The Lothians
and Borders
The countryside continues to
appeal to families and commuters
With over 40 miles of golden coastline, rolling
countryside, charming villages, bustling rural towns
and some of the finest golf courses in the world, East
Lothian is a worthy winner of numerous ‘best place
to live’ awards. Its reputation is enhanced by its short
commute to Edinburgh, excellent schools and its diverse
range of attractive prime housing.
The lovely handsome detached houses of Gullane,
North Berwick and beyond, are in short supply and,
while not completely immune from the recent economic
uncertainty, have continued to sell well. The best of
these, being marketed by Savills at realistic asking prices,
continue to achieve healthy premiums. The Abbey
Manse, on the market at the peak of the chaos in 2008,
at offers over £800,000, achieved substantially more after
receiving five good offers. A steady demand is generated persuading them to choose bricks and mortar as a safer
The magnificent
Bass Rock overlooks
by professionals with young families who are looking to place to put their money than stocks and shares.
the coastal North
lay down roots rather than make a quick return on their It is a similar story in West Lothian, Midlothian and
Berwick golf club.
investment. This particular group is expected to increase the Scottish Borders, where the best homes within easy
by 55 per cent over the next ten years. They share our reach of Edinburgh continue to command good prices.
view that quality houses in this attractive area will Potential buyers, whose market confidence is returning,
always be in demand. The average residential sale price are being encouraged by the prospect of the Waverley
in East Lothian was one of the highest among Scottish train line being opened, which will further improve
local authority areas in 2008. commutability and ultimately add value to their homes.
We are seeing the return of the canny cash purchaser Deeper into the Borders, traditionally perceived as a
who, having sold at the top of the market, is renting Southern rural idyll offering a quieter life, there remains
while awaiting the right moment to re-enter the a good supply of large country houses with substantial
market. The lower interest rates and realistic prices are acreage, offering exceptional value for money. n
Property Focus
Please go to savills.co.uk for
a full list of current properties
Lilliesleaf House, Melrose
n 3 reception rooms
n 7 bedrooms
n 3 bathrooms
n studio
n walled garden
Offers over £675,000
Glenfuir, North Berwick
n 3 reception rooms
n 4 bedrooms
n gardens
Contact: Malcolm Leslie n car port
+44 (0) 131 247 3717 n building plot with consent
mleslie@savills.com Offers over £1.1 million
savills scotland residential review 15
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