Spring Gardens, Edinburgh, EH8

** CLOSING DATE SET** Wednesday 7th July @ Midday

St Ann's Bank House offers a slice of country living in the heart of the city and is undoubtedly one of the jewels in the Edinburgh crown; a peaceful and unique home in a central setting. Originally the farmhouse to Holyrood Palace, it provides a blissful juxtaposition, blending perfectly the benefits of a country home with the appeal and convenience of a city location.

The property is arranged over three floors with generous and well-proportioned rooms throughout. Through a pillared doorway the entrance hall provides a warm welcome and provides access to the living room and to the dining room, both featuring log burners for cosy evenings. Beyond the dining room is the kitchen / breakfast room which in-turn provides access to the utility. There is also access from the kitchen to the unique vinery which transports you to a French chateau. Adjacent to this is the annexe comprising a living room with high vaulted ceilings and a mezzanine double bedroom.

A stone spiral staircase (the only house in Scotland to have a left hand stone staircase over two floors) leads to a bright first floor landing which provides access to three large double bedrooms, a bathroom and a study space. The staircase continues to the top floor where another three double bedrooms and a bathroom can be found.

St Ann's Bank House offers huge onward potential. The ruins of a barn sit within the grounds and architectural plans have been made allowing the addition of a freestanding gym, office or self-contained flat in its place (subject to obtaining the required consents). Additionally, planning was previously granted for an extension to the kitchen offering a space more than 30 feet in length.

This wonderfully discreet yet superbly central property is one of only a few remaining original home farmhouses in Edinburgh, and very rarely available. The detached home is of considerable historical interest, dating back to 1711 when it was originally called St Ann's Brae and was the farmhouse of Holyrood. Its land reached all the way to the rear of Holyrood Palace, over to Lochend and up to Parsons Green and while the footprint today is smaller, the property does still have grazing rights on Arthur's Seat. The house retains its period features and its charm, with quirks and character rarely found today. Local stonemasons believe stone from St. Anthony's Chapel located nearby in Holyrood Park was used in the original construction of the house, including possibly the stone staircase: basalt quarried from Arthur's Seat.

This hidden gem enjoys a convenient, central location adjacent to Holyrood Park and within a 10-15 minute walk of Princes Street. There is the major benefit, in this central location, of a driveway with parking for multiple cars together with a double garage.

This vibrant area offers a wide range of excellent local shops and services for everyday needs. The famous delicatessen Valvona & Crolla, Harvey Nichols and the St James shopping centre, which includes John Lewis, are all within walking distance of the property. There is a comprehensive range of shops and amenities available on London Road, Easter Road and at the Meadowbank Retail Park, which includes a Sainsbury's Supermarket.

Holyrood Park and Arthur's Seat are located mere moments from the property, offering 650 additional acres to explore, adding to the feeling of being deep in the countryside.

Excellent recreational facilities are found at both Craigentinny and Duddingston Golf Courses which are a short distance away. Regular and efficient bus services run to and from the city centre and the Edinburgh city bypass is within easy reach.

The gardens at St. Ann's Bank House are as impressive as the house and were once voted the 'most romantic garden in Scotland'.

The beautiful walled grounds provide a foragers delight with raspberries, gooseberries, rhubard, plums cherries, damsons, wild strawberries, rare apricot rasberries and established apple trees all found within.

The range of outbuildings include a double car garage and two sheds, one of which contains a shower to hose down the dog after a walk around Holyrood Park, accessed across the road.