WowHaus

Architecturally, it is not as bold as some I have featured. But this 1960s house in Blackford, Edinburgh, is a fascinating house.

It’s all down to two things: the location and the interior. Not that there’s anything wrong with the architecture—it’s a clever design sitting on an incline and making the most of the views beyond. But the other two factors seal the deal.

The architecture comes to life from the rear. From the front, the house looks quite small. But it really opens up from the rear, with the house dropping down with its hillside location. Plenty of glazing for views across Edinburgh and a terrace if you want to take some air as you take in the scenery.

But there’s more to this house than just the design. This one has an interior that has been well maintained but, by and large, remains unchanged since its construction in – I would guess – the 1960s.

And that’s a big selling point. Retro houses, as well as houses with vintage and especially midcentury modern touches, are big news. There’s a big market for houses with this kind of character. Yes, some work will be needed. But just look at what you get.

I love the lounge opening out onto that terrace. The fireplace and surround are very of the era, but they still work for me.

Then, look the other way and see all of that lovely woodwork still in place. The bar area, which almost looks like a retro DJ booth (I am wondering if that’s an option), is just perfect. A couple of steps up, and there’s a very hip dining area with an original light fitting (there are a few of those around) and an equally stylish kitchen just off it and through a hatch, too.

As I said, there is a need for some updating, but the look, the flow and the overall design still work here. If anything, this look has come around again in the 21st century.

Did I mention the bathroom? That’s a work of art—absolutely screaming the era. Does it work on a practical level in 2024? I don’t know, but it would be a crying shame to see something so bold stylistically. In an era of white bathrooms, this is such a standout space.

A lot of living space, too, more than the front elevation might suggest.

Two floors of space, separated by the kind of wood staircase you would expect of a house of this era. That’s not a criticism, by the way. It’s another design feature that appeals to this eye.

An entrance vestibule consists of a hall with a cloakroom/WC and what’s described as a ‘spacious and bright’ sitting room with spectacular views beyond through the windows and via the balcony it accesses. It’s hard to disagree. As I said, there are some lovely original touches here and an indication of what’s to come elsewhere.

The dining room is accessed by the living room, an equally appealing space. I love the kitchen too. Updated in some way, but the units are very cool and I always love a hatch to a dining room. In an era of open-plan, they have gone out of fashion. But if you are keeping your kitchen separate, it’s a nice thing.

The principal bedroom shares the views and has an en-suite shower room. There are two more bedrooms and that amazing family bathroom. The last room is a utility with direct access to the garden.

The outside space is something of a selling point in itself. To the front of the property there is an easily maintained private garden and to the rear there is a mature private garden which enjoys those views of Edinburgh. Someone has taken a lot of care keeping both front and back in order.

Off-street parking, too, as well as a double garage for either a car or extra storage. For most people these days, it tends to be storage.

All of that in what’s described as a ‘quiet street in highly regarded and sought after residential area’. Offers over £660,000 if this one appeals.

Images and details courtesy of Lindsays. For more details and to make an enquiry, please visit the website.