Luxury living in historic building

MORE than 2,000 homehunters, including hundreds of expatriates based all over the world, are bidding to own part of an A-Listed Playfair masterpiece in Edinburgh.

The first properties in the revamped former Donaldson’s College are due to go on the market and residents are expected to move into the landmark building near Haymarket by March.

Prices range from £250,000 for a studio to £1.2 million for a threebedroom apartment in the monumental structure, which just a few years ago was placed on the Buildings at Risk Register after previous plans – one of which was turning it into hotel – were abandoned.

A total of 2,200 prospective buyers have registered with developer City & Country, including Scots from across Europe, the Middle East and Australia.

Builder Cala bought the site, which is about the size of nine football pitches, in 2004 for £22m and it is building 84 homes in a crescent around the main building.

There will be 400 cycle spaces for residents and an underground car park with about the same number of car bays.

The building, built between 1842 and 1851, was designed by Enlightenment architect William Henry Playfair in the style of a Jacobean palace. Formerly Donaldson’s Hospital, it was more recently known as the School for the Deaf.

Helen Moore, managing director of City & Country, said the firm was guided by conservation experts and historic features including original joinery, fireplaces, cornices and staircases retained.

Pictures: Gordon Terris Donaldson’s College in Edinburgh was once a hospital and, more recently, a school for the deaf.

Conservationists have given guidance on retaining fireplaces.

The developer has retained historic features including joinery.

The building was designed by William Henry Playfair.

The first luxury apartments will go on sale later this month.