Repair and Prepare is an approach that AMA take to all its period conversions. This involves conserving, consolidating and restoring the original fabric of the building, but with 21st century materials, methods and understanding. The result, as can be seen today at Tor, are homes that respect and protect original features, are energy efficient and, most importantly, respond to how people want to live today.

To allow the original features to shine, a lightness of touch was adopted for the interiors. A common colour palette runs throughout the house, and consistent flooring – Amtico woodeffect tiles in the formal public rooms, porcelain tiles in kitchen/diner and bathrooms, and pale grey carpets upstairs – ensure there is an effortless flow to the spaces. Fitted wardrobes provide ample storage in the bedrooms, while the bathrooms and en suites are beautifully detailed, offering just the righter of luxury.

Overall, the exacting attention to detail in the modern additions perfectly echoes the work of the original craftsmen, creating homes where the old and the new coexist in perfect harmony.

Ground Floor

The Lobby

A superb wood-panelled entrance with fine carved details and an ornate leaded glass window above the inner doors. Overlooked by a first floor gallery, the double-height ceiling features ornate plasterwork.

The Hall

The hall is dominated by the magnificent stained glass window, which provides a dramatic backdrop to the beautifully carved wooden staircase. A feature gas fire basket has been added to the original fireplace.

The Living Room

Accessed from the lobby, the majestic formal living room has views out over the front garden from the striking south-facing windows. The original wood panelling and ornate plaster ceiling have been fully restored, and a gas fire has been installed into the feature fireplace. Amtico flooring has been laid in a herringbone pattern.

The Guest Suite/Bedroom 5/Home Office

Undoubtedly the most striking of the original rooms, the space lends itself to a variety of uses and with its own en suite would make the perfect ‘Granny Flat’.

Featuring beautiful timber features, including built-in display cabinets and ornate mantlepiece, it’s the listed wallpaper which catches the eye. This rare example of ‘Tynecastle Canvas’ from the late Victorian era, features embossed linen mounted on canvas and was designed to imitate 18th century Spanish examples.

Downstairs Shower Room

A second door off the living room leads into the corridor from the hall to the guest suite, which also provides access to the spacious, tiled, downstairs shower room.

The Kitchen/Diner

Accessed from the main hall, the kitchen/diner is the heart of the house and perfectly suited to modern family life. The kitchen features bespoke fitted cabinets around a central, marble-topped island unit/breakfast bar. There is a wide range of built-in Siemens appliances, including a coffee maker and large wine fridge.

The dining area looks out over the private rear garden through glazed doors, which fold back to provide access to the substantial patio area. The floor is laid with large, marble-effect porcelain tiles, which continue seamlessly through into the snug.

The Snug

The cosy snug, located just off the dining area, is the perfect TV room, with ample sockets and connection points and windows looking out over the rear garden.

The Utility Room

Good sized utility room, accessed from the kitchen, and featuring a Siemens washing machine and a tumble dryer, as well as a sink and range of units.

The Double Garage

Spacious double garage, with an automatic door operated remotely by a key fob. Internal access is off the kitchen.

The Stairs and Gallery

The impressive stairs give you the perfect viewing points to enjoy all the intricate details of the stained-glass window. At the top, the gallery allows you to look down over the lobby and admire the intricate carving from a different angle.

First floor

The Master Bedroom

This bright room features a south-facing bay window offering views across Murrayfield Stadium to the city and over to the Pentland Hills. Open plan to the master bedroom but with its own window providing natural light, the dressing room provides two walls of fitted wardrobes.

The Master En Suite

An exquisitely-detailed en suite, just made for pampering. Large format ceramic tiles, a stylish walk-in shower, twin designer basins and a luxurious freestanding bath create the perfect oasis.

Bedroom 2

Spacious bedroom with an en-suite shower room and walk in fitted wardrobe. Two south-facing windows offer views across towards the Pentlands

Bedroom 3

A bright double bedroom with en-suite facilities and fitted wardrobes. Views over the back garden through glazed double doors.

Bedroom 4

A double bedroom with lovely en-suite facilities and fitted wardrobes.

The Rear Garden

This peaceful, landscaped space offers a large patio area, accessed from the kitchen/diner, and a mix of borders and lawn. A range of trees and shrubs have already been planted, but it awaits the new owner to put their stamp on the garden.

History of Tor House

It is believed the house dates back to the early 1850s and was built for James Craig, one of the entrepreneurs behind the Craig & Rose paint company. Founded in 1829, the company was renowned for the quality of its products, gaining many prestigious contracts including developing the iconic red oxide paint for the Forth Bridge.

By 1896, as evidenced by the monogram on the stained glass window which overlooks the stairs, the property was in the hands of a new owner, John Ainslie. He set about remodelling and extending the house, introducing many of the fine details still visible today.

During the Second World War, Tor House was used by the RAF as headquarters for No 34 Balloon Command, coordinating the barrage balloon squadrons which played a vital role in defending key targets from German bombers. Following the war, the RAF converted the house into a convalescent home, which was continued by the Salvation Army through into the 1960s.

In 1970 it was bought by the Lothian Baptist Housing Association and operated as the Tor Nursing Home. Over the subsequent decades, rooms were subdivided to make individual rooms with bathrooms, and extensions were added to increase the capacity. It is fortunate, however, that the main formal rooms were left largely untouched during this time, meaning we can still enjoy the finer details of John Ainslie’s grand remodelling scheme.

General Remarks & Information:

Fixtures and Fittings:

Only appliances specifically mentioned in the sales particulars are included in the sale price. In all other aspects the treatment of fixtures and fittings within the relevant Conveyancing Standard Clauses apply.

Services:

Gas heating, mains water, electricity, broadband, telephone (subject to telephone providers’ regulations).

Outgoings

Council Tax Band: TBC

EPC Rating: TBC

Postcode

EH12 6HP

Tenure

Freehold

Viewings

Viewing is strictly by appointment through Rettie & Co. 11 Wemyss Place, Edinburgh, EH3 6DH. Tel: 0131 220 4160.

Offers

Offers should be submitted in Scottish Legal Form to the selling agents Rettie & Co. & Rettie LLP’s. A closing date by which offers must be submitted may be fixed later. Please note that interested parties are advised to register their interest with the selling agents in order that they may be advised should a closing date be set. The seller reserves the right to accept any offer at any time.

Internet Website

This property and other properties offered by Rettie & Co. & Rettie LLP’s. can be viewed on our website at www.rettie.co.uk as well as Rightmove, On The Market and The London Office.

Servitude Rights, Burdens & Wayleaves

The property is sold subject to and with the benefit of all servitude rights, burdens, reservations and wayleaves including rights of access and rights of way, whether public or private, light, support, drainage, water and wayleaves for masts, pylons, stays, cable, drains and water, gas and other pipes whether contained in the title deeds or informally constituted and whether or not referred to above.

Important Notice

Rettie, their clients and any joint agents give notice that:

1. They are not authorised to make or give any representations or warranties in relation to the property either in writing or by word of mouth. Any information given is entirely without responsibility on the part of the agents or the sellers. These particulars do not form part of any offer or contract and must not be relied upon as statements or representations of fact.
2. All Rettie floorplans are drawn to RICS standard. The text, photographs and plans are for guidance only and are not necessarily comprehensive and it should not be assumed that the property remains as photographed. Any error, omission or mis-statement shall not annul the sale or entitle any party to compensation or recourse to action at law. It should not be assumed that the property has all necessary planning, building regulation or other consents, including for its current use. Rettie & Co. & Rettie LLP’s have not tested any services, equipment or facilities. Purchasers must satisfy themselves by inspection or otherwise and ought to seek their own professional advice.
3. All descriptions or references to condition are given in good faith only. Whilst every endeavour is made to ensure accuracy, please check with us on any points of especial importance to you, especially if intending to travel some distance. No responsibility can be accepted for expenses incurred in inspecting properties which have been sold or withdrawn.

Proof and source of Funds/Anti Money Laundering

Under the HMRC Anti Money Laundering legislation all offers to purchase a property on a cash basis or subject to mortgage require evidence of source of funds. This may include evidence of bank statements/funding source, mortgage or confirmation from a solicitor the purchaser has the funds to conclude the transaction.

All individuals involved in the transaction are required to produce proof of identity and proof of address. Rettie use electronic verification, if this is not possible original documents are acceptable.

Misrepresentations  

1. The property is sold with all faults and defects, whether of condition or otherwise and neither the seller nor Rettie & Co. or Rettie LLP’s, the selling agent, are responsible for such faults and defects, nor for any statement contained in the particulars of the property prepared by the said agent. 
2. The Purchaser(s) shall be deemed to acknowledge that they have not entered into contract in reliance on the said statements, that they are satisfied themselves as to the content of each of the said statements by inspection or otherwise and that no warranty or representation has been made by the seller or the said agents in relation to or in connection with the property. 
3. Any error, omission or misstatement in any of the said statements shall not entitle the purchaser(s) to rescind or to be discharged from this contract, nor entitle either party to compensation or damages nor in any circumstances to give either party any cause for action. 

Particulars prepared September 2023 - First Issue.