Property description

Set in a secluded leafy pocket on the East edge of the New Town, in the bustling heart of Edinburgh, this property couldn’t be in a better location. Gayfield Square is fast becoming one of the most desirable and sought after squares to live in Edinburgh and is popular with residents who want a quiet and peaceful square but also want the vibrancy of the city’s East End within minutes’ walk.

Gayfield Square is in an enviable location just a stone’s throw from Broughton Street, the top of Leith Walk and the city centre.

This extremely well proportioned, double fronted ground and garden flat is beautifully positioned on the side of the cobbled street overlooking the square. Built by Hugh Cairncross in 1807 this property is an example of early 19th century high quality tenement design in Edinburgh.

Number 26 offers extensive living accommodation and flowing rooms arranged over two levels, with a large cellar which could be converted to form further accommodation, and a mature private rear garden. This original townhouse is set over the ground, garden and basement levels of the attractive Georgian building and benefits from an eye-catching and unique main door entrance. This traditional entrance has been very cleverly adapted to allow disabled access by installing traditional stone steps that are remote controlled and go completely flat to street level, before rising to entry level then returning once again to normal steps in keeping with the rest of the street. They are an exceptional piece of engineering that allows for accessible barrier free living.

Once inside, an entrance vestibule immediately gives a sense of the period detailing within. The ceilings are adorned with ornate plasterwork, there are flagstone floors and a beautiful fan light window over the door lets natural light flood into the inner hall. To the front is a large drawing room with a working ornate carved fireplace and plasterwork. From here double doors lead through into a second public room of similarly classical proportions which boasts a very impressive set of floor to ceiling windows which let light flow from the front to the back of the property giving a wonderful feeling of light and space. To the front is a further room, currently used as a bedroom but could be a formal dining room with its pleasant views across the square. The kitchen sits to the rear of the property and looks out over the garden. The kitchen has an Aga range as well as ample space for a large table. The ground floor also has a bright study accessed via the sitting room, a bathroom, guest WC and storage.

Down one flight of stairs from the entrance hall is the garden level. This floor also has a separate entrance via steps from street level, and direct access to the garden. This floor has all the amenities necessary to be its own independent property. There are currently three generous bedrooms on this floor, two of which have en suite bathrooms and one of which has a large walk in wardrobe. There is also a kitchen in exactly the same location as on the first floor, which benefits from views over the pond in the garden. This floor is also home to a very impressive and brand new hydro pool which was recently installed. There is also a well presented family shower room and bathroom.

A further flight of stairs leads down to a large basement area which has sash windows out to the rear garden along with power and lighting. Externally there is a very large secluded rear garden with pond, mature shrubs, trees and a paved area of terrace. To the front of the building is a patio area with three under pavement storage cellars.

When the owner bought this property she was drawn in by the elegant floor to ceiling windows and the beautiful original features that this Georgian townhouse continues to boast. Since moving in to the property she has spent time and money transforming it into a home that is totally accessible on the ground floor by wheelchair. This included the state of the art Sesame Access entry system which has to be seen in action to be appreciated. The technology used was so impressive that last summer it was featured in a BBC TV documentary. The owner also installed a Hydrotherapy pool which is most commonly used for treating different conditions, including arthritis and related rheumatic complaints. The waves it generates to swim against provide a great form of exercise for all.

These modifications have been made so tastefully that this property really is liveable in for life and whatever your age you will be comfortable.

To view the steps in action click here: http://goo.gl/Bk3qly

By appointment through McEwan Fraser Legal on 0131 524 9797

McEwan Fraser Legal are open 7 days a week: 8am - Midnight Monday to Friday & 9am - 10pm Saturday & Sunday to book your viewing appointment.

EXTRAS: Will be discussed in detail following a formal viewing.

Property Features :

• 4 bedrooms
• 2 public rooms
• 5 bathrooms