Choice of old and new for downsizers

Gullane ticks a lot of boxes for those looking for less space, finds Kirsty Mcluckie

There comes a time in life when downsizing becomes very attractive. It can be a difficult decision to leave a property that a family has spent many years in, but there are definite signs when the time is right.

For many it is the upkeep required on a larger home particularly if there is a lot of outside space to take care of.

Downsizing for retirement is one of the most common reasons people scale back on home size to both cut expenses and create income.

And if you have children who have grown up and left home, staying in the family house means you might be paying for space that is not being used.

A recent report carried out by the National House Building Council (NHBC) found that downsizers’ top three priorities determining a potential house move consist of minimal maintenance, a new home warranty and energy efficiency.

Rounding off the seven key priorities listed are location, off-street parking, living space and neighbourhood, and developers are taking note of the demographic’s requirement in designing new homes.

Marine Rise, by Cala Homes (East), is in the seaside haven of Gullane, East Lothian and ticks a lot of boxes of downsizers.

It offers a range of newbuild apartments and mews, as well as 21 converted apartments in local landmark Henderson House, the former site of the Scottish Fire and Rescue Service College and previously the town’s Marine Hotel.

Philip Hogg, sales and marketing director with Cala, says of the NHBC survey: “This type of market data is particularly useful as it is so important that we provide homes that meet people’s needs.

“The range of apartments at Marine Rise have been designed to address all these key points. They are easy and cost effective to maintain, while offering space in abundance and flexible living areas, with light and airy interiors.

“For downsizers, bedrooms can be utilised as additional storage or living spaces.”

The newbuild apartments are over 1,100sq foot in size, with a living room and kitchen. The master bedroom has an ensuite.

A second bedroom can be used as guest accommodation, while bedroom three can work as a more formal dining room, home office or even as a craft room.

Many of the apartments have private balconies and all have storage in abundance, private parking, lift access to all floors as well a secure door entry system.

Henderson House is being converted to provide one, two and threebedroomed bespoke apartments, while retaining original features including the grand central staircase and the elegant main façade.

Gullane is 21 miles from Edinburgh city centre or a 30-minute train journey from the nearby station of Drem.

There are beaches on the doorstep and a choice of championship links courses in Gullane and the famed Golf Coast Road and the development is close to the walking trails of the John Muir Way.

Each home at Marine Rise comes with a ten-year warranty, the first two years of which are covered by Cala with emergency response and after-sales services.

The newbuild homes are energy efficient, with UPVC double-glazed windows as standard, full insulation and low energy lighting fittings both internally and externally.

Current prices are from £315,000 to £499,000.