A house for the ages
Villa boasts the best of traditional and modern style, writes Paul Drury
APPEARANCES can be deceptive. From the street, Number 1 Queen’s Crescent presents as a sober stone construction, true to its Victorian roots. Yet wander round the back of this detached villa in Edinburgh’s Newington area and you uncover a funky, modern property of which any millennial would be proud.
The owners were clearly attracted to the classic B-Listed style of the family home, replete with high ceilings, intricate cornicing and oversized teak doors.
Yet, at the same time, they craved the openplan lifestyle area which has increased in popularity among families since the turn of the 21st century.
The result is a house not with a split personality, but one which has successfully married lifestyles separated by the centuries.
You can still relax in the formal lounge, as traditional as you can get, with its bay-windowed frontage, wood panelling and sturdy marble fireplace.
The hallway is pure Victoriana, leading upstairs via a solid stone staircase with its wrought iron and antique oak balustrade.
Yet stroll back towards the kitchen and the centuries slip by as you enter a cool, contemporary, living space. Designed by Somner Macdonald Architects and built by Laurence McIntosh, the sleek, clean interior would not look out of place in a Bilbao art gallery.
Practically, the space has been split into the kitchen and living area and a separate playroom by using a frosted glass door.
The porcelain-tiled floor is heated. A large skylight creates a dramatic effect by day, with concealed LED lighting at night.
The Craighead & Woolf kitchen has stylish, handle-free white and metallic glass units. There are white Corian worktops and sink, a solid walnut breakfast bar and integrated luxury appliances such as the Gaggenau wine fridge.
Fineline Aluminium sliding doors, with Silent Gliss electric blinds, open to the expansive garden. It is a haven for children and adults alike, boasting a sunken 14ft rectangular trampoline, a spacious patio area, strip lighting and an integrated Sonos surround system within the overhang.
To achieve the entire look, the owners commissioned a zinc-clad extension to replace an old wooden one which had been built before. The workmen tasked with taking it down said it was the nicest extension that they had ever had to demolish.
The owners also have access to the private, family-friendly Waverley Park Gardens, which acts as a community hub for Queen’s Crescent residents.
It stages a variety of events and celebrations, as well as an annual summer party and firework display.
Back in the house, it’s a return to traditional values in the three bedrooms, with lovely cornice work, alcove shelving and cast iron radiators.
The only concession to modern living here is the stylish wet room, with slate tiling, walk-in rainfall shower and underfloor heating.
Live here and you could be a time traveller... without ever leaving home.
Offers over £1,350,000 to Laura Mathieson on 0131 220 4160 or email laura.mathieson@rettie.co.uk.