Two features set this upper villa apart from the run-of-the-mill “four in a block”. One you will see more or less straightaway, the other you will need to find.
The obvious feature is the striking view of the Pentland Hills that you can enjoy from the picture windows in the lounge and the kitchen; the one that is hidden is the fully floored and very large attic space that has its own velux window and built-in cupboards that add to the fantastic storage that it naturally provides. Those looking to follow in the footsteps of Messrs Waterman or Stewart on even a more modest scale will have plenty of room to get that layout started…
The entrance door opens to a staircase that takes you…upstairs. Off the hallway to the left are the bathroom and the lounge and the kitchen, to the right is the second bedroom and straight ahead is the main sleeping apartment. Reaching the attic space does require a degree of self-belief when it comes to the climbing of ladders but the effort is well worth it – and the means of getting to and from it in the second bedroom will be remaining in the property.
A driveway allows for off street parking and there is also a private garden to the rear.
All in all, the property is perfect for those looking to set up home together for the first time and who like to include a bit of future proofing against the arrival of tiny feet – or the investor purchaser who can see the very obvious letting potential.
Where to go food shopping doesn’t require too much thought: the Colinton Mains Tesco superstore is only a short walk away. Down the street the other way, you will find a USave convenience store with post office services, a pharmacy and a barber shop, as well as a take away. Other supermarkets are, of course, available. An Aldi and the Swanston Morrisons are only a few minutes in the car.
For outdoor activities, the Midlothian Snowsports Centre at Hillend is only a short drive away and for those who hope that their drives are just the right length, there are a number of golf courses within easy reach. The Pentland Hills can also be easily reached by car and the City Bypass gives access to East Lothian and its beaches (and hills and golf courses), as well as the central belt, whether for work or leisure purposes.
The property is conveniently located for local primary schools, as well as Firrhill High School and (buy-to-let investors take note), Napier University.
There is a frequent bus service to and from the city centre, but it also possible to travel in this way to the Edinburgh Royal Infirmary and the airport.
A short area of wooden floor behind the entrance door allows any muddy footwear to be parked before footprints become an issue on the carpeted stair. The staircase has handrails on either side that will help the more mature or, indeed, younger, resident or visitor (or those in between who have had a good night out). A picture window at the (quarter) turn of the staircase gives excellent natural light both for the stairs and into the hall. A handy cupboard houses the gas meter, while its top provides open display space, as does the deep sill of the window.
Borrowed light from the main rooms complements the natural brightness given by the staircase window and makes this an attractive reception area. Five double coat hooks mean that there is no shortage of space for outdoor clothing. Smoke alarm.
4.88 m X 3.38 m / 16’0″ X 11’1″
Many a moment (if not an hour) can be spent looking out through the large picture window over the gardens and towards the hills. The westerly aspect of the window means that when the sun deigns to put in an appearance, this is a particularly bright and warm living apartment. There is certainly plenty of space for soft furnishings while the generous dimensions will also easily accommodate a dining table and chairs. The wooden flooring is both attractive and practical, meaning that any spillages on the way to and from the kitchen can be easily dealt with. A shelved press provides handy storage.
2.59 m X 1.85 m / 8’6″ X 6’1″
The convenient location off the lounge means that the resident cook doesn’t have too far to carry the fruit of their labours or for the empty plates to be taken back to the sink. Attractive wall and floor units provide ample storage and worktop space and there is a stainless-steel sink with mixer tap and drainer. The coloured wall tiles and the doors of the units provide a very pleasant warm feel that is complemented by the laminated floor. Another picture window means that there is plenty of natural light and it again affords a view of the hills. The four-burner hob, grill and oven, fridge freezer and washer dryer are all to be included. For those who would like to save on their electricity and look kindly on the wellbeing of the planet, there is also a ceiling-mounted pulley (and the poles in the drying green).
4.6 m X 3.4 m / 15’1″ X 11’2″
This is a substantial double room that can easily take freestanding or fitted furniture. A three light window is set in a shallow bay and makes the room naturally bright as well as affording a view down and along the main road.
3.56 m X 2.95 m / 11’8″ X 9’8″
It is the fact that there is so little to choose size-wise between this and the other bedroom that gives the property its potential buy-to-let credentials, as well as allowing couples to see that an addition to the family won’t necessarily mean the upping of sticks to accommodate the new arrival. Indeed, more than one new arrival could be accommodated, at least for a while; there is certainly plenty of space for bunk beds. The picture window again provides excellent natural light that accentuates the generous dimensions. There is no shortage of space for furniture, but a walk-in cupboard also provides good additional storage.
The modern white suite comprises a close-couple WC with push button flush, stylish wash-hand basin with mixer tap and double shelved cupboard below and a bath with Mira Sport shower over. Stone effect wall and floor tiles give a warming contrast to the white of the suite. An opaque picture window means that the room is pleasantly bright during the day, while a ceiling-mounted globe light fitting provides the illumination into the evening and overnight.
The ground to the left of the shared path that leads to the front door and the one for the ground floor flat belongs to the property. A drive provides off street parking and a grass border then runs alongside the path to and beyond a shared drying green. That drying green comes in handy when the clothes could do with a bit of a blow or there’s too much for the pulley. More of an actual garden is reached through a gap that might be looking for a gate for company. Wooden fences on three sides and a mature tree and conifer hedges on the fourth make it private and secluded. There is a patio area for those who prefer their garden chair to be on the level and it would also serve as the location for the business end of a barbecue, a method of cooking that also benefits when it is parallel to the ground. A lawn lies beyond the patio and a wooden shed allows for storage of the aforementioned barbecue, as well as outdoor toys.
4.88 m X 4.75 m / 16’0″ X 15’7″
This is another very large area with full laminate flooring. There is a double fitted cupboard and there is further storage under the eaves. Good natural light comes from a velux window, but there a number of spotlights in the ceiling. Access is by way of a retracting ladder, which means that whatever use beyond storage a future owner may have in mind can only be at their own risk.