Take your Capital pick of old and new

High-value conversions and brand-new homes in an attractive and elevated city location are proving to be a runaway sales success, writes Kirsty Mcluckie

Sales at the Craighouse development in the south of Edinburgh have topped £25 million, with 31 homes now reserved off-plan.

Located near Morningside, Craighouse is set within 52 acres of mature woodland, providing seclusion and privacy.

The location is home to many magnificent buildings, the oldest of which dates back to the 16th century. The site has also seen service as a location for hospital and university buildings, but it is now being adapted to host a large number of residential properties.

The project is being driven by Quartermile Developments, the residential arm of Edinburgh-based property developer Qmile Group.

Because of the site’s elevated position on Easter Craiglockhart Hill, the units have a wonderful overview of city landmarks including the castle, the Firth of Forth and Arthur’s Seat.

Close enough to be part of the city, Craighouse is also set apart, thanks to its parkland surroundings, glorious gardens, open lawns, paths and woodland.

The first purchasers have now taken up residence in five of Craighouse’s conversion properties, in its South Craig and East Craig

buildings, both restored with many historical features retained.

Once complete, the £100m development will comprise a mix of 145 townhouses, penthouses, duplexes and apartments. Prices for a two-bedroomed apartment at Craighouse currently start at £520,000.

Demand has been consistently high, and there are now only ten properties remaining in the first phase, including new-build woodland apartments.

Jan Welsh, sales and marketing director at Quartermile Developments, says: “There has been a huge amount of interest in Craighouse. Purchasers have come from the local area, as well as the rest of the UK and overseas, which is clear evidence of the wide appeal of the site and its unrivalled location.

“The units are made up of 84 conversions and 81 new-builds. There are seven older buildings in total and six will be built.

“Currently, we have a walkthrough unit to give clients a feel for what the properties will be like and a showhome will be available in the spring.”

The next properties to be released will be located at the heart of the development in New Craig, which is the largest building on the site. The centrepiece of New Craig is the Great Hall, which was built in the Baronial style, and provides a community space, which will be for the exclusive use of New Craig residents.

The whole project is estimated to be complete in two and half years, depending on planning.

Buyers of the properties include a high proportion of downsizers and young professionals but, as Walsh says: “The profile is likely to change as the project progresses and different types of properties are released. We have people on our waiting list looking for specific properties as soon as they are available.”

The new units at Craighouse have been designed to blend with existing buildings, with features such as brick and stone on the exteriors and matching the scale and design of windows.

Walsh says: “This – combined with open lawns, woodland walks, aweinspiring views and a location that’s right on the doorstep of the city – makes this one of the most special locations to live in Edinburgh.”

A marketing centre is open to view the interactive masterplan and take virtual tours.

See www.qmile.com/craighouseedinburgh-new-homes/