9 Howard Place, Edinburgh, EH3 5JZ

This most impressive Grade A-listed Georgian townhouse by James Gillespie Graham (Circa 1823) exudes immense character and charm. It retains many fine features including original fireplaces, working shutters, ornate cornice work and a wonderful gothic flagstone reception. Arranged over three levels, the versatile layout (278 sqm) will easily adapt to suit the ever-changing needs of modern life.

An elegant front living room on the ground floor has two tall windows, intricate cornicing and an original black marble fireplace with log-burning stove set on a tiled hearth. There are also a rear facing sitting room and kitchen at this level. The basement level is generously proportioned and has recently been used as separate accommodation which includes kitchen, bathroom, two bedrooms and a study area. There is access directly from the front and can access the rear garden from this basement level.

A stone cantilever staircase rises to the top floor which benefits from a large cupola allowing natural light to flood in. The original drawing room is stunning having triple windows and a working wood burner stove with original fireplace. Three further bedrooms, study and the family bathroom are also located here.

Central Heating and Double Glazing

Gas-fired central heating is complemented by three log burning stoves.  The property has original 12-pane windows.

Gardens and Parking

Accessible from street level, a gated staircase ascends to the paved courtyard. There are classic black railings, 4 under-pavement cellars and an alternative basement entrance door into the property. The walled rear garden is directly bounded by a secluded footpath which adjoins Warriston Crescent and Warriston playing fields. It enjoys a sunny east-facing exposure and is well stocked with mature herbaceous shrubs with patio area and level enclosed lawn.

Howard Place has zoned parking with resident and visitors permits available from Edinburgh City Council. General pay parking restrictions apply on week-days from 8.30 a.m. – 5.30 p.m.

Location

Part of a protected Conservation Area, Howard Place is historic within the highly acclaimed Inverleith district. This is a peaceful and leafy setting right next to the Warriston off-road cycle path/walk-way which will appeal to families and other keen cyclists.  It is only a few yards away from the beautiful Royal Botanical Garden and directly bounded by Canonmills and the New Town. Edinburgh's City Centre and Waverley Rail Station are within a one mile radius and regular bus services operate. A number of local shops, restaurants, coffee shops, excellent schools and other amenities are close to hand. There is a community Tennis Club comprising one adult and a childrens' court plus a general play area.

Historical Background

The site of this remarkable family home was once open, roaming countryside north of Edinburgh that tumbled down the hill towards the shores of the Firth of Forth. In 1581, the Warriston Estate passed from the Sommervilles to Clan Kincaid and, in 1706, to the Heriot Trust, who laid out Howard Place for housebuilding in 1809. Designed by distinguished architect James Gillespie Graham, No.9 was completed in 1823. The location was highly sought after due to the road up to Trinity that passed by the newly relocated Royal Botanic Garden, the Water of Leith, and the newly opened Edinburgh Academy.
 
Howard Place was modelled on the New Town's flagship Heriot Row, with upstairs drawing rooms spanning the entire three-window-width of the building. It may also have been the first Edinburgh address to boast both front and rear gardens. These pleasures remain: trees and flowers cushioning the space between the doorbell and friendly street; and a copious, peaceful landscape full of wildlife at the back, the rear gardens opening onto Warriston Playing Fields, and a network of secluded cycle paths beyond.
 
Inside No.9 you will be greeted by an unusual layout unique to only two houses on the street: the graceful first floor corridor that carries No.9 across the house next door in a 'flying freehold', lending two further bedrooms and a study to the property's already considerable floorspace.
 
The epitome of Edinburgh's buzzing, metropolitan life as a European capital, No.9 has welcomed artists, festival performers, fashion designers, politicians and diplomats from across the globe. Until 2001, late artist Elisa Trimby worked here in her garden-facing studio and until 2016 the residence was home to the Austrian Consulate.
 
With a pinch of inspiration from Scotland's own Robert Louis Stevenson, born next door at No.8, we invite you to write No.9's next chapter.

Valuation

The property has been valued at £1,000,000 and the Home Report is available via the ESPC web site.

EPC and Council Tax

It lies in Council Tax Band G and has a D-rated Energy Performance Certificate.