The Manse, Dell Road, Colinton

The Manse is an impressive and substantial stone-built period home, offering over 4,000 sq ft of accommodation largely arranged across two floors. Occupying a prime position within the Colinton Conservation Area, this Category B listed property was famously inspiration for Robert Louis Stevenson who stayed here as a child. Whilst it would now benefit from certain updating and modernisation, it retains a wealth of magnificent original features, including spacious rooms with high ceilings, delicate cornicing, sash and case windows with working shutters, and elegant fireplaces, presenting a rare opportunity to acquire a property of considerable literary significance.

The ground floor provides a choice of grand reception rooms, all with fireplaces, including the drawing room with its large bay window overlooking the grounds, a formal dining room and a comfortable sitting room offering further versatile living space. The kitchen, currently fitted with a central island and breakfast bar, allows for easy garden access whilst also leading to domestic spaces including a large laundry room, utility area and store.

An elegant staircase leads to the first floor, which hosts five well-proportioned bedrooms, one of which features a bay window mirroring that of the drawing room. The spacious principal bedroom enjoys fine views over the rear garden with an en suite shower room and versatile adjoining bedroom which could equally be used as a dressing room. A family bathroom provides for this floor and sits alongside a bedroom with views to the Water of Leith and could be utilised as a generous study. The top floor offers further potential with two substantial attic rooms, providing flexible space for storage or a future home office, media room or additional guest accommodation.

The property is approached via a shared private driveway and provides ample off street parking along with a detached garage to the rear of the house. The extensive gardens are primarily laid to lawn and bordered by mature trees and traditional stone walling. The grounds offer a high degree of privacy and a serene outlook over the Water of Leith and the woodland surrounding Colinton Dell, creating an exceptional setting for this historically significant family home.

Colinton is a highly regarded residential suburb on the southwest edge of Edinburgh, with a charming village centre offering local shops, cafés, restaurants and everyday amenities, together with attractive walks along the Water of Leith and easy access to the Pentland Hills Regional Park. The neighbouring communities of Juniper Green, Currie and Balerno provide further amenities, while Edinburgh’s city centre is readily accessible.

Education is well catered for, with leading independent schools including George Watson’s College and Merchiston Castle School nearby, and George Heriot’s School within easy reach.

Transport connections are excellent, with regular bus services to the city centre and surrounding areas, and convenient road links via the City Bypass (A720) to the M8, M9 and A1, providing access to Edinburgh Airport and destinations beyond the city.

General Local authority: Services: Mains electricity, gas, water and drainage Council Tax: Band H EPC rating: Band E Tenure details: Freehold Charges: 50% charge for shared maintenance cost of private road.