Occupying a peaceful setting next to the Water of Leith in the Stockbridge area of central Edinburgh, St Bernard’s Cottage is not only intensely beautiful, it also provides a masterclass in the art of adding a contemporary dimension to a period home.
Built in 1851 originally as two separate cottages, the property is complemented by beautifully maintained gardens and accessed by a cobbled driveway through entrance gates which once belonged to Nisbett Castle in the Borders. It also has a private locked access gate to the Water of Leith walkway, a scenic route to nearby Dean Village and beyond. Expertly upgraded to an exacting specification, including the addition of a contemporary predominantly glass extension to the rear, St Bernard’s Cottage is arguably one of the most exquisite homes in the city’s New Town.
Inside, spanning more than 3,700 sq ft over two levels, the accommodation incorporates three reception rooms, open-plan bespoke kitchen/dining/family area extension with direct access onto a paved patio and garden beyond, four bedrooms, study, and three bathrooms. Entered from a modern porch extension at the front, the spacious reception hall has a cloakroom off and leads on one side to a sitting room with original open fire, beyond which is the standout feature – an open plan living/dining/kitchen space with retractable glazed doors to the patio/garden, partially glazed roof, bespoke fitted kitchen (Kitchens International) with high-spec integrated appliances, D-shaped island, and Silestone work surfaces – the kitchen leads into another sizable living room with exposed stone wall and feature hole-in-the-wall Living Flame gas fire. There is also a utility with additional storage and direct access into the attached garage.
The four bedrooms are all on the first floor – where the principal bedroom steals centre stage with its pitched roof and floor-to-ceiling arched, single-pane window and door out onto a balcony. This striking room boasts a luxurious en suite bathroom (freestanding bath, twin basins) and dressing area. Another bedroom benefits from an en suite shower room, and the first-floor further benefits from a study and family shower room.
Key interior features include a predominantly white backdrop, which combined with extensive glazing, intensifies this beautiful home’s natural light and contemporary vibe, while an arched single-pane window gives a contemporary edge to the period staircase. Other original/standout features include fireplaces, wood flooring, and panelled windows/shutters. Outside, the peaceful leafy setting and gardens belie this home’s city centre location and include a paved patio, decked seating area, level lawn, and an abundance of parking space (EV charging points).
The cosmopolitan areas of Stockbridge and the New Town offer a wide range of specialist shops, restaurants, bars, and bistros, while local recreational facilities include the Royal Botanic Garden, Inverleith Park, and riverside walks along the Water of Leith. Simply beautiful, St Bernard’s Cottage is for sale with Knight Frank Edinburgh at offers over £2.85m.
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