1960s modern house in Colinton, Edinburgh

This 1960s modern house in Colinton, Edinburgh, a dream of a project for someone, has just gone on the market.

A dream because this one has it all if you are a fan of modern architecture from the mid-20th century. An interesting design, an original interior and the potential to bring it back to its best. Work is required, but the key details are still in place to return it to its former glory.

I believe the house dates from the late 1960s, possibly even sneaking into 1970. That kind of era. However, the design has the look of something a little earlier. Regardless of the date, this is 1960s-style architecture that has aged well.

An interesting, angular design in brick with the occasional splash of colour, it has open spaces, a lovely flow, angled ceilings and lots of natural light. Good architectural design never really ages. But some of the features might be showing their age. Note that I said ‘some’ because there are plenty of details here that I would look to save in any renovation.

The wonderful parquet flooring, for one, is always nice to see. Plenty of built-in furnishings, too, which in many cases have come around again and, you would hope, are repurposed in an updated house. Some nice light fittings are still in place as well.

Other features, such as the fireplace in the living room, the kitchen units, the bathroom, and the conservatory, might be down to personal taste. Another one that hovers between the two is the staircase. I love it, but I know it might not be for everyone.

Whatever you decide for that and all the other furnishings and fittings, think carefully before you move ahead. Most of these have been in place for over 50 years and will be nearly impossible to replace. Of course, updates are required to turn this characterful house into a 21st-century living space. But you probably don’t want to sacrifice too much of the past to create that present.

There are two more selling points here as well. First off, the popular location of Colinton and, secondly, the land surrounding the house. It’s a sizeable plot that offers both privacy and as much potential as the inside. If you like to get out into the garden, I suspect this one is for you.

The garden is big, but as I said, the internal space is too, listed as 152 sq. metres.

The house is accessed via a large driveway, which in turn leads to a carport and garage. If you love your cars, there is likely to be an appeal on that front.

Walk in, and you are greeted by an entrance hall with two storage cupboards, which in turn accesses the spacious sitting room, with glazing to the front and side as well as a door to the side of the property. The flooring, the beams, the fireplace, the fitted units and the full-height windows make this something special.

The dining room can be accessed from both the living room and kitchen and has a door leading through to the conservatory, which gives a good view of that garden.

The fitted kitchen looks to have been reworked in the past but probably needs a rethink once more. It’s a great space, though, and it’s good to see the old drying rail still in place up above. A family bathroom and an additional WC complete the accommodation on the ground floor.

But there’s much more elsewhere. On the first floor are three double bedrooms with fitted units and the occasional angled ceiling. Again, all are in need of freshening up but of a good size.

There is also a lower ground floor, which currently hosts a family room (or bedroom four) with a door to the front of the property, a study (or bedroom five), and a large utility room with a door to the rear garden.

As I said, plenty of garden, which looks to be a mix of law, borders, trees and a cobbled feature area. A much larger space than you would find on pretty much any modern build. Another selling point of 1960s houses.

As for the price, that’s offers over £650,000. I don’t think there will be a shortage of takers, so get in now for a viewing.
Images and details courtesy of Lindsays. For more details and to make an enquiry, please visit the website.


