A collection of outstanding and “unapologetically modern” new homes that will transform a historic space in Edinburgh’s South Queensferry landscape are soon to be launched to the market.
The development of Q Gardens, an impressive reinvention of the Georgian Scotstoun House estate, is being carried out by luxury home specialist – AMA New Homes and marries Scottish architectural heritage with breathtaking contemporary design.
Award-winning architects The Kettle Collective – known for landmark projects across the Middle East, Asia and Africa – have drawn up the plans for these striking new homes which will appeal to buyers searching for statement homes in a leafy garden setting close to the centre of Edinburgh.
Set in more than two hectares of parkland, the exclusive complex comprises 21 three, four and five-bedroom homes, characterised by fluid living spaces, an abundance of light, a sense of open space and biophilic designs.
Q Gardens sits in the grounds of the former Scotstoun Park House, a grand mansion built in the 1770s, thought to have been originally part of the Rosebery Estate.
The mansion was demolished in the 1960s after years of neglect and a modernist office block, Scotstoun House, was built in its place designed by influential architect Peter Fogo. The signature of Ove Arup, founder of global engineering firm ARUP, can be found in the concrete alongside the date 1965.
Created around a square floor plan that echoes the size and shape of the neighbouring Georgian walled garden, the B-listed classic building will be converted into four four-bedroom apartments and forms the centrepiece of the project.
Architect Tony Kettle said: “Our task was to convert and revitalise this modernist gem while celebrating the site’s heritage. The original sculpted concrete panels will be retained, while a floating roofline forms a continuous clerestory window beneath, an enduring hallmark of modernist design.
“Our plans set large villas and townhouses within the original mature landscaped setting of Scotstoun House with a central lawn and walled garden. The existing mature trees have been protected and supplemented with extensive new tree planting to create a protected garden setting, a green oasis within South Queensferry.
“The driving design principle behind Q Gardens was to blur the boundaries between inside and out and to bring the residents closer to nature.
“This can be seen in the plans for expansive floor to ceiling windows that link formal dining and living areas to private gardens, creating a seamless flow between the buildings and the verdant surroundings. Additionally, balconies and bedroom views are framed by mature tree canopies. At all times during the design process, we have sought to capitalise on the glorious woodland setting.”
Of particular note is a dramatic extension linking the original Georgian stable block and adjacent cottage with a glazed curtain wall to form a three-bedroom house.
Crafted with minimalist modernist detailing, the luxury development offers the high quality homes associated with AMA. The designs for these elegant residences are thoughtfully arranged around light-filled kitchens with statement extended islands, allowing residents to combine cooking with informal dining and offering both wonderful family rooms and ideal entertaining spaces.
The homes will feature air source heat pumps, a state-of-the-art mechanical ventilation heat recovery system, high levels of insulation and underfloor heating, providing energy-efficient and environmentally conscious heating systems.
Behnam Afshar, director of AMA, said: “The potential for an extraordinary development at Scotstoun was immediately obvious and we are immensely proud of the way in which we are reinventing this special space.
“Scotstoun’s heritage gave us an excellent foundation with which to work. We have brought together the site’s heritage and contemporary design to create the blueprint for a truly sustainable development of outstanding, unapologetically modern homes. We believe this will be a striking addition to the city’s prime property portfolio.”
Q Gardens is ideally located just 10 miles west of the centre of Edinburgh with excellent transport connections to the city. It is also close to the motorway network and Edinburgh Airport. South Queensferry is an attractive, historic harbour town which offers a broad range of shops, cafes, bars and restaurants, a popular sports centre, a busy marina and primary and secondary schools.
Currently under development, the first homes are expected to complete later this year.
Available off-plan, prices start from £680,000 for stylish three-bedroom linked villas. The stable conversion is available for offers over £925,000 and the five-bedroom detached villas set in their own garden grounds are for sale for offers over £1.3million.
For more information visit www.amahomes.co.uk.
