A stable investment
What was once home to horses is now a plush mews, finds Paul Drury
The stable door is closed and the horses bolted quite some time ago. Now people have the opportunity to enjoy this perfect period property right in the heart of the capital. Number 1A Randolph Lane was constructed to accommodate the horses of the edinburgh landed gentry who owned grand townhouses in the neighbouring streets.
At some time, probably this century, the former stables were converted to a home over two floors, with an integral garage.
It would be difficult to find a smarter mews address than this, a cobbled lane just round the corner from Charlotte Square, named after the third daughter of King George III and home to some of the most expensive real estate in the country.
The property has recently been refurbished to a high standard, serving as an edinburgh base for the present owners and doubling up as a holiday let within walking distance of Princes Street.
To underline the unusual nature of this property, it is understood this is the first time in more than 30 years that the two-bedroom mews cottage has been placed on the open market. It would no doubt be attractive to a range of would-be buyers, including city professionals, a private individual seeking a pied-a-terre in the capital or an investor who could quite easily restore its listing as a holiday retreat.
The front door opens to an entrance vestibule, providing access to the reception area which at present has a fitted desk which provides a handy spot for working from home. From here, a timber staircase with wrought iron balustrades rises to the upper floor.
The upper level contains a bright open-plan sitting room and dining room, adjacent to the beautifully appointed kitchen area.
There are two French windows plus a Juliet balcony and even more light streaming in through the Velux skylights.
The principal bedroom is on this level, generous in size and accompanied by an en suite bathroom. The other bedroom is on the ground floor, and benefits from an en suite shower room.
Cameron Adair-Brown, of selling agent Savills, said: ‘This is one of the best finished mews houses I have seen, and coupled with having a garage makes it an outstanding property.’
It may have enjoyed humble origins, but this house is now Category A listed, the highest possible degree of historic protection. It also lies within the New Town Conservation Area and the Unesco World heritage site, a status awarded more than 25 years ago due to the architectural contrast between edinburgh’s medieval Old Town and the Georgian New Town.
Today, it finds itself close to the city’s financial district, its main shopping streets and superb transport links.
haymarket railway station can transport you to Glasgow in under an hour, while the tram system provides swift access to edinburgh Airport. Who needs horses anyway?
Offers over £620,000 to Cameron Adair-Brown on 0131 247 3770 or cameron.adairbrown@savills.com