South Lauder Road, Edinburgh EH9 2LL

Built in 1879, 1 South Lauder Road was designed by the noted Edinburgh architect Robert Paterson, best known for the Café Royal. Originally named Westfield, the house was commissioned by John Alison and has since retained its status as a distinguished and substantial family home.

Occupying a prominent corner plot with extensive private garden grounds, the property has been home to a number of notable occupants over the years, reflecting its enduring appeal and architectural significance.

In 2005, the current owners undertook a comprehensive and highly sympathetic renovation in collaboration with leading conservation architects Simpson & Brown. This carefully considered programme restored the house to its former glory while seamlessly enhancing it for modern family living, ensuring it remains an exceptional example of period architecture adapted for contemporary use.

Today, 1 South Lauder Road is an outstanding detached Victorian villa of impressive scale and architectural integrity. Extending to over 8,000 sq ft, the house offers a superb balance of elegant formal reception space and relaxed, contemporary living, set within beautifully landscaped private gardens in Edinburgh’s highly sought-after Southside.

The principal reception rooms are particularly fine, showcasing excellent proportions, high ceilings and elegant bay windows. The drawing room is both refined and gracious, rich in period detail and enjoying direct access to a large south-facing conservatory.

The bay-windowed dining room flows seamlessly into a magnificent panelled library, creating a striking yet intimate retreat complete with extensive bespoke shelving. A further family room provides more informal living space and links naturally to the kitchen, forming the heart of the home.

The kitchen and dining area is superbly appointed, combining functionality with understated style. Bespoke cabinetry, a substantial central island and high-quality appliances are complemented by extensive glazing, which floods the space with natural light and creates a strong connection to the gardens. Large doors open directly onto a beautifully designed terrace, providing a seamless transition between indoor and outdoor living. The terrace offers a sheltered and highly private setting, framed by mature planting, and is ideal for al fresco dining and entertaining.

Additional ground floor accommodation includes a bar, utility room, pantry and boot room. The bedroom accommodation is arranged over the upper floors, including an impressive principal suite with dressing room and en suite shower room. There are four further generous double bedrooms, served by a well-appointed family bathroom and separate shower room.

The second floor provides highly versatile additional space, currently arranged as a gym, games room, art room and extensive storage, suitable for a variety of uses including leisure, home working or guest accommodation.

Completing the internal accommodation is a useful cellar providing additional storage. Externally, the mature gardens wrap around the house, offering a rare sense of privacy and seclusion for such a central location. The grounds include areas of lawn, established borders, a patio seating area, greenhouse, detached garage and parking for several vehicles.

South Lauder Road represents a rare opportunity to acquire a distinguished and substantial family home of exceptional quality, combining architectural pedigree, modern comfort and beautifully designed outdoor space. Perfectly positioned in the heart of The Grange, one of Edinburgh’s most sought-after residential areas, South Lauder Road offers an exceptional balance of tranquillity, generous living space and outstanding local amenity.

Set on a quiet, tree-lined street, the property is within easy reach of the vibrant neighbourhoods of Marchmont, Bruntsfield and Morningside, renowned for their cafés, independent boutiques and everyday conveniences.

The area is particularly well suited to family life, with an abundance of nearby green space including The Meadows, Blackford Hill and the Hermitage of Braid, all providing superb opportunities for outdoor recreation.

Schooling is a significant draw, with access to some of Edinburgh’s most highly regarded options, including James Gillespie’s Primary and High School, alongside leading independent schools such as George Heriot’s School, George Watson’s College and The Edinburgh Academy.

Connectivity is excellent, with regular public transport links to the city centre and convenient access to the City Bypass and wider road network.

Combining a peaceful setting with outstanding accessibility, The Grange offers a refined and family-friendly lifestyle just minutes from the heart of Edinburgh.