KNOW YOUR AREA
KNOW YOUR AREA
Quartermile
words Hannah Cherry null photos Susie Lowe
F
lorence Nightingale knew a thing or two about interior Partners with reconstituted stone worktops, and feature high
design. Her words were penned in 1860, but they’re as end appliances. Thankfully, the prices aren’t as dizzying as the
true today. “Little as we know about the way in which views and start at around the £200,000 mark which, given the
we are affected by form, by colour, and light, we do know this, spec and location, isn’t bad.
that they have an actual physical effect. Variety of form and
Shopping
brilliancy of colour… are actual means of recovery.” She was of
The area might be undergoing one of Scotland’s largest urban
course talking about hospitals and how their appearance helps
regeneration projects but there’s an old school appeal and local
those who ‘live’ in them feel better.
charm to many of the neighbouring shops. Given the location,
So it probably comes as little surprise that in 1872, when architect
the whole of Princes Street, George Street and pretty much
David Bryce was asked to design a new Royal Infirmary for
every High Street name you can think of is at your disposal but,
Edinburgh at Lauriston Place, his plans were heavily influenced
closer to home, the charms of Victoria Street, Grassmarket and
by the woman herself. Fast forward more than a century and
George IV Bridge keep the local vibe alive and well.
the old Royal Infirmary is the new Quartermile development.
Now the old hospital’s high ceilings, period windows and open
Retail therapy sits alongside the other kind and there’s a whole
staircases sit elegantly alongside bespoke kitchens, swanky
host of complimentary therapies, remedies and feel good
bathrooms and create a light and airy living space.
potions at Napiers on Bristo Place. Zen is another Edinburgh
favourite and I can personally recommend the lime and ginger
Property
scrub - invigorating, aromatic and makes you want to gnaw off
Location wise, it would be hard to get much more central –
your own arm, so nice is the smell.
aptly named, Quartermile’s 900 odd apartments are a quarter
mile from Edinburgh Castle, a quarter mile from the Royal Mile
Eating and drinking
and a quarter mile from corner to corner. The Meadows are a
The gleaming kitchens in shiny chrome will have you imagining
stone’s throw away – although with so many floor to ceiling
yourself giving Gordon a run for his money but with more than
glass windows, that probably isn’t advisable. The whole of the
50 restaurants, bars and cafes outside, it’s going to take a lot
Old Town, Tollcross and the vibrant Bristo Square are on the
of discipline to preheat that oven to 220 degrees. For lounge
doorstep and for those who don’t want to venture even that
lizards, The Villager is a homely yet hip addition to the wealth
short distance, the development boasts its own concierge
of eateries and drinking haunts along George IV Bridge and
service with a dedicated team of 24/7 ‘butlers’ who will bring
nearby newcomer Hotel Du Vin is gaining a reputation for its
you your heart’s desire or, at the very least, drop off your
food and ambience.
dry-cleaning.
The Outsider is consistently good and their Chunky Healthy
“If you love Edinburgh then you’ll love the views the apartments
Lines with a side order of moreish garlicky fries is a surefire
boast across the city’s skyline,” says Lorraine Paterson, sales and
winner. The Elephant House and Bar Kohl are Edinburgh
marketing director for Gladedale Capital, the developers behind
institutions although for very different reasons (bagels and
Quartermile. “The new build Azurean apartments provide the vodka respectively) and Calistoga restaurant brings a little
ultimate in 21st century living and with their prime location on stateside sun to the Southside washed down with wines from
site, we expect them to be very popular.” With a largely glass the Napa Valley. Within the Quartermile development, Peter’s
exterior and open plan design, each Azurean apartment has Yard, a Swedish bakery and café, is already gathering a loyal
huge windows flooding the living areas with natural light. The following. Word is their sourdough breads are almost worth
bespoke fully fitted kitchens have been designed by Foster and relocating for…..
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