About this property
A truly outstanding property of historic significance, Category A listed Laverockdale House was designed by Sir Robert Lorimer for famous Edinburgh financier James Ivory and is one of the finest executions of a small country house of the Arts and Crafts era by Lorimer. Completed in 1912, it was his largest commission in Colinton. Standing in the foothills of the Pentlands, just south of Colinton village, the house was designed in the Scots Baronial style of a 17th Century Tower House but on a reduced scale; strongly reflective of Kellie Castle in Fife which was Lorimer’s childhood home. The original design brief from James Ivory included a desire for a traditional Scottish house in a waterside setting with the feel of a country seat but within very easy reach of central Edinburgh and without the burden of a large estate; it also had to be enclosed by lawns and ornamental gardens. The latest construction methods and finest quality traditional building materials were used in the execution of the property, with all modern conveniences of the day included to create an impressive, comfortable and manageable family home.
The gardens have been painstakingly restored to Lorimer’s original plan and vision with the contemporary addition of sloping curves to the lower lawn inspired by Charles Jencks’ Landform sculpture at the Scottish National Gallery of Modern Art. These attractive slopes overlook the stunning stream, waterfalls, bridges, sun-trap terraces and spectacular island planting of the restored fernery. The floodlit garden to the rear further boasts outstanding views of the Pentland Hills, three separate terraces in different locations designed to accommodate the moving sun, a large heated greenhouse, raised beds within a charming vegetable garden and an enchanting children’s play area. The beautifully laid out front garden is bordered by ornamental planting and incorporates a large driveway, central lawn and triple bay heated garage with workbench. The property sits within an exclusive gated residential setting and benefits from both the privacy and security afforded by two sets of electric gates, CCTV and substantial security fencing and the comfort and community feeling offered by the neighbouring properties.
Local information
- Laverockdale House is situated in the much sought-after area of Colinton, just a little over three miles south-west of Edinburgh city centre.
- The historic village is charming, with small speciality shops, a Co-op store, popular restaurants, two local churches, and a tennis club.
- The Water of Leith walkway and cycle path are easily accessible as are the paths through the spectacular Pentland Hills.
- The area is also well catered for in terms of superstores, with Tesco, Sainsbury’s and Morrisons all within easy reach.
- The area is well served with local schooling at Bonaly Primary and Firhill High school while private schooling is available nearby at Merchiston Castle school and George Watson’s College.
- Laverockdale offers easy access to the main arterial routes serving the City centre, the airport and Central Scotland’s motorway network.
- Edinburgh’s extensive bus service close by also offers easy access to the city centre, with its business and financial districts, extensive and varied shopping, restaurants and bars; a host of internationally acclaimed art galleries, museums and historic attractions.
- The designer stores of Multrees Walk, the John Lewis department store and the new St James Quarter retail, leisure and residential development, can all be found in central Edinburgh along with high street stores and many independent boutiques.
Additional information
- Ground Floor – An impressive carved stone entrance with stunning original oak wooden door leads to the vestibule.
- The welcoming and bright hallway gives access to an oak panelled cloakroom with WC and ample storage for coats and shoes. An imposing mahogany banister and original oak flooring add to the grandeur of the hall which includes an attractive panelled dining hall complete with original fireplace and glazed door overlooking the gardens to the rear and the Pentland Hills beyond. Storage is cleverly hidden behind the dining hall panelling and a substantial cupboard sits beneath the stairs.
- The bright and stylish Clive Christian dining kitchen has stunning views over the garden and includes a 5 burner Rangemaster, integrated appliances and Amtico flooring. A substantial and fully fitted utility room and larder adjoin the kitchen with the added benefit of a door to the garden and a ceiling-mounted pulley.
- The cosy panelled sitting room retains the original fire surround but with the benefit of an attractive gas fire. Large sash windows bathe this room in light and the breath-taking views over the garden make this a particularly attractive room for relaxing in. Traditional fitted bookcases running the length of one wall provide scale and storage.
- The substantial Conservatory, accessed from either the sitting or drawing room, is a relatively modern addition and was built in hard-wearing Baltic wood. This stunning room provides an excellent relaxing or entertaining space with spectacular views over the garden and access to the upper sun terrace.
- The hallway to the West of the house leads to the formal panelled drawing room which is bright, spacious and impeccably designed in a contemporary, classical style. The large picture window with views to the garden and hills beyond is a particular feature of this impressive room, as is the imposing wood and stone fire surround and wood burning effect gas stove.
- A secret door within the panelling leads to a fully fitted Technogym with a door onto the garden. Within this area there is also a staircase leading to a cosy library with original oak flooring, full height oak shelving, a balcony overlooking the front garden and an attractive gas stove. In addition, this area also incorporates a large and bright professional home office, fully fitted with bespoke Vitra office furniture and extensive dual full fibre internet and phone connections. A small w/c and sink is found adjacent to the office and a deep cupboard provides useful storage for files.
- First Floor – The impressive staircase rises to a galleried landing where one ensuite double bedroom and the striking principal bedroom suite are situated. The stylish double bedroom is large and bright with 3 sash windows overlooking the gardens, ample storage and a stunning Art Deco bathroom. The master bedroom includes the original fireplace and benefits from breath taking views over the gardens and to the Pentland Hills beyond. A spacious and bright room, the décor is contemporary classic in style. The master en suite includes a substantial corner bath and separate shower, hardwood flooring, ample storage and a large sash window. This impressive suite also includes his and her dressing rooms, both fully fitted and with large windows and a concealed safe.
- The hallway also provides a deep, shelved storage cupboard and access to the internal staircase leading to the Tower area of the house.
- Second Floor – The bright Tower staircase benefits from a large window and leads to a delightful large sitting area with generous storage cupboards at either side, four further double bedrooms, a bathroom with bath and shower over and a charming study hole with a fitted desk and shelving above.
- Outside Space – Substantial front and rear gardens with breath taking features and views. Heated triple garage with workbench and water. Heated greenhouse. Two large garden stores, one fully heated.
- Planning Permission – The current owners have successfully gained planning permission for an extension to the south of the house, incorporating a swimming pool and gym. Full details can be sought from the selling agent.
- Listing – The property is Category A listed and lies within the Colinton Conservation Area
- Fixtures & Fittings – to be agreed
- EPC Rating: E
- Tenure: Freehold
- Council Tax Band: H
