A home of distinction
Victorian villa boasts half an acre of land... within reach of city centre
PERHAPS it says something about the Victorian sense of humour that the original owner of this impressive property named it The Hermitage. The dictionary defines this as ‘the dwelling of a hermit, especially when small and remote’.
Yet there is nothing small or remote about this charming Arts and Crafts villa in the Colinton suburb of Edinburgh.
Built in 1898, the house was designed by celebrated architect Sir Robert Lorimer for Charles Sarolea, the Belgian consul.
There are eight bedrooms and five reception rooms, located within a generous feu and mature gardens on Gillespie Road.
Selling agent Ben Fox said: ‘This is an outstanding detached family home, with many original Lorimer features. With beautiful stonework, it has to be one of the most distinctive houses in the area.’ You know you are entering an Arts and Crafts house thanks to the stone mullions in the leaded-glass windows at the front door.
In the double drawing room you encounter the next giveaway, the Inglenook fireplace.
The reception rooms and family living space are accessed off the welcoming hallway.
As well as the double drawing room, the ground floor has a study, dining room, kitchen with Aga and a sitting room that boasts views of the garden.
You are never far from the great outdoors at The Hermitage, with a variety of exits leading to the garden. Outside the drawing room, for example, is a south-facing verandah, set up for al fresco dining.
An impressive staircase leads to the first floor, which accommodates six comfortably sized bedrooms, plus a shower room, family bathroom and separate WC.
What is described in the brochure as accommodation perfect for ‘nannies and au pairs’ is contained in the attic level in the form of two more bedrooms, one with en suite shower room.
Yet one of the greatest attributes of this home is to be found beyond its walls. The Hermitage is one of the few domestic properties within four miles of Edinburgh city centre which can boast almost half an acre of land.
It is also wonderfully private, thanks to the high wall and mature trees which help to provide excellent screening.
A tarmac driveway leads from the road to the side of the house, with plenty of space for parking.
There is further car parking available at the rear of the house, plus a detached double garage.
The garden lies mainly to the front of the house, with the southfacing lawn bordered by colourful flower beds and trees.