In a different class
Designers get an A+ for this stunning flat in a converted former school
FORMER school buildings can be difficult to convert for residential use – but when a project does come off, it can often achieve top marks. That’s what has happened at the Gothic-style Marchmont Road School at the junction of Marchmont Crescent and Marchmont Road, in the south of Edinburgh.
After standing empty for a number of years the building, dating from 1882, found a new lease of life in 2008 thanks to 15 exceptional apartments which were fashioned within its walls.
The developers found little of heritage value remaining inside, offering them a blank canvas to work their modern magic.
The sheer scale of the property allowed the designers’ imagination free reign, resulting in rooms with high ceilings and mezzanine areas, perfect for working from home. Who cares if it costs a fortune in curtains?
This four-bedroom flat offers stylish city living within a suburb famous for its cafés, restaurants and shops, as well as ease of access to the capital’s centre, barely a mile away to the north.
This B-Listed building didn’t quite last a century in class use, with lessons ending for good in 1973 – although it did continue to serve academia as a base for Napier University’s creative art department, adapted for photographic studios and a gallery.
Its dazzling supply of light has now been put to further use in forming the main living/ kitchen/ dining area, completed in hardwood flooring along with white walls and ceilings.
The mezzanine area is as fashionable as you will find, pitched sufficiently highly to prevent anyone gazing in at you from the street.
The contemporary look is enhanced by a raised glass balustrade, which runs the entire length of the room and potentially offers even more privacy.
It may be nit-picking to suggest that there appears to be a slight contradiction in the layout of this property. As mentioned before, there are four double bedrooms, which squarely points towards urban family living.
Yet the main living space seems to have been designed with a single person or professional couple in mind. Quite what a toddler’s mum and dad would make of the tricky steps down to the kitchen area is anyone’s guess.
Surrounded on three sides by windows, road noise could also be an issue, particularly from lazy taxi drivers who like to sound their horns to let their fares know they have arrived.
But these are minor considerations for anyone thinking about investing in one of the most familyfriendly parts of the capital.
The property is a short walk from The Meadows, a haven for city dwellers in fine weather, and Bruntsfield Links where facilities include children’s playgrounds, tennis courts, a bowling green as well as a pitch and putt course.
Excellent walks can also be enjoyed on Blackford Hill, Hermitage of Braid and in the Pentland Hills and there are many excellent golf courses within easy reach as is Warrender Swim Centre.
The sting has been taken out of any ‘move-in’ costs which a new owner might face, as a host of fixtures and fittings comes as part of the sale price.
This includes all fitted carpets, fitted floor coverings, electronic blinds, light fittings, and kitchen appliances such as induction hob, oven, microwave, fridge, freezer, washing machine and dishwasher.