Tag: former Army HQ

Craigiehall Barracks now home to thriving new community

Scottish army HQ reborn as first phase of new redevelopment sells out

IN just over a year, the first phase of a former Edinburgh army headquarters has been transformed from derelict barracks into a thriving new community.

Craigiehall Meadows, formerly Craigiehall Barracks, has now reached a major milestone with Hillside Road, the first phase of the development to come to market, has now completely sold out.

In summer 2024, work began to breathe new life into 78 long-abandoned houses that once housed generations of army families.

Just over a year on, the first phase has seen 26 homes sold, worth a combined £7,185,000, and is already home to a thriving community of 53 people.

Tzana Webster, Head of Estate Agency at Ralph Sayer, which oversees all sales at Craigiehall Meadows, said: “When work first began just over a year ago, we knew we had a huge challenge ahead of us to bring this site to life and create something really special.

“The whole team has been incredible. Together, we’ve taken what was once an empty, forgotten place and turned it into one of Edinburgh’s most sought-after new communities in a truly beautiful location.

“To have sold out Hillside Road in just over a year is amazing. We always believed this would be a popular development, but the demand has gone far beyond what we imagined.

“Now, seeing this part of the development alive with families settling in, first-time buyers putting down roots and young professionals building their futures, all so happy in their new homes, makes every bit of the hard work worthwhile.”

The second phase of the development at Craigiehall Meadows launched in May, introduced two new streets, Riverside Road and Primrose Drive.

Riverside Road features 27 detached homes, 21 four-bedroom properties in the Holly, Hazel, Oak and Yew styles, along with six five-bedroom homes in the Pine and Alder styles.

A short walk away, Primrose Drive offers eight substantial five-bedroom Willow homes. Together, the 35 new homes combine generous space, landscaped gardens, high-quality finishes and modern, energy-efficient features, with prices ranging from £550,000 to £600,000.

Tzana added: “Hillside Road was our core focus for a long time, but now that this chapter has closed, we’re fully focused on driving forward with phase two and we’re confident Riverside Road and Primrose Drive will be every bit as successful.

“We’ve already seen an incredible amount of interest in these homes, and it’s easy to understand why. They’re spacious, beautifully finished and set in a location that’s perfect for families who want both room to grow and a real sense of community.

“With larger detached homes, landscaped gardens and the backdrop of the River Almond and surrounding woodlands, this next chapter offers something really special, and we can’t wait to welcome the next group of buyers into Craigiehall Meadows.”

Craigiehall Meadows is the latest chapter in the long story of a site that once played a central role in Scotland’s military history.

Established in 1939 to house army families, it became the Scottish Army Headquarters in 1951 and was active for decades, with regiments including The Black Watch based there until the barracks closed in 2019.

Now, the site is being carefully reimagined. What was once a military stronghold is fast becoming one of Edinburgh’s most desirable new neighbourhoods.

The site offers a tranquil, semi-rural lifestyle, just minutes from Cammo, Cramond and Dalmeny, yet still perfectly connected to the capital.

Viewings are now open by appointment for the Riverside Road and Primrose Drive show homes.

Early booking is strongly advised to avoid disappointment. To arrange a slot, contact Ralph Sayer on 0131 225 5567 or property@ralphsayer.com

To learn more about Craigiehall Meadows, please visit:

 https://www.craigiehall-meadows.co.uk/

Scenic family homes come to market amid ‘phenomenal’ interest

Househunters urged to book viewing slots as early as possible for sought-after location

THE newest chapter at one of Edinburgh’s most in-demand residential developments is opening, as a new collection of high-spec family homes are now welcoming viewings.

Riverside Road and Primrose Drive mark an important phase in the transformation at Craigiehall Meadows, where the once abandoned home of the British army, is fast becoming a flourishing community.

Launching on May 3, the development will welcome viewings by appointment, offering buyers a first look at the new, spacious, family-focused homes on offer in one of the capital’s most desirable settings.

Tzana Webster, Head of Estate Agency at Ralph Sayer, said: “The appetite for Craigiehall Meadows has been nothing short of phenomenal, and we’re thrilled that Hillside is now almost completely sold out, just months after launch.

“We’ve seen demand from a broad range of buyers, but at its heart, the demand comes down to this just being an exceptional place to live, with high-quality homes set in a beautiful setting surrounded by nature.

“In this next phase, we’re offering exactly what many families are searching for, spacious homes at a highly competitive price.

“Riverside Road and Primrose Drive represent the next step up, larger homes with room to grow, and we fully expect interest to soar as buyers see what’s coming next.”

The launch follows the runaway success of Hillside Road, where 26 semi-detached homes were snapped up at an astonishing rate, with just a small number remaining available.

Riverside Road will feature 27 detached homes, comprising 21 four-bedroom and 6 five-bedroom properties.

Buyers can choose from a range of distinctive styles: Holly, Hazel, Oak, and Yew for the four-bedroom homes, and Pine and Alder for the five-bedroom homes, with prices ranging from £550,000 to £600,000. 

Every home has been thoughtfully designed to provide generous space with beautiful, landscaped gardens, quality finishes and modern, energy-efficient features that cater to the needs of growing families.

A short walk away, Primrose Drive will feature eight substantial five-bedroom homes, each of the same luxurious Willow style with prices ranging from £565,000 to £575,000.

These expansive properties will include garages, spacious kitchens and generous living areas and bedrooms all set along a quiet, tree-lined avenue designed to offer privacy and space.

Tzana added: “The show homes give buyers their first chance to truly visualise what life at Riverside Road and Primrose Drive could be like.

“These homes have been meticulously planned with modern family lifestyles in mind. From the modern finishes to spacious gardens, every detail has been considered, and we expect viewing slots to fill very quickly.

“It’s hard to believe that it’s been almost a year since work started on site. The transformation has been nothing short of incredible.

“Hillside is now bustling with new residents and it’s already feeling like a proper community. Seeing families move in, kids playing outside, and people walking their dogs through what was once a closed-off site, it’s a brilliant turnaround.

“There’s a real buzz around the place now and it’s fantastic to see the area thriving again.”

Set against a backdrop of mature woodlands and tracing the banks of the River Almond, Craigiehall Meadows enjoys a rare combination of tranquillity and connectivity.

Just minutes from Cammo, Cramond and Dalmeny, it offers families the chance to enjoy a semi-rural lifestyle while remaining well-linked to the capital.

Once the site of the Scottish Army Headquarters, Craigiehall has played a significant role in modern history.

First established in 1939 to house military families, it was instrumental in operations following the German surrender in Norway in 1945 and remained an active base for regiments including The Black Watch until its closure in 2019.

During a recent visit, local MSP and Scottish Liberal Democrat leader Alex Cole-Hamilton praised the transformation, saying: “What I love about the Craigiehall Meadows development is that they are lovingly restoring 1960s housing to the highest specification possible, so that they’ll have a new lease of life where families will enjoy them for decades to come.”

Viewings are strictly by appointment and now open for the Riverside Road and Primrose Drive show home, with appointments available on Saturday 3 and Sunday 4 May.

Those interested are encouraged to contact Ralph Sayer on 0131 225 5567 or property@ralphsayer.com to secure a slot, early booking is strongly advised to avoid disappointment.

First homes hit the market at Craigiehall Meadows

Two and three bed semi-detached homes available

THE FIRST homes at a highly anticipated Edinburgh development have been launched to the market.

First phase is now available at Craigiehall Meadows, the redevelopment of 78 homes that formed part of the expansive UK Army Scottish headquarters on the north-west fringe of the city.

All offer large plots with front and back gardens, refurbished interiors and exteriors and are located on Hillside Road at the northern portion of the development.

The first plots released at Hillside Road can be available to move into before the end of the year, with the available plots mirroring the two recently launched show homes, allowing those interested in making a move to get inspired.

The site has attracted large interest from first time buyers and families, with developers urging those interested to act quick to avoid missing out on their potential dream home.

Tzana Webster, Head of Estate Agency at Ralph Sayer which manage the development said: “Seeing Craigiehall Meadows come to life has been an incredibly rewarding journey.

“We’ve worked hard to preserve the site’s rich history while creating homes that cater to modern living, and it’s great to see the first properties now on the market.

“Both the Juniper and Poplar homes offer spacious layouts and generous garden plots, making them perfect for families looking to grow and first-time buyers taking their first step onto the property ladder.”

The Juniper, a two-bedroom semi-detached home is priced at a fixed £255,000, and the Poplar, a three-bedroom semi-detached home, available at a fixed £320,000.

Tzana added: “The response so far has been amazing, with interest from those with ties to the site’s past and new buyers eager to join and build a unique and welcoming community.

“This is just the start of what we’re offering, and 2025 is shaping up to be an exciting year, as we will introduce even more homes to the Edinburgh market.

“We’re currently hosting viewings for those interested and with such high demand, we encourage anyone interested to act quickly to ensure they don’t miss out on what could be their dream home.”

Craigiehall Meadows offers a peaceful, rural setting with seamless connectivity to Edinburgh city centre, major motorways, and Edinburgh Airport.

Residents can enjoy the tranquillity of the countryside while being just moments away from sought-after neighbourhoods like Barnton, Cramond, and Cammo.

The development presents a unique opportunity for buyers, featuring homes with spacious interiors and the generous garden plots characteristic of the former army residences.

Those interested in the development can register their interest here – https://www.craigiehall-meadows.co.uk/

Viewings are now open and those interested can contact Ralph Sayer on 0131 225 5567 | property@ralphsayer.com to book in a viewing appointment for the 2 Bedroom Juniper or the 3 Bedroom Poplar. 

Bookings are strictly by appointment only.