Buyers Loving Their New City Pad And Location

For the ultimate in city living The Engine Yard is proving hard to beat, says developer Places for People. This architecturally distinctive community – once the city’s historic tram depot on Leith Walk – offers uniquely-designed luxury homes in one of Edinburgh’s most exciting new places to live.

With its range of one- and two-bedroom apartments and penthouses, it’s easy to see why people are keen to make The Engine Yard their home. The bright, contemporary feel that comes with the spacious, open-plan layout and dual-aspect windows featured within all of these homes appeals to a broad customer base – from first-time buyers to retirees and everything in between.

The vibrant location – a short walk from the city centre and all its cultural delights with a wealth of shops, delis, bars, restaurants and coffee shops on the doorstep – is also a massive draw.

Samantha and David Swan are among The Engine Yard’s newest customers and couldn’t be happier with both their buying experience and their brand new one-bedroom home.

Both originally from Edinburgh and now living in East Lothian, the couple wanted a city pad that would allow them to re-engage with the benefits of urban living as well as provide a convenient base for David to work and their children to study. The Engine Yard stood out to them initially because of its location but the couple were also attracted to the idea of a new build – and the fixed price!

Samantha explained: “We love this area of town; we lived here years ago, and David grew up here. We like that you can comfortably walk to the Old and New Town, Leith and the city centre, and there’s a great selection of shops, restaurants and landmarks nearby. We’re really excited to be near theatres, art galleries and concert halls, having lived out of town for so long.”

But it wasn’t only this development’s location that Samantha and David were so taken by. The Engine Yard’s rich industrial architecture consisting of lovingly restored listed features – tram sheds, a chimney, a boundary wall and gables – was a clear selling point too.

“We like the design of the development with the tram works history and the beautiful old walls that are just opposite our apartment,” continued Samantha. “And we also love the view from our door – we can see the sea! It's very peaceful and the design and layout of the flat is spacious, despite it being a one-bedroom.”

Along with the charming fusion of old meeting new, the light and airy feel of these homes with their generous proportions is frequently cited as a top reason among customers for wanting to move here. Contemporary, open-plan living areas and dual aspect windows cleverly maximise space and light to accommodate a modern, flexible lifestyle, while some homes feature balconies, roof decks and private gardens from which to enjoy picturesque views of Edinburgh and beyond.

There is even an on-site Places Gym and underground car park.

The Swans were also impressed with how much Places for People – from the sales executives to the construction team ­­– have supported them throughout the homebuying process.

“All the staff have been amazing and incredibly helpful,” they pointed out. “We really liked the way the buying process was structured, which not only felt supportive but exciting, with updates on progress being made. It has been so nice to be able to meet and speak to staff with ease seven days a week and to build relationships.”

Another new customer to make their home at The Engine Yard is 26-year-old accountant Stephen McGarry. Having rented in Leith for the last three years, Stephen was over the moon to finally be able to buy his own place here.

“I love the area,” he said, “being near the top of Leith Walk at the edge of the new St James Centre, so the fact I could get a new-build so close to the city centre where I work made The Engine Yard perfect for me. It’s a lovely place to live with a complete mix of people – I really couldn’t recommend it more!”

The Engine Yard’s selection of one- and two-bedroom apartments and penthouses are available to buy for a fixed price, which guarantees you won’t have to pay more than the price advertised. They’re also ready to move into now. Find out more from Places for People.

Find retirement homes in Edinburgh
Find new homes in Edinburgh