Set adjacent to the green sanctuary of Leith Links park in Edinburgh’s northerly Dock District, this beautifully refined three-bedroom apartment has been sensitively modernised by the architect Luke McClelland. Positioned on the raised ground floor of a Grade B-listed Georgian mansion block, the apartment combines elegant period proportions with tactile modern materials, an excellent quality of craftsmanship, and an artful use of colour. Tall sash windows face west, bringing a soft natural light while retaining a visual connection with the leafy surroundings of Leith Links; a much-coveted part of Edinburgh known for its burgeoning culinary scene and green open spaces.

The Architect

With experience working for studios in Edinburgh, London and Melbourne, including Foster+Partners and Stanton Williams, Luke McClelland has delivered numerous award-winning homes and played a key role in the refurbishment and extension of the Royal Opera House in London. His designs are simple, with an emphasis on natural light, natural materials, and a clean, minimal aesthetic.

The Tour

The apartment is accessed via a private entrance on the southerly side of the building, leading into a generous hallway with a good provision of cloakroom storage. Honey-hued oak parquet runs underfoot and continues across the internal living space, extending to around 1,230 sq ft across a lateral open plan.

A complete refurbishment of the apartment offers an excellent quality of finish and materials, while careful interior planning ensures every inch of space is well considered.

The modern kitchen is bespoke, characterised by playful terrazzo tiling and clean lines of hand-crafted cabinetry topped with oak countertops. A large sash window softly illuminates the space, providing a lovely spot to sip a morning coffee.

Exquisite ornate moulded cornicing has been carefully retained and dramatic arches provide subtle thresholds between one room to the next. The open-plan living and dining room is a beautifully light and quiet space defined by high ceilings and two large sash windows at one end. The open plan allows plenty of flexibility in the layout and soft muted tones create a peaceful space for everyday life to play out.

The spacious principal bedroom exudes an effortless elegance, with original panelling lining the uniquely curved interior walls and another large sash window complete with original shutters framing park views. Generous proportions and an excellent quality of natural light continue through to the two double bedrooms, one of which is currently used as a home-working space.

Terrazzo, oak, and terracotta tiling characterise the bathroom, positioned centrally on plan, complete with a shower and a bathtub, finished with a modern touch of black sanitaryware.

Quite uniquely for the area, there is also private enclosed parking allocated to the apartment, accessible to the rear of the building.

The Area

Leith is a sought-after suburb on the northerly edge of Edinburgh. Once the main port for Scotland, the area has been revived with a bustling dining scene providing a panoply of excellent restaurants and coffee shops. Refined The Kitchin sits on the Quay with a ‘nature to the plate’ philosophy, while delicious seasonally curated coffees from Williams and Johnson are roasted in its Leith café. There’s also Toast Leith which is located in a former art gallery and serves everything from avocado brunch fare to wine.

Edinburgh is well-regarded for its year-round programme of cultural activity, world-class exhibitions, and music events; it’s known for its distinguished art and design scene and the city’s world-class Fringe festival. The National Galleries of Scotland, including modern art galleries Modern One and Modern Two, are among the city’s many cultural highlights.

There are a host of excellent schooling options within walking distance including Links Primary School, a four-minute walk away, or Headstart Nursery which is six minutes on foot. The highly regarded Leith Academy is an 11-minute walk away.

Transport connections are easily accessible. It is an 18-minute drive to Edinburgh Waverley Station, which has onward connections to the rest of the UK, including a train route to King’s Cross Station in four hours. Closer to home there are a host of bus and cycle routes to get around the city. Edinburgh Airport is a 36-minute drive away and provides domestic and international flights.

Council Tax Band: D

Please note that all areas, measurements and distances given in these particulars are approximate and rounded. The text, photographs and floor plans are for general guidance only. The Modern House has not tested any services, appliances or specific fittings — prospective purchasers are advised to inspect the property themselves. All fixtures, fittings and furniture not specifically itemised within these particulars are deemed removable by the vendor.