Barnton beauty that is just the right fit

Constructing a new home in an established area of a city can create unique challenges. While some developers choose an ultra modern design to stand out among traditional neighbours, planners often insist that the architecture of a new property fits in with its neighbourhood.

No 4A Essex Brae has taken the latter approach. The house, which is less than 20 years old, is in the prized Edinburgh suburb of Barnton, but its traditional exterior wouldn’t raise an eyebrow with even the most conservative of neighbours.

The surrounding large detached homes were mostly built in the first half of the 20th century.

No 4A and its two neighbours were completed in 2002 by Bryant Homes, but share a common aesthetic with their older neighbours; 4A has a characterful turret and bay window to give it a very traditional feel.

4A Essex Brae is tucked quietly behind private gates

Rosemary Healy and her husband Michael bought it from the developer before it was quite complete.

She says: “We were moving back to Scotland from Hong Kong, and we really craved a quiet spot, surrounded by greenery after our years in a very built up city.”

The couple also had four small children, so the large garden at the back of the house was a major selling point.

Rosemary says: “The house was built on what was a tennis court for a previous grand home, so it was sheltered by existing mature trees with a huge expanse of lawn – the garden is about a quarter of an acre – so lots of room for the children to run around in.”