Spaceship to shore
The future slots in with the traditional by the sea, writes Paul Drury
After seeing this vision rising from the ground, it’s not an estate agent you would ring – it’s Air traffic Control. following this Close encounter, your request would be quite simple: ‘Is one of your UFOS missing?’
What could be confused for extraterrestrial activity is taking place on the seafront at Joppa, near Portobello in edinburgh.
A trio of 21st century town houses is being slotted into a row of prim Victorian terraced homes – and it’s even got the total blessing of local planners.
‘the council wanted something funky and different,’ said estate agent Mark Cullerton. Well, they certainly got that. Where existing period properties consist of sandstone, proud chimneys and original slate roofs, the new arrivals on Seaview terrace are clad in a smooth render with stone ‘effect’ slips and zinc. At least they have kept the height of the construction the same.
Mr Cullerton said: ‘the designers originally went with something that was more in keeping with the streetscape. But that was not what the council wanted.
‘People have said to me they look a bit different but no one has suggested they are out of keeping.
‘the timber kit is up and the project has already generated a great deal of interest. I think prospective buyers are waiting to see a bit more before they commit.’
Mr Cullerton is even thinking of investing himself. He explained: ‘I was keen before but I’m even more attracted to the properties after being up a ladder on the top floor.
‘the back of the house looks onto Portobello Beach. the views are stunning. I now plan to have a conversation with my missus…’
Dispensing with traditional building methods has allowed the architects to fashion three storeys, where the neighbours have only two.
they say they were influenced by old-style beach huts, the grey stone façade drawing on ‘the rich coastal hues’ and the vast swathes of glass reflecting the ever-changing light.
State-of-the-art technology has been added inside the properties, including ‘A’ rated combination boilers, intruder alarms and recessed energy-efficient LeD lighting in the ceilings.
the kitchens come fitted with integrated Siemens appliances, such as gas hob, electric fan-assisted oven, fridge freezer plus granite worktops and stainless steel sinks.
the ground floor is one vast area of open-plan living, from back to front, taking in the lounge, designer kitchen and dining area, leading to the sliding doors and your private garden.
the first floor accommodates three double bedrooms, which share the luxurious four-piece family bathroom.
One floor up sits the lavish master bedroom, with its en suite and roomy living area with wonderful views across the firth of forth.
the addition of a fixed phone line in this space-age property would come in handy. that way, et could phone home.