SMALL but beautifully formed aptly sums up The Foundry, a unique, one bedroomed mews property on the edge of the UNESCO world heritage site in Edinburgh’s New Town Conservation Area, only a stone’s throw from Holyrood Palace and the Scottish Parliament.
This tiny stone-built property is believed to have been part of the Abbeyhill Foundry, which occupied the site prior to the construction of a police station in the 1890s, a striking B-listed red sandstone castellated property next door to the mews, which has since been converted to a private residence.
By the turn of the 21st Century the property had become derelict and was on the Buildings at Risk Register – until a few years ago when it was rescued by an architect who acquired planning permission to turn the building, which has a footprint of just 28 square metres, into a bijou home. Raising the roof and creating a large dormer-style window with views to the iconic Parliament building and Arthur’s Seat, enabled the accommodation to be laid out over two levels to maximise every inch of space.
The result is an extremely light and beautifully styled home with an open-plan flow to the split-level, first floor living space. The ground floor houses the entrance hall, storage cupboard and staircase, double bedroom and contemporary, fully tiled shower room. The staircase leads up to a fitted kitchen with integrated appliances, breakfast bar and steps up to a cleverly configured and exceedingly bright sitting room with Velux windows down one side – and unexpectedly, an external glazed door onto a delightful private decked terrace at the rear. From here, three further steps – crafted in wood and a design feature in their own right - access a quirky mezzanine-style dining area with clear glass balustrades that benefits from the over-sized dormer window.
The entire interior radiates light, enhanced by pristine white décor, natural wood finishes and low-maintenance flooring - the bedroom in parquet-style wood, while the hall, shower room, stairs and upper level floor areas are tiled.
The Foundry is a ‘love at first sight’ property and although small, its clever design makes it ideal for downsizers, professionals looking for a city centre base, and investors – the furniture may be available by separate negotiation. Offers over £250,000 are invited by Coulters’ Edinburgh office.
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