On top of the world with capital views

Modern or trad, often in Edinburgh the higher the vantage point, the higher the price, discovers Kirsty Mcluckie

Edinburgh is one of the world’s most beautiful cities and offers some incredible views from its loftiest points. Homes that have the best views are much sought after and whether the outlook is over the rooftops of the New Town, a far-reaching vista over the Forth to Fife or at tree-top level with a lookout over parkland, such homes tend to come with an inflated price tag.

Townhouses in Abercromby Place are classic Georgian residences at the top of the city’s price range, but the one at number 12 has an added extra – what the estate agent is describing as the best roof terrace in the New Town.

Fully refurbished and set over four floors, 12 Abercromby Place has spectacular classical proportions and striking period features, including cornice work, an exceptional cupola and an elegant staircase.

A more modern stairway leads up to the property’s top floor where the roof terrace offers a 360-degree view of the city skyline and the Forth Estuary.

But the lower floors are pretty impressive too. A large open-plan kitchen and dining room and a separate reception room are on the ground floor, while a full-width drawing room and vast master bedroom suite occupy the front of the first floor.

Three more bedrooms and two bathrooms are above, while a large informal entertaining space is found on the top floor which connects directly to the roof terrace.

Elsewhere, contemporary blocks have been designed to take advantage of Edinburgh’s world-famous views.

Occupying the fourth and fifth floors of a modern development in the heart of the New Town, a penthouse duplex apartment at 2/11 Eyre Place has panoramic views from a decked roof terrace and secluded corner balconies.

The interior has been oriented to take full advantage of outstanding views, with an array of full-height windows and wall-towall glazing looking out over the city.

The penthouse has four bedrooms – the master has a private balcony – on the lower floor, while the top floor houses an open-plan living room and dining-kitchen leading out to the roof terrace, plus a gallery with glass walls.

The twin contemporary apartment blocks built in the last decade as part of the

Number 12 has an added extra – what the estate agent is describing as the best roof terrace in the New Town Quartermile development off Lauriston Place in the Capital also have some pretty spectacular views. The Meadows are laid out before residents and some have panoramic views stretching from the Pentlands to Fife.

The penthouses in each of the buildings are multi-million pound properties with roof terraces. Currently for sale is a fourbedroomed duplex at 12/31 Simpson Loan at offers over £2.15 million, but slightly more modestly priced homes are also available nearby.

Murray and Currie is currently marketing a fifth-floor one-bedroomed apartment at 10/35 Simpson Loan, at offers over £295,000.

The property boasts floor-to-ceiling windows to take full advantage of the leafy surroundings.