed. You can even divert between the overhead and hand held shower or have both heads on at once – if you want to feel like you’re having a massage in the shower. (Available online from Mira Showers with prices from £1995.60, visit: www. mirashowers.co.uk)
Transform your bathroom into a haven of pure indulgence with one of these amazing shower systems EauZone Original
The EauZone’s design fuses exceptional construction quality with clean minimalism. A bold slab floor, sleek glass walls and a sophisticated, stylish shower column combine into a single integrated module. The open feel of a wet room is maintained by the generously proportioned base and crystal-clear, seamlessly jointed walls. (Visit www.matki.co.uk/ stockists to find out more)
Rainsky Shower Feel like you are stepping into the Amazon Rainforest during Monsoon season each morning with this state-of-the-art Rainsky shower. The water is gently and evenly dispersed from a showerhead which completely fills the unit’s ceiling. The finely adjusted design produces raindrops perfectly in tune with nature, turning the shower into a sensory experience. (The RainSky is available from Edinburgh’s Boscolo Bathroom Co. www.boscolobathrooms.com / 0131 662 8222)
Remote Digital Shower
Experience the latest in tailored showering with the Remote Digital Shower. The easy to use system offers the ultimate personalised showering experience, as you are able to choose your preferred temperature and flow settings. You are also able to activate the shower with the remote control! (Available online from Hudson Reed for £784, visit www.hudsonreed.co.uk) 30 espc.com/premierliving
ESPC: No. 1 for property in East Central Scotland
Premier LIVING
Put the wind in your sails…
Scotland’s beautiful east coast offers a fantastic playground for sailors. TIM POWER casts off on an aquatic adventure
photography Edinburgh Boat Charters
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S
cotland is renowned as one of the great sailing regions in the world, and while the west coast of the country gets a lot of attention, the east coast also provides plenty of great sailing for both experienced ‘old salts’ and people new to the activity. The east coast gives sailors a great variety of sailing conditions. As well as exploring the protected area in the Firth of Forth, they can test their skills on the exposed waters of the North Sea, or navigate the tidal marinas and working harbours that dot the coast, from Berwick-upon-Tweed in the south to Peterhead in the north. With its spectacular backdrops for either leisurely cruising or national championship races, the Edinburgh area is the centre of sailing activity in the region. A number of sailing clubs offer mooring and Royal Yachting Association courses to enhance sailing and powerboat skills. Commodore Terry Kirchin from Port Edgar Sailing Club, near South Queensferry, has been sailing the west coast of Scotland for years, but says the convenience and sheltered waters of the Firth of Forth are hard to beat. He says: “The Forth is a big asset for sailors on the east coast: it’s so convenient to get to compared to the west coast and, as it’s relatively sheltered, you can sail all
year round – and enjoy great scenery too.” Port Edgar is the main marina on this stretch of coast, from where you can cruise the Firth of Forth to destinations such as the marina at Anstruther on the Fife coast, or further east around Bass Rock, off North Berwick – or even further north around the coast to enjoy the unspoilt beauty around the Moray Firth, Caithness, Orkney and the Shetland Islands. And Port Edgar also has a potentially exciting future as the owner, the City of Edinburgh Council, has put the facility out for tender to private developers to operate the marina and related facilities. Other sailing clubs around Edinburgh include the Royal Forth Yacht Club, which enjoys the dramatic backdrop of Edinburgh Castle, and the Forth Corinthian Yacht Club – both clubs jointly running the berths within the East Harbour at Granton. Further east is the popular Portobello Sailing & Kayaking Club, and the East Lothian Yacht Club (ELYC) – an important venue for the national dinghy championships, which is based in the picturesque town of North Berwick, where yachts share berths with working fishing boats and tourist craft in the stone harbour. Linda Sheridan, ELYC Rear Commodore, is a keen dinghy sailor and says: “Sailing is a wonderful de-stresser! You empty your head of anything but the wind, tide, waves and ESPC: No. 1 for property in East Central Scotland
Premier LIVING ALL I ASK IS FOR A BOAT AND A STAR TO SAIL BY I did some sailing in my youth, but am worried I’m no longer fit enough. All the more reason to take up the tiller again! Sailing is a great way to get some exercise, is great for core strength, and can be as gentle or strenuous as you like.
Isn’t it terribly expensive? It can require some investment if you get serious, but with adult beginners’ courses from around £80 for a full weekend’s sailing, you can give it a go without any major financial commitment. Is it dangerous? Water should always be treated with respect, but the Firth of Forth is a perfect place to learn.
the tactics of racing around a course. Though it’s pretty competitive during racing, it’s also a very sociable activity.” The social side of sailing is a big attraction for many and, in addition to regular events, most clubs also host their own regattas. One of the largest events in the Forth is the Anstruther Muster in Fife, which attracts about 100 cruise yachts in August. The East Coast Sailing Week is another popular yachting event in July, rotating among sailing clubs in Edinburgh, Dundee and north-east England. One experienced sailor who has turned his passion into a business is Colin
Sailing clubs and organised courses are also scrupulous about sailors’ safety, so the inevitable capsize will only hurt your pride. Aren’t there easier ways to get around? Undoubtedly, but none with such spectacular views of the east coast. Unless, of course, you fancy taking up paragliding…
Henderson, who runs Edinburgh Boat Charters, taking out corporate and private charters on his 42ft yacht, Inspired Capital. Colin says: “I’d say the Forth Estuary offers scenery and history to match anywhere on the west. People are always awed when we sail under the magnificent Forth Rail Bridge and come out into the wider waters of the Firth of Forth. “We are surrounded by beautiful scenery, and people particularly like it when I give them the wheel as we pass islands like Inchcolm and Inchkeith, which feature an ancient abbey and buildings from both wars, as well as large seal and sea bird colonies.”
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Premier LIVING
JONATHAN TREW hits some of the city’s best cocktail bars and meets the virtuouso mixologists serving up champion blends
The Balmoral Bar
Cocktails for two If
there was once a time when adding lime to lager was considered the height of sophistication in Edinburgh’s drinking establishments, those days are long gone. From barrel-aged drinks at Bramble to The Balmoral’s five course cocktail tasting menus via vacuum packed martinis at The Raconteur, the Edinburgh cocktail scene is on the cutting edge. Mike Aikman is the co-owner of Bramble on Queen Street and the more recently opened Last Word Saloon in Stockbridge. His cocktails have featured on drinks magazine covers around the world and his bar keeps are no strangers to the winners’ enclosure at mixology competitions. “In terms of cocktails, Edinburgh is up there with London” he says. “It’s down to a combination of factors, but the size of the city is important; Edinburgh is small enough to have a close knit bar community. There is a healthy competition between us, but also a lot of support and that means a lot of mixing of ideas.” A recurring theme among the city’s top cocktail gurus is the swapping of ideas between the bar and the kitchen. Ensuring quality control by making ingredients from scratch is an aim shared by both. Edinburgh’s Michelin star chefs would not be seen dead taking a short cut and tipping a tin of Heinz soup into a sauce. The capital’s best cocktail shakers are just as particular. A popular drink at the Last Word Saloon is the Who Dares Wins, a gin-based drink flavoured with orgeat, an almond flavoured syrup. “I make the orgeat myself,” says Aikman. “Taste it next to a commercially available orgeat and they are light years apart. That comes across in the finished drink.” 34 espc.com/premierliving
The link between high-end cooking and cocktails is perhaps most implicit at the Balmoral Bar, which runs a five course cocktail tasting menu. It changes with the seasons to reflect local produce at its best and it is structured like a restaurant tasting menu with amuse bouche, palate cleansers and dessert cocktails. “Cocktails are drinks equivalent of fine dining,” reckons Rebecca Murphy, bar manager at The Balmoral. “Our five course cocktail tasting menu is completely inspired by degustation dining. Just as Michelin-starred Chef Bland has the signature dishes on his seasonal tasting menu, we do the same in the bar with our cocktails. We make the best drinks that we can with the produce available at that time.” Jamie MacDonald runs The Raconteur cocktail bar. Previously in Stockbridge, it is currently operating as a pop-up above Restaurant Mark Greenaway. The 2011 UK winner of the Diageo World Class cocktail competition, MacDonald has been using sous vide cooking methods to make cocktails flavoured with local, seasonal soft fruit. “We put vacuum-packed raspberries and vodka in sous vide bags and then slowly cook them overnight at a low temperature. We then filter it using a couple of different methods. It produces this really complex fruit martini which was interestingly dry. “A lot of these processes don’t happen unless it’s in Michelin star restaurants. It’s a blend of science and cooking. Not all of us were the greatest at science subjects in school, but we do know a lot about distillation and flavour compounds. Whether you are using modern gadgetry or more traditional bar tending skills, the aim is the same: to concentrate flavour.” ESPC: No. 1 for property in East Central Scotland
Premier LIVING
Out of the
ordinary It’s undeniably gratifying to stay in a luxurious, traditional hotel, but, once in a while, it can be refreshing to step outside your comfort zone into more unusual accommodation. From a treehouse to a train carriage, we look at some unexpected escapes across Scotland
Trees company
If you ever had childhood ambitions of living in a tree house, then Appin should be your next destination. In the grounds of Kinlochlaich House is The Tree House – an octagonal eco building constructed around a solid oak tree up in the branches. Naturally, the self-catering cottage, which is nestled in an orchard, is made from Scottish oak. Also, it has a light and airy interior and views of a bubbling woodland burn. It boasts one double bedroom as well as a deck overlooking a private garden, a wood-burning stove and electric heating. This is your chance to live the high life – the way the birds do, but with a considerable amount of extra comforts. (www.treehousescotland.co.uk)
Neolithic living in the 21st century
From the outside, the two Blue Reef cottages on the Isle of Harris would seem reasonably familiar to our stone-aged brethren were they transported forward several thousand years. From the inside, the facilities are likely to blow their minds. Present-day holidaymakers may be a little more muted in their surprise, but they are still likely to puff out their cheeks in approval with all the comforts of the 21st century. These include a Jacuzzi bath and sauna, as well as beach views from long, curved windows. (www.stay-hebrides.com)
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ESPC: No. 1 for property in East Central Scotland
just cruising They say it’s better to travel than to arrive. That may just be the case when you stay on board a Majestic Line vessel. Three or six-night cruises give passengers a chance to drink in the views of Argyll and the Inner Hebrides from a water-based vantage point, all from the two converted wooden fishing trawlers in the fleet. On each mini-cruiser, up to 11 guests in six en-suite cabins can be accommodated. If the organised cruises setting sail from the Holy Loch near Dunoon or from Oban don’t tickle your fancy, then you could always charter one of the boats with your friends and family and set your own route. (www.themajesticline.co.uk)
Next stop…luxury
The railway for some may represent an overcrowded commute, while for others it’s the height of romantic travel. But guests at the vintage train carriage at the Old Station Guest House near St Andrews don’t have to worry about compromising on comfort to experience some of the charm of the railway. The static carriage has been converted into two luxurious suites, which are just the ticket if you’re looking for a country getaway with a difference. There are two acres of garden to enjoy, complete with golfing green. (www.theoldstation.co.uk) espc.com/premierliving 37
Premier STYLE
{HIGH CONCEPT LIVING}
decorative trends still lean toward retro styling, with neutral shades providing a base for bolder colours, textures and fabrics – by LISA DAVIES Leading Danish furniture retailer BoConcept is renowned worldwide for its wide range of beautiful accessories and stylish contemporary modular furniture, which can be customised to fit individual needs. Lisa Davis, manager of BoConcept, Sauchiehall Street, Glasgow (the only store in Scotland), gives us the inside track on exciting new interior trends... “Interior trends for 2012/2013 are focused around strong colour combinations and graphic patterns as well as industrial and old school retro
design. ‘Mad Men’-inspired interiors are still very of the moment with strong retro nods of shape and colour – bottle green, caramel, Ferrari red, jade and petrol blue to name a few – which, when combined with the use of lots of personal items and objects, gives a stylish, chic and ‘grown up’ look and feel. “At BoConcept we’ll be advising our customers and styling our roomsets with neutral backdrops of white, black, grey and retro blue base colours to provide a canvas for a whole
host of colours, textures and fabrics. Creating interiors that are stylish and refined with old school luxury and a focus on comfort, harmony, and serenity (but with cheeky nods of the unexpected!) are key for 2012/2013.” (BoConcept, Sauchiehall Street, Glasgow, call 0141 341 4920 or visit www.boconcept.co.uk)
Even the best wines need the right setting to reach their full potential. And to fully appreciate that perfect glass, you really must be prepared to indulge yourself. It’s what the vintner would want…
Time to unwind Perfectly cool
With its smart stainless steel finish, this dedicated wine cooler from John Lewis features a single temperature for 18 bottles of either red or white wine, a frost-free cooling system and an integral fan for perfectly even temperature distribution. Operation is quiet, only 42dB and UV protection in the door glass guards against exposure to direct sunlight, providing controlled conditions similar to those found in an underground wine cellar. (£319, www.johnlewis.com/ 0131 556 9121)
Knowledge b ase
ESPC is th No.1 for prop e er in Edinburgh ty
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BREATH OF FRESH AIR As wine breathes, it opens up, yielding its hidden aromas and flavours. Rather than going through the time consuming and inconvenient process of decanting wine to aerate it, the The Vinturi Essential Aerator uses a patented design to draw air gently into the wine, through subtle differences in pressure. Perfect aeration in the time it takes to pour a glass. (£39.95, www.vinturi.org.uk/0845 170 7555)
Presentation is everything This simple, elegant wine coaster from Hamilton & Inches is the perfect way to present your perfectly prepared wine. Hand made in silver with a hammer finish and solid oak base. (£920, Hamilton & Inches, www.hamiltonandinches.com / 0131 225 4898)
ESPC: No. 1 for property in East Central Scotland
Premier PROPERTY
A home with history A former stable and coach house in Barnton has been converted into a stunning contemporary home
S
et around a beautiful cobbled courtyard behind double wrought iron gates, Easter Park Lodge is a haven of peace and space in leafy Barnton. The basic structure of the old stable and coach house – once part of the large Easter Park House estate – are still clearly discernable in this sensitive and attractive renovation, offering the perfect blend of rustic and contemporary style. On entering the enclosed courtyard, the eye is immediately drawn to the wall of glass fronting a very large kitchen and dining space. With a heated tiled floor and elegant marble worktops, this bright, welcoming space will certainly appeal to those who see the kitchen as another public room. Not that there is anything here to disappoint the serious cook, boasting as it does a large double range, ample storage and a generous marble-topped island. From the kitchen, one door leads out to a utility room and WC with access to the garden, while another heads through to the living room. Lit by French windows and skylights, the living room and main dining area occupy a long, single space divided by a
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striking fireplace with its own free-standing chimney breast. Throw open the French windows and you step out into a quiet, attractive terraced garden. Moving into the arm of the property that would once have contained the stables lie two generous double bedrooms and one single with built-in storage; these face east to catch the morning sun spilling into the courtyard. A fourth master bedroom features a broad bay window with a view out onto the leafy space leading down to the road. The master bedroom has its own en-suite, while the remaining bedrooms are served by a large family bathroom. Across the courtyard is an entirely self-contained flat. With a kitchen and living space, bathroom and generous double bedroom, this charming addition to the property would make a perfect guest house or accommodation for young adults seeking a little independence.
Loft living
Perhaps the biggest surprise comes from the only second storey room in the property. Directly above the kitchen is a truly spectacular billiard room, complete with full-size table, drinks bar and en-suite cloakroom. Well lit by north and south facing windows, this formidable space is certain to inspire, even if billiards isn’t your cup of tea.
{more information}
Easter Park Lodge, Easter Park Drive, Barnton Avenue, Edinburgh EH4 6JR. Offers over £850,000 Marketed by Urquharts Property, tel: 0131 253 2328. Visit www.espc.com/easterparklodge ESPC: No. 1 for property in East Central Scotland
Premier STYLE
Modern solid fuel fireplaces are efficient, stylish and give the home a very special warmth. Julia Correia runs through some of the best options
hot What’s
Pharos Interior
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The ESPC App is availaiPhone ble the App Storefrom
From the achingly stylish Dutch fire maker Harrie Leenders, this is justifiably described as a “floating room sculpture”. Fixed to the ceiling with a special construction and made to measure for individual spaces, this spectacular fireplace is rotatable up to 360° (or 60° in either direction when placed in front of a wall. Bonk & Co, 2/2 Abbey Lane, Abbeyhill Ind. Estate, Edinburgh, www.bonkandco.co.uk
Limestone fireplace with stove multifuel burner
The Coniston fireplace is made with exquisite workmanship using 16" cut-out Portuguese limestone, partnered with a solid fuel burning stove much like the Charnwood Island 3. Its majestic proportions make it ideal for larger rooms or open-plan areas and it can take a log length of over half a metre. The fireplace starts from £895 with the stove coming in at £1,899. (www.the-fireplace.com/gas-andelectric-stoves-and-fireplaces)
Why use an interior designer? Jacqueline Fisken is design director of Ampersand Interiors at 73 Dublin Street, Edinburgh Contact: 0131 557 6634 and www.ampersand interiors.co.uk The ability to capture exactly what a client is after is a talent in itself. Pulling together the various elements of curtaining, upholstery, furniture and décor into a cohesive and inspiring scheme requires imagination and knowledge. A good designer will have succeeded if their input is not immediately obvious in the end result – a beautifully furnished room which uniquely reflects their client – but behind such a room are a hundred decisions. Interior design can also involve a far wider
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range of skills. From home entertainment installations and lighting design to reconfiguring space and kitchen and bathroom planning, an experienced interior designer can guide a client through the most complex of projects. The priority remains the same: to create a stunning environment, but now the decisions run into the thousands! He or she will maintain the overall aesthetic ambition of the project while providing such expertise, as well as a more prosaic but equally vital facility with budgets and schedules. Investing in the professional fees for such a valuable service is truly worthwhile – especially considering the possible expense of even one ill-judged decision or mistake. So how do you find such a designer? Well, a good place to start is the British Institute of Interior Design (www.biid.org.uk), which oversees
professionalism in the industry. I would also recommend that spending some time checking out designers’ websites, asking for personal recommendations and meeting the designer face to face. It costs nothing to talk – and it could be the first step towards your goal of a wonderful new home.
ESPC: No. 1 for property in East Central Scotland
Premier properties
FEATURE PROPERTIES
Capelaw View, 300 D Colinton Road, Edinburgh EH13 0LE Fixed price £615,000 £25,000 off the original price of £615,000 or a free garage Part of a small development of ten townhouses. The houses are created in a woodland setting, yet with all the amenities of Colinton Village on the doorstep. Geothermal heating along with high levels of insulation and underfloor heating ensure a comfortable home with significant running cost savings. Public rooms overlook Colinton Dell to the rear. There is an open outlook from the principle rooms giving a sense of space and privacy from within. Sliding folding doors open to a terrace from the living room to catch the late afternoon sun and evening sunsets. The contemporary kitchen/dining room is sufficiently large to have its own seating area. A further family room at the lowest level opens on the courtyard garden. Open viewing is on Sunday to Friday between 2pm and 4pm.
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Tel: 0131 253 2889 Agent: HBJ Gateley
7 Riverside Court, Livingston Village, Livingston EH54 7BY Offers around £499,000 Situated by the banks of the River Almond, this elegant family home enjoys a prime corner location in a historic village setting. Lovingly presented, the property enjoys many unique features; not least a formal balconied lounge with remote control sunscreen overlooking the front of the property and, to the rear, an open plan family room/kitchen diner leads to an extensive decking area perfect for family get-togethers. The commodius master bedroom boasts a luxurious en-suite with jacuzzi bath and walk-in shower area with drench shower. There are four additional double bedrooms along with a further shower room and separate bathroom. Externally, the gardens have been imaginatively landscaped with quiet seating areas here and there along with a side gate that leads to attractive walks down by the river. If you’re still searching for your dream home, you may just have found it.
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Tel: 01506 802410 Agent: Peterkin & Kidd 44 espc.com/premierliving
ESPC: No.1 for property in East Central Scotland
Premier properties
MILLION POUND ROW
5 East Castle Road, Edinburgh EH10 5AP Offers over £1,150,000 Rarely available eight-bedroom detached Victorian property with private gardens to front and rear situated in the sought after residential area of Merchiston. Ground Floor: Entrance vestibule, reception hall, bay windowed sitting room, dining room, breakfasting kitchen, scullery, large utility room, bathroom, two WCs, living room, one bedroom and excellent storage. First Floor: Bay windowed drawing room, large master bedroom with nursery off, second double bedroom with dressing room off, third double bedroom and bathroom. Second Floor: Four double bedrooms. The house requires extensive upgrading and modernisation yet represents a fine opportunity for those wishing to purchase a traditionally built detached property in a highly regarded area to form a home to their own taste and specification. Many fine original features have been retained including ornate cornicing, period fire places and a superb arched window overlooking the impressive staircase. The front garden has lawn areas, a paved pathway and established shrubs. The large walled rear garden includes mature borders for colour through the year.
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Tel: 0131 253 2981 Agent: Stuart & Stuart WS
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5 Bedroom Semi-Detached Newington
2 Greenhill Gardens, Edinburgh EH10 4BW Offers over £1,400,000
33 The Village, Archerfield, Dirleton, North Berwick EH39 5HT In the region of £1,100,000
Sunny, beautifully presented and generously proportioned traditional stone-built corner villa which offers flexible family accommodation of considerable character in a large walled garden adjacent to Bruntsfield Links. All original Victorian features have been retained. It has been meticulously maintained and freshly upgraded by its present owner (of 25 years).
Set in approximately 1.15 acres, a stunning Georgian style villa in the grounds of Archerfield mansionhouse/estate. The house offers the ultimate in modern style and convenience and extends to 731 square metres over three floors including the garage with accommodation above. Exclusive gated development between Gullane and North Berwick.
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Tel: 0131 253 2161 Agent: Archibald Campbell & Harley
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Tel: 0131 253 2909 Agent: MACMAC Residential
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7 Bedroom Semi-Detached Morningside
For the latest listings, visit www.espc.com espc.com/premierliving 45
Premier properties
37 Craigmillar Park, Edinburgh EH16 5PD Offers around £925,000
15 Laverockdale Park, Edinburgh EH13 0QE Fixed price £949,950
2 Napier Road, Merchiston, Edinburgh EH10 5BD Offers over £950,000
Unique and immaculately presented five-bedroom detached house set over three floors and featuring a one-bedroom self-contained flat. The property is located in a secluded cul-de-sac in the Colinton district, lying to the south of Edinburgh city centre with open views to the Pentland Hills.
A spacious detached Victorian house situated in the highly sought after area of Merchiston. The property is now in need of some modernisation and upgrading but offers excellent potential benefits include a studio, garage and driveway. x4
edinburgh
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Tel: 0131 253 2327 Agent: Lindsays
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Tel: 0131 253 2982 Agent: mov8 Real Estate
Abcorn Guest House, 4 Mayfield Gardens, Newington, Edinburgh EH9 2BU Offers over £925,000 Substantial, well presented Victorian detached villa situated in prime location, operating as a well established guest house with 3-star Scottish tourist board rating. Huge potential for change of use to a spacious family home or a home based business enterprise.
The subject of sale comprises a substantial B-listed stone-built traditional townhouse (c1860) commanding a fine position with enviable open views. Boasting a bright westerly aspect, this particularly impressive property offers elegant flexible accommodation over four floors, the lower ground floor providing the option of being a self contained apartment.
x 10 Tel: 0131 253 2726 Agent: Sturrock, Armstrong & Thomson
Tel: 0131 253 2767 Agent: TC Young
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Tel: 0131 253 2976 Agent: Pagan Osborne
19 Mayfield Gardens, Edinburgh EH9 2AX Offers around £870,000
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Muirhead House is a magnificent traditional stone-built Victorian villa in the highly desirable Newington area of Edinburgh. Internally the property has been completely renovated to an exceptional standard and is in immaculate condition offering a blend of modern sophisticated living within a traditional environment.
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10 Dundas Street, Edinburgh EH3 6HZ Fixed price £829,000 This exceptionally stylish and grand four-bedroom Georgian townhouse is situated in the heart of Edinburgh’s historic New Town and has off street parking and a sunny shared garden to the rear. The house offers a delightful combination of contemporary finishes together with fine period features.
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Tel: 0131 253 2171 Agent: Simpson & Marwick ESPC: No.1 for property in East Central Scotland
Premier properties
EAST LOTHIAN
33 Clifford Road, North Berwick EH39 4PP Offers over £870,000 Dating from the early 1900s, this private house was converted around 1970 into two flats and subsequently returned to a single house by the current owners. Tucked away in a private and peaceful location, yet easily accessible by foot to all local amenities, this is an impressive and substantial house with all the character and charm you would expect of a property of this era. x5
Belmore, East Links Road, Gullane, East Lothian EH31 2AF Offers over £750,000 Belmore is a stunning detached property built around the turn of the century and retaining period features including a mahogany staircase, original fire surrounds, oak doors and parquet flooring to the hallway, the spacious accommodation is well laid out and offers stunning views from the front over the golf course and beyond. x5
70 The Village, Archerfield, Dirleton, North Berwick EH39 5HT Offers over £775,000
Four Ways is a substantial stone-built semidetached villa of great character dating from around 1889 and extensively upgraded and refurbished by the existing owners to an extremely high standard.
A truly magnificent detached family home located within the prestigious village development of Archerfield in East Lothian. Situated in the estate grounds of the restored Archerfield House, formerly the property of the Earl of Wemyss & March.
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Tel: 01620 532420 Agent: Paris Steele WS
Tel: 01620 532654 Agent: Simpson & Marwick
Four Ways, 19 Dirleton Avenue, North Berwick EH39 4BE Offers over £850,000
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Tel: 01620 532420 Agent: Paris Steele WS
Tel: 0131 253 2998 Agent: Clancys
Beaufort, 5 Marmion Road, North Berwick, East Lothian EH39 4PG Offers Over £685,000
Holly Cottage, 3b Inveresk Village, Musselburgh EH21 7UA Offers over £675,000
Beaufort is a stunning stone-built four-bedroom property with partial sea views which has been beautifully restored and maintained with period features including doors, cornicing, windows, wooden floors and fireplaces.
Beautifully presented detached stone built cottage, located within the delightful conservation Inveresk Village on the outskirts of the historic Royal Burgh of Musselburgh, approximately six miles from Edinburgh city centre.
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Tel: 01620 532654 Agent: Simpson & Marwick
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Tel: 0131 253 2732 Agent: Anderson Strathern espc.com/premierliving 47
Premier properties
Coalheughead Cottage, Harburn, West Calder EH55 8RT Offers around £670,000 Superb country home set in approximately five acres. This unique property offers the very best of contemporary living in a secluded yet accessible location, close to Edinburgh and Glasgow. The accommodation, which is in immaculate order, is stylishly decorated and beautifully presented. x5
midlothian & West lothian
24 Robert Smith Place, Lugton, Dalkeith EH22 1JF In the region of £595,000
Victoria Place, Friarsbrae, Linlithgow EH49 6BQ Offers over £580,000
Executive five bedroom house situated in a small private development built by Charles Church (2007) and surrounded by woodland areas. The property measures a spacious 238 square metres (2565 square feet) and is split over two floors.
In a lovely canal side setting and a five minute walk to the railway station, this delightful B-listed semi-detached house has been lovingly restored and extended into a family home of character and charm.
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Tel: 0131 253 2287 Agent: MHD Law LLP
Tel: 0131 253 2982 Agent: mov8 Real Estate
Beaconhill, 58 Main Street, Kirknewton EH27 8AA Offers over £550,000
Hawthorn Brae Ryal Cottages, Broxburn EH52 5PL Offers around £550,000
With wonderful views across the countryside this splendid detached Victorian house is set within delightful extensive gardens (approximately 0.75 of an acre) with a double garage and driveway. Internally, the property benefits from a wealth of charm and character in the way of delightful period features.
The property comprises a sunny, beautifully presented and generously proportioned extended detached Victorian villa. It offers flexible accommodation of considerable quality and character arranged over two floors in a quiet canal-side setting just off the A89 and close to the M8/M9 motorway network.
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Tel: 0131 253 2171 Agent: Simpson & Marwick 48 espc.com/premierliving
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Tel: 0131 253 2964 Agent: VMH
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Tel: 0131 253 2512 Agent: Johnson Legal
8 Dalhousie Crescent, Eskbank EH22 3DP Fixed price £549,000 A superb and spacious five bedroom detached family home situated in the delightful residential area of Eskbank. The property forms part of an exclusive CALA development circa 2000 and has been finished to a very high specification with enclosed private gardens.
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Tel: 0131 253 2171 Agent: Simpson & Marwick ESPC: No.1 for property in East Central Scotland
Premier properties
FIFE, CENTRAL AND BORDERS
1 Braehead, Rumbling Bridge, Kinross KY13 0PX Price guide £850,000 An extremely impressive detached house situated in the popular village of Rumbling Bridge. This large family home has been finished to the highest of standards throughout and offers flexible accommodation over three floors with a fully enclosed garden to the rear. The property benefits from a self-contained apartment above the detached triple garage. x6
Substantial detached Grade B-listed house close to town centre. Large garden of approximately one acre surrounds the property along with former stable block providing garage and storage. x7
Option 1: House and Plot, offers over £600,000. Option 2: Plot, fixed price £199,000. Substantial Victorian House set in 1.2 acres of grounds with planning consent in principle for the erection of two dwelling houses within the grounds. x5
Substantial and most impressive Edwardian dwellinghouse of exceptional character and beautiful proportions. The Grade C-listed house is very much of its time, it boasts the full range of design features associated with the period and enjoys a hideaway yet convenient location close to the rail station, good schools and other local amenities. x6
Tel: 01383 281725 Agent: Ross & Connel
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Tel: 0131 253 2171 Agent: Simpson & Marwick
Southwood, Woodmill Road, Dunfermline KY11 4SS In the region of £550,000
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Melrose House is a spectacular, stylishly designed and recently built detached house in the charming village of West Linton. The property is on a large plot in a quiet cul-de-sac with detached garage, off street parking, large sunny back garden and superb view to the rear.
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Tel: 0131 253 2528 Agent: Church of Scotland
Crook of Devon House, Main Street, Crook of Devon, Kinross KY13 0UQ Offers over £600,000
Tel: 01577 652507 Agent: Andersons LLP
The Manse, Innerleithen Road, Peebles EH45 8BD Offers over £695,000
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Tel: 0131 253 2327 Agent: Lindsays
Melrose House, Linton Bank Drive, Peeblesshire EH46 7DT Fixed price £630,000
Sgorrabreac, Station Road, West Linton, Peeblesshire EH46 7EL Fixed price £520,000 With stunning views across the countryside this superb detached family house benefits from a double garage, large driveway and delightful garden. The property is tastefully presented throughout and offers versatile accommodation in excellent order.
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Tel: 0131 253 2171 Agent: Simpson & Marwick espc.com/premierliving 49
Premier PEOPLE
My Edinburgh with LIBBY CLEGG
Paralympian and T12 100m World Champion Libby Clegg took time out of her rigorous training schedule to talk to Premier Living about Edinburgh, shopping and life as a top-flight athlete. We caught up with her after a hard day’s training.
“A lot of people back home will be supporting me. I take a lot of strength from that thought”
{HOME}
Haha! My living arrangements are slightly complicated at the moment. I had been living in Portobello, but have temporarily moved to Loughborough for training in the run-up to the games. I’d want to be at this point. I’d like to think Team GB will do well in London. We’re on home turf and have the advantage of a home crowd. It’s going to be a phenomenal experience having all my family and friends there, watching me compete, because that doesn’t really happen very often.
Park and everything around there is a great area. It’s where I grew up and spent my teenage years, so it holds some great memories for me.
{do you enjoy Portobello?}
Oh yes. I love being right on the coast. It’s nice to just walk out of the house and stroll along the beach. It feels like outside of town, but still close enough that I could just jump on a bus.
{favourite spots}
I just love going into the old town and having a bit of an explore – finding quirky cafés and things. You can always find something new wandering round. I also love Princes Street Gardens – that’s definitely one of my favourite spots. I went to school at the Royal Blind School, so I think Craigmillar 50 espc.com/premierliving
{GETTING AWAY FROM IT}
When I want to get away from the city, I tend to go to the Borders. My dad lives in a little village called Newcastleton, which is a tiny place and has a population of about 800 people. His garden just looks out over forest, so it’s lovely to sit there at night and there’s absolutely nothing to disturb you.
{shopping}
I am a shopaholic! I shop anywhere and everywhere I get a chance. I’ll shop anywhere from TK-Maxx, John Lewis and Jenners to designer shops. George Street has become a regular shopping spot for me with all the new outlets now open. I’m always on the lookout
for a bargain! I got a pair of Carvela shoes for £45 the other week, reduced from £150. I’m not wearing heels at the moment, but I couldn’t pass up a bargain like that! I never spend my money on anything practical though – only ever going-out clothes that I never wear because I’m always training!
{training}
I train six days a week, usually twice a day Monday to Thursday and once on a Friday and Saturday. I’m exactly where
{And I should imagine there will be a big crowd in Edinburgh cheering you on too?} I hope so! It means a lot that people back home will be supporting me. I take a lot of strength from that thought.
We’re delighted to say that Libby won silver in the T12 100m, just an hour after her brother James secured bronze in the S12 100m butterfly. ESPC and Premier Living congratulates them both!
ESPC: No. 1 for property in East Central Scotland