Location
A handsome A-listed Georgian townhouse steeped in history with an enchanting rear garden and close to the city centre.
8 Howard Place is a truly charming townhouse of historical significance in excellent order throughout, laid out over the ground, first and garden levels.
The house was the birthplace of famed author, Robert Louis Stevenson who penned 'Treasure Island' and 'The Strange Case of Dr Jekyll and Mr Hyde', among other titles.
Upon entering, the period charm and grandeur are immediately apparent with an ornate carving positioned to the far end of the attractive vestibule. This in turn leads on to the welcoming hallway, bathed in light from the cupola overhead and off which the ground floor accommodation radiates. To the front of the property overlooking the secluded front garden is the attractive sitting room. This room has a range of wonderful features including detailed cornicing, a working fireplace and high ceilings. To the rear of the house, adjacent to the drawing room is the study which boasts a pleasant outlook over the enclosed private rear garden. This room is similarly adorned with period details and also benefits from a feature fireplace as well as bespoke bookcases along one wall. Although currently used as a study this room provides flexible space and would serve equally well as a bedroom.
Finally on the ground floor is the main bathroom, complete with a glamorous roll-top bath, and a separate shower annexe.
Returning to the hall, the stone stair (with mahogany hand rail and ornate banister) leads down to the garden level where the spacious and bright open plan kitchen / dining room is located. This room is fantastically well presented and is the real heart of the home, providing an ideal space for entertaining and family meal times alike. A door leads from here to the enclosed front courtyard which provides a pleasant spot for a morning coffee or perhaps an evening G&T.
To the rear of the lower level, overlooking the garden, is the inviting family room with stunning bespoke cabinetry and a sweet window seat from which to watch the wildlife in the garden.
Completing this floor is a well appointed utility room, and under stair store and also a convenient WC.
Ascending to the first floor, the main sleeping quarters are found. The principal bedroom is at the rear of the house with leafy views of the woodland and the playing fields beyond the garden which gives a real sense of calm and seclusion, despite the central location. This room boasts a en suite shower room together with two build in cupboards.
There is another large bedroom to the front of the property and there is an option to open adjoining doors between both rooms, should there be a desire to have a larger principal suite. 'This room, as with the majority of the rest of the house, is rich in splendid period character.
There are two further bedrooms on this floor (one of which is currently used as a study) and also staired access to the large loft space overhead which provides useful storage options.
Externally, the front courtyard has private access to three lined cellars (one of which is 'double' size).
The rear garden has a large lawn, patio area and numerous shrubs and mature plants. There is also gated access to Warriston Playing Fields and Warriston Community Tennis Club.
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Whilst not an island, this impressive family home really is a treasure!
Tom EdwardsProperty agent