Stunning transformation of army HQ properties to begin

Historic site to see 78 newly refurbished homes hit the market

AN EXCITING refurbishment of 78 former army HQ homes in one of Edinburgh’s most sought-after areas is due to start.

The houses, once home to military families, will now be renovated into quality starter homes and family residences, nestled within the scenic surroundings of the northwest fringe of Edinburgh.

Renamed Craigiehall Meadows, the enclave is set in a prime semi-rural location, adjacent to desirable areas such as Cammo, Cramond and Dalmeny and nestled against the River Almond where Salmon fishing permits are readily available.

Tzana Webster, Head of Estate Agency at Ralph Sayer, said: “Craigiehall Meadows will be a significant addition to Edinburgh’s residential offerings, bringing beautifully refurbished homes to market with high spec finishings that anyone would dream to have in their home.

“We’re incredibly fortunate to be able to be working at such a historic site and upon completion this will be an incredible location to live in.

“Work is due to start in the coming months and homes will be available to the market during the refurbishment process.

The homes on offer will feature a mix of detached, semi-detached, and terraced, each designed to offer convivial living areas and high-quality finishes.

Within the development, Hillside Road promises to offer great value refurbished starter homes as a blank canvas, perfect for first-time buyers and buy-to-rent owners to make their mark, while the Riverside and Primrose areas will offer large family homes with spacious gardens and high-quality finishes.

Tzana added: “Our hope for Craigiehall Meadows is to create a welcoming community for all stages of life.

“Whether you’re a first-time buyer, growing your family, or seeking a smaller, more manageable space, Craigiehall Meadows will offer something for everyone.

“This is an incredibly exciting project to be a part of and by the time the refurbishment phase is over, and we are starting to bring homes to market, this will be a site re-imagined and transformed.”

Originally requisitioned by the Armed Forces in 1939, Craigiehall has a rich history, including the negotiation and signing of the surrender of German forces in Norway in 1945.

The Ministry of Defence acquired the site in 1951, and it became the Headquarters for the Army in Scotland, marking its significance in military history.

Major developments in 1955 saw the establishment of permanent buildings at Craigiehall, replacing the temporary structures from World War II.

The former Army headquarters, Craigiehall Camp, operated from 1955 until 2014 and housed notable regiments, including The Black Watch, and became the HQ of the 2nd Infantry Division in 2000.

The base was announced for closure in 2011 as part of the Defence Basing Review, with the Army HQ in Scotland merging with the 51st Brigade at Forthside Barracks in Stirling.

Craigiehall Meadows will offer residents a unique combination of historical charm and modern convenience, set within a picturesque environment.

Those interested in the development can register their interest here –

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

Second Phase of luxury apartments introduced at West Craigs Green

A collection of eight luxury apartments has been released by the award-winning Scottish housebuilder, Cruden Homes, at the highly sought-after West Craigs Green development in the heart of West Edinburgh.

This exclusive collection offers a mix of one and two-bedroom apartments, all with stunning views of the nearby Lennie Park and Turnhouse golf course. The two-bedroom units feature private balconies, providing an ideal spot to enjoy the breathtaking sunset views.

With prices starting from £220,000, each apartment boasts an open-plan living, dining, and kitchen area, designed with both comfort and style in mind. High-quality fixtures and fittings are included as standard. This release marks the second phase of apartments within the development, following the successful launch of the first phase in early April 2024, which saw strong levels of demand.

In addition to the new apartments, the West Craigs development includes a range of three-bedroom terraced and semi-detached houses, and four-bedroom townhouses, each with private gardens.

The West Craigs area is undergoing significant transformation, evolving into a vibrant and friendly neighbourhood with abundant green spaces, including the newly established Lennie and Meadowfield Parks. Future plans include a new primary school and nursery, café, and health centre within walking distance.

Conveniently situated between Barnton and South Gyle, West Craigs Green is just five miles from Edinburgh city centre. It benefits from excellent transport links, including cycle routes, bus, rail, and tram stops in close proximity.

The Gyle Shopping Centre is easily accessible on foot or by car, offering a range of amenities such as high street shops, a supermarket, and eateries.

Hazel Davies, Sales and Marketing Director at Cruden Homes, said: “West Craigs Green is a vibrant, community-focused development, and is perfectly located for those who wish to live in more scenic surroundings with all the benefits of staying close to the city centre. 

“Many of these spacious apartments have balconies providing scenic views of Lennie Park and Turnhouse golf course. We had a great response to the first phase of apartments and it highlights the strong demand for quality housing in this area.

“This new release of apartments further enhances this wonderful development, making it an excellent choice for first-time buyers, young professionals, and those looking to downsize.”

A number of incentives are available for home buyers looking to move into West Craigs Green, including part exchange and assisted move packages, along with Land and Buildings Transaction Tax support, furniture packages and flooring. 

Prices for the latest release of apartments range from £220,000, with first completions expected in November 2024.

To view or find out more about reserving a property at Cruden Homes’ latest West Craigs Green development, visit www.westcraigsgreen.co.uk or call 0131 600 0095.

The sales and marketing suite, along with the show home, are open Thursday to Monday, 10:30 am – 5:30 pm.

Planning granted for £31m housing development in Tranent

Avant Homes Scotland will deliver 92 new homes in Tranent after being granted planning permission for a £31m residential development.

Called Thistle Meadows and located off South Glynn Walk, the development will comprise a mix of three-, four- and five-bedroom family homes.

It will feature 10 of Avant Homes’ practically designed, energy-efficient house types including semi-detached and detached homes. Prices for the properties are to be released at a later date.

Work at Thistle Meadows is scheduled to start this month. It is anticipated that the first properties will be released for sale in June and the first residents will move into their new homes in February 2025.

Avant Homes Scotland managing director, Jim Wilkinson, said: “As a business, we are committed to providing quality new homes for everyone in locations where people want to live.

“We now look forward to starting work on Thistle Meadows to provide local residents and people wanting to move to Tranent with a range of practically designed, energy-efficient homes at various price points.

“We have great mix of properties that will appeal to everyone from first-time buyers to second-steppers, families and downsizers.

“This is demonstrated by the significant number of sales enquiries we already have for Thistle Meadows and, now that we have been granted planning, we expect this demand to increase further.”

For more information on the development, search ‘Avant Homes Thistle Meadows’.

Avant Homes acquires Tranent site to deliver £31m, 92 home development

Avant Homes Scotland has acquired a 9.25-acre site in Tranent to deliver a £31m, 92 new home development.

Called Thistle Meadows and located off Winton Court in the town, the development will comprise a mix of three-, four- and five-bedroom family homes.

It will feature 10 of Avant Homes’ practically designed, energy-efficient house types including semi-detached and detached homes. Prices for the individual properties will be released once planning is granted.

Thistle Meadows will form part of the Windygoul South Masterplan. This includes the expansion of the Windygoul primary and secondary school campus, as well as improvements and upgrades to the local allotment areas, footpath networks, sports pitches and transport network.

Subject to planning, work will start at Thistle Meadows in May this year and it is anticipated the first homes will be released for sale in June. A show home is scheduled to open in November and the first residents are scheduled to move into their new homes in early 2025.

Avant Homes Scotland managing director, Jim Wilkinson, said: “Our Thistle Meadows site acquisition represents an exciting opportunity for us to expand our development footprint into Tranent.

“As a housebuilder, we want to build quality new homes for everyone and this site is an ideal location for us to deliver our range of practically designed, energy-efficient homes in a place people want to live.

“We look forward to East Lothian Council considering our plans to deliver a new and thriving community within the town.”

Edinburgh-based Avant Homes Scotland currently has nine live developments. These range from Craigowl Law in Dundee to Draffen Park in Stewarton.

Avant Homes Scotland is part of the Avant Homes Group, whose house types are ideal for the private, rented, and affordable sectors. The company operates across Scotland, the north of England and Midlands from eight regional operating businesses.

At present, Avant Homes Group employs more than 600 people. The housebuilder’s ambition is to develop its multi-tenure business further across its existing regions and beyond, creating communities as well as providing employment opportunities.

Avant Homes Group is also committed to its environmental, social and governance (ESG) responsibilities in line with its vision to construct and sell “quality homes, for everyone”.

The housebuilder’s ESG strategy recognises its obligations to all stakeholders to deliver a sustainable future. Avant Homes’ house types are significantly more energy efficient compared to existing housing stock and appeal to a wide range of customers with different affordability requirements.

Each of Avant Homes’ developments provides a safe place for employees and sub-contractors to work as well supporting its supply chain. The housebuilder creates communities in places where people want to live.

Avant Homes is committed to securing sustainable growth through private for sale, PRS and additional affordable housing.

This better serves customers and communities, particularly where the cost of living has increased and affordability is stretched.

Avant Homes has invested in the internal expertise to develop and deliver strategic relationships with PRS investors as well as affordable housing providers.

The Group recently announced the sale of 306 new homes across eight developments to a leading private rented housing provider, Sigma Capital Group, for over £59.5m.

Four of the developments are in north east England, two in Yorkshire with the balance in the East Midlands. This significant PRS transaction demonstrates the company’s ability to deliver a significant volume of quality new homes to a major PRS investor. 

For the year ended 30 June 2023, the Avant Homes Group delivered 1,766 completions.

For further information visit www.avanthomes.co.uk

New homes announced at ‘hidden gem in East Lothian’s crown’

Home buyers who missed out on new homes at a unique and award winning village development in East Lothian will be pleased to hear that a further 102 new properties are now underway by Cruden Homes at Longniddry Village.

This exceptional new development carefully blends traditional village design, with all the benefits of modern and flexible living.   

East Lothian regularly tops the polls as one of best places to live in the UK. This family-friendly development, nestled in the close-knit village of Longniddry, offers fantastic tranquil scenery, just 30 minutes from Edinburgh’s popular city centre, and a short drive from some of Scotland’s most popular coastal towns and villages.

Homeowners also have access to superb amenities, with an abundance of golden beaches, a local primary school, a sports centre and golf clubs located nearby.

Longniddry Village won the prized ‘Development of the Year’ title at the industry-leading Herald Property Awards in late 2023.

The highly sustainable development has been praised as ‘one of the best examples of new housing ever seen’, pairing period features and original architecture with the flexibility, function and style demanded for modern living. 

The overarching vision and approach for Longniddry Village was developed in partnership with landowner Wemyss and March Estates with master developer, Socially Conscious Capital.   

Cruden’s second phase of 102 new homes for sale will cater for a range of homeowners, including first time buyers, growing families and downsizers.

Together with one- and two-bedroom flats, there will be a range of spacious two, three, four and five-bedroom homes with house types including bungalows, terraced, semi-detached and detached homes.

Hazel Davies, Sales and Marketing Director of Cruden Homes, said: “East Lothian is an extremely sought-after area to live and Longniddry Village is the hidden gem in its crown. 

When home buyers quickly flocked to buy the first phase of new homes here, many missed out, so we are delighted to announce a further 102 homes for sale.

“Longniddry ticks all the boxes for today’s homebuyer with its stunning coastal location, village setting and easy access to the Capital. Longniddry Village is now firmly at the heart of the Longniddry community and we’re delighted to support the area’s growing population with more of these exceptional new properties.”  

Prices for the first release of properties will be announced at the Phase 2 sales launch at the end of April, however prospective buyers are encouraged to register their interest now to receive an invitation to an exclusive preview event ahead of the public launch.

https://www.crudengroup.co.uk/homes/developments/longniddry-village-phase-2

Housebuilder launches new luxury apartments in growing West Edinburgh community

Award-winning housebuilder, Cruden Homes, has announced the release of luxury 1-and-2 bedroom apartments at its popular West Craigs Green development in the heart of west Edinburgh. 

Many plots come complete with generous balconies and stunning views over green open space, creating the perfect spot to unwind. Prices in the latest release of apartments range from £220,000 to £293,500, with first completions expected in Autumn 2024.

The new development has seen high levels of demand and the new apartments add to a range of 3 bedroom terraced and semi-detached houses and 4-bedroom townhouses, each with their own private gardens. 

The West Craigs area is undergoing exceptional transformation and offers a growing and friendly neighbourhood with an abundance of green space, including the brand-new Lennie and Meadowfield Parks. There are also plans for a new primary school, cafe and health centre, all within walking distance. 

Ideally located between Barnton and South Gyle, West Craigs Green is just five miles from Edinburgh’s city centre and benefits from excellent transport links, including cycle routes, bus, rail and tram stops within close proximity.

The Gyle shopping centre offers a range of amenities, including high street shops, a supermarket and eateries, all easily accessible on foot or by car. 

Last month, the stunning new ‘Orchid’ show home opened for viewing at the development,  offering a modern open-plan living with a large kitchen/dining area at the back of the home, a welcoming lounge, very generously sized master bedroom and a family bathroom. 

Hazel Davies, Sales and Marketing Director at Cruden Homes, said: “West Craigs Green is a thriving community-inspired development in Edinburgh providing the ideal place for buyers who want to live in a scenic location, yet within easy reach of city life. 

“Following the enthusiastic response to the first phase of West Craigs Green, our brand new apartment offering only serves to extend the appeal of the development, making it the perfect location for first time buyers, young professionals and those looking to downsize.”

To view or find out more about reserving a property at Cruden Homes’ latest West Craigs Green development, visit https://crudenhomes.homeselector.uk/west-craigs-green or call 0131 600 0095.

The sales & marketing suite and showhome are open Thursday to Monday, 10.30am – 5.30pm.

Avant Homes to build £43.85m, 170 new home development in Rosyth

Avant Homes Scotland will deliver 170 new homes in Rosyth with a gross development value of £43.85m after acquiring a 16.5-acre site with planning permission off Admiralty Road.

Called Stewart’s Quarter, the development will comprise a mix of two-, three-, four- and five-bedroom homes.

It will feature 13 of Avant Homes’ practically designed, energy-efficient detached and semi-detached properties. Prices for homes at Stewart’s Quarter will be released at a later date.

The housebuilder will be investing around £27m to deliver the development, supporting local businesses and communities over a five-year period.

Stewart’s Quarter will form part of the Rosyth Garden Village master plan which will see the delivery of a mixed-use development. Once complete, it will comprise up to 390 new homes, retail units, offices, sheltered housing and a care home.

Work has started at Stewart’s Quarter and it is anticipated the first homes will be released for sale towards the end of March. A show home is scheduled to open this September and the first residents are scheduled to move into their new homes in October.

Avant Homes Scotland managing director, Jim Wilkinson, said: “We are very pleased to have been able to acquire what is an excellent residential development site in Rosyth. It is a great place to live which will be enhanced even further by the Rosyth Garden Village master plan.

“Our objective is to build quality new homes for everyone and our mix of practically designed, energy efficient properties at Stewart’s Quarter available at a range of price points will ably demonstrate that.

“We already have many enquiries from people wanting to live at the development and now we have started work it has stimulated further interest. We look forward to releasing the first homes for sale and providing people with the opportunity to make their ideal next move.”

Edinburgh-based Avant Homes Scotland currently has nine live developments. These range from Craigowl Law in Dundee to Draffen Park in Stewarton.

Avant Homes Scotland is part of the Avant Homes Group, whose house types are ideal for the private, rented, and affordable sectors. The company operates across Scotland, the north of England and Midlands from eight regional operating businesses.

At present, Avant Homes Group employs more than 600 people. The housebuilder’s ambition is to develop its multi-tenure business further across its existing regions and beyond, creating communities as well as providing employment opportunities.

Avant Homes Group is also committed to its environmental, social and governance (ESG) responsibilities in line with its vision to construct and sell “quality homes, for everyone”.

The housebuilder’s ESG strategy recognises its obligations to all stakeholders to deliver a sustainable future. Avant Homes’ house types are significantly more energy efficient compared to existing housing stock and appeal to a wide range of customers with different affordability requirements.

Each of Avant Homes’ developments provides a safe place for employees and sub-contractors to work as well supporting its supply chain. The housebuilder creates communities in places where people want to live.

Avant Homes is committed to securing sustainable growth through private for sale, PRS and additional affordable housing.

This better serves customers and communities, particularly where the cost of living has increased and affordability is stretched.

Avant Homes has invested in the internal expertise to develop and deliver strategic relationships with PRS investors as well as affordable housing providers.

The Group recently announced the sale of 306 new homes across eight developments to a leading private rented housing provider, Sigma Capital Group, for over £59.5m.

Four of the developments are in north east England, two in Yorkshire with the balance in the East Midlands. This significant PRS transaction demonstrates the company’s ability to deliver a significant volume of quality new homes to a major PRS investor. 

For the year ended 30 June 2023, the Avant Homes Group delivered 1,766 completions.

For further information visit www.avanthomes.co.uk

Sales launching at landmark Edinburgh development

Luxury homes at renowned capital location coming to market

HOMEBUYERS looking to move to one of Edinburgh’s best-known buildings will soon have their chance to secure a luxury property in the heart of the city.

Square & Crescent will launch sales for its anticipated Royal Meadows development next month – which will comprise of a mix of premium townhouses and apartments carefully restored in and around the former Royal Hospital for Sick Children building.

Occupying an outstanding location on the edge of The Meadows, one of Edinburgh’s most famous parks, this unique development will include a mix of one, two, and three bedroom apartments, four bedroom penthouses and four and five bedroom townhouses. 

The high-quality homes sit on a four-acre site directly opposite The Meadows, one of Edinburgh’s best-known landmarks, and lie between Sciennes Road and Rillbank Crescent. 

Euan Marshall, Co-Founder and Joint Managing Director said: “We’ve recognised from day one that taking on a building that has so much history and profile is a major responsibility – and one that our team has embraced. 

“To get to this stage has taken a huge amount of craftsmanship, but the result is homes that will be beautiful and characterful at a location that will offer buyers the very best of Edinburgh. 

“We’re really thrilled to be able to bring the first homes to market in the coming weeks.” 

The Royal Meadows sales suite is set to open next month, with phase one including the sales launch of 22 properties from a one-bedroom apartment to a five-bedroom three storey townhouse. Construction on the residential development is set to be fully completed in around two years from now. 

Nestled in the heart of Marchmont and The Grange area of Edinburgh, the Royal Meadows development is well-connected – just one mile from Princes Street and a short walk from Lothian Road. 

The premium residential developer also recently announced a fitting charity partnership with Edinburgh Children’s Hospital Charity (ECHC) – which helps seriously ill babies, children and young people in Edinburgh and the Lothians by supporting their medical care, mental health and family’s wellbeing. ECHC’s former headquarters is one of the buildings being converted as part of the major Royal Meadows development.

Simon Cook, Co-Founder and Joint Managing Director said: “We appreciate that the hospital building itself means a lot of different things to a lot of different people and that’s why it’s important for us to carefully restore it as we respect its history and look to do the building justice. Thanks to the ongoing dedication of the team and skilled local contractors for their commitment in the restoration.

“This important milestone marks a major chapter in the development timeline. It won’t be long until people can enjoy their new homes at Royal Meadows.”

Square & Crescent is a widely regarded residential developer with a primary focus on the acquisition and development of historic buildings into beautiful homes.

It has built a strong track record and trusted reputation in providing some of the best residential conversion projects over the past 10 years, making a move in recent years into developing unique new build homes, providing exceptional and sustainable modern living in a variety of different locations within Edinburgh.

For more information on Royal Meadows, or to register interest, visit the development website www.royalmeadows.co.uk or call 07586 129184.

Rowanbank Gardens Welcomes First ‘Move Ins’

Initial phase of sustainable Edinburgh new homes development now complete

Edinburgh’s Rowanbank Gardens has welcomed its first residents – in little more than two years since construction started on the new homes’ development dubbed a ‘spectacular blueprint for low carbon living.’  

Almost 80 per-cent of the development’s first ‘Appleberry’ homes phase is now sold and occupied, with the next phase due for completion this month.

Located in the heart of the bustling Edinburgh suburb of Corstorphine, Rowanbank Gardens is now delivering 93 apartments for private sale set around a large garden space filled with fruit trees and communal planting beds.

The development is proving to be a popular destination for first-time buyers and downsizers wanting to live in well-connected, vibrant community just minutes from the city centre. 

Nearly half of all apartments have already been snapped up by savvy buyers, impressed by the combination of high-quality living, immaculate environmental credentials and central location, with just four apartments remaining of the completed Appleberry phase.

Developer Artisan Real Estate scooped the first ever ‘Excellence in Sustainability’ gong at this year’s Scottish Homes Awards. And while Artisan has been hitting the headlines for the impeccable environmental credentials of its developments, it is the high quality of the internal spaces which has been wooing buyers, according to Artisan’s New Homes Sales Advisor Izzy Bastiani. 

“It’s wonderful to be welcoming our first Rowanbank Gardens residents into their new homes,” she says. “Our buyers are now experiencing at first-hand the light and airy living spaces, as well as the quality of the natural oak flooring and the fittings in the kitchen and bathroom, all of which come as standard.”

The new occupants of Rowanbank Gardens are also benefitting from the developer’s commitment to achieving zero carbon low-cost living. It is one of the first large developments in Scotland to employ individual air source heat pumps in all apartments, providing both heating and domestic hot water.  Izzy adds: “As well as experiencing an extremely high quality of life at Rowanbank Gardens, homeowners can also save money as well as the environment. 

“Energy costs have been predicted to cost up to 60% less than other new build apartments in the surrounding area, with research showing that average annual hot water and space heating costs for a two-bedroom apartment could be as low as £775 per year, or less than £65 per month*.”

Prices for a one-bedroom apartment at Rowanbank Gardens start from £245,000, with a two-bedroom from £325,000 and a three-bedroom from £422,500. 

To discuss the incentives currently available or to book an appointment at the Rowanbank Gardens show home, visit the development website www.rowanbankgardens.com or call 0131 516 3302.

* Based on a typical two-bedroom apartment – figures correct as of Q4 2022.

Green light for affordable housing development at Newcraighall East

An ‘exciting’ new residential development in Newcraighall has been granted, subject to conditions, by councillors on City of Edinburgh Council’s development management sub-committee.

The site, to be developed by housing specialists Cullross Ltd, will see 220 mixed-residential units brought to the area, located east of Glennie Road.

Flats, colony flats, and townhouses are included in the ambitious plans, with 163 (74 per cent) of the units being for affordable housing which will be delivered by Cullross on behalf of Hillcrest Homes. The remainder being for private housing.

 A substantial open park space, with quality landscaping, will be provided for the local community and the layout integrates with the existing residential development.

The proposed development is allocated as housing site HSG27 in the Council’s Local Development Plan, where residential development is acceptable in principle.

It also delivers a 20-minute neighbourhood, being within 10-minites of a school, open place, play parks and a railway station, as well as a number of active travel connections. The site is within a 20-minute walk of Fort Kinnaird Retail Park and Queen Margaret University.

Twenty-minute neighbourhoods are places that are designed so residents can meet their day-to-day needs within a 20-minute walk of their homes.

The proposals include education and healthcare contributions to mitigate its impact on the locality.

Cullross Ltd has nearly 60 years of combined experience designing, developing, and building new homes and specialising in affordable housing projects. 

Mark Beaton, Director of Cullross Ltd., said: “We are delighted to have had our application for residential development at Newcraighall East granted, subject to conditions.

“Extensive community consultation was undertaken on our ambitious proposals which will bring much-needed housing, the majority of which will be affordable housing, to Edinburgh.

“We were particularly keen to ensure that there is extensive greenspace available to the local community, including delivering a substantial landscaped open park.

“As the project progresses to site, we look forward to continuing to engage with the local community on this.”

Angela Linton, Hillcrest Chief Executive, said: “We’re delighted to again partner with Cullross to deliver another high-profile development.

“The 163 Hillcrest properties, which will form a significant portion of this development in Newcraighall, will offer a welcome boost of high-quality affordable housing to the city of Edinburgh.”

Rod Duncan, director of jmarchitects, said: “jmarchitects are delighted that the planning application for Newcraighall has been approved. The six month process from start to approval is testament to the team and to the City of Edinburgh Council.

“The masterplan on an allocated site will deliver 220 new homes within a design framework that is based on sustainable and biodiverse principles with placemaking at its heart.”