Lorimar show home debuts at Graysmill Gait

Adding yet another reason to visit its undeniably beautiful Graysmill Gait development in Edinburgh, award-winning housebuilder, Miller Homes has launched the eagerly anticipated and stunning Lorimar showhome.

Situated within the Craiglockhart suburb of Edinburgh, Graysmaill Gait is an exclusive development of only 10 luxurious detached properties, with selling prices from £745,000. Such is the appeal of these beautiful homes that a remarkable 50% of the development has sold off-plan in only a couple of months, securing sales in excess of £3.5m.

Potential buyers will understand only too well the allure of Graysmill Gait when they view the striking five-bedroom detached Lorimar showhome, which has been designed to appeal to the sophisticated modern buyer, looking for both space and style.

The interior design of the Lorimar is inspiring and has been created by none other than renowned, Edinburgh-based, Jeffreys Interiors.

Alison Vance, design director at Jeffreys Interiors, comments: “Our ambition with the Lorimar showhome at Graysmill Gait was to create a sophisticated yet welcoming family home. We want the first impression of all who view it to be - wow, I want this house. To realise this, we have used colours, tones and furnishings that create subtle changes between each room, allowing the property to flow effortlessly.”

From the moment viewers walk through the inviting archway entrance of the property, they will undoubtedly know that Jeffreys’ ambition has been achieved.

The dominant colours used throughout the Lorimar are calm taupe tones, complemented by accents of rich reds, antique silvers and shades of ebony, successfully transforming this five-bedroom luxury property into a family retreat, where buyers will want to put down long-term roots.

The drawing room, entered through glazed double oak French doors, is an expansive 30ft lounge. A contemporary fireplace takes centre stage and draws the eye in to the heart of this grand room. Two perfectly sized windows positioned either side of the fireplace have been designed so that when seated, viewers can enjoy eye-level views across the side of the garden. The soft furnishings and furniture fashion a design that is certain to remind several buyers of bespoke, yet intimate luxury hotels, as the set pieces include sumptuous velvet sofas, Italian glass tables and sculptural bronze lighting. An Andrew Martin wing-chair is a modern interpretation of this traditional design of chair, and takes possession of the room as if it were a piece of art. The chaise lounge is positioned in front of the magnificent box bay window, creating the perfect ‘window seat’ to enjoy either the view of the garden or the drawing room itself.

The Lorimar’s huge dining kitchen can only be described as ‘state-of-the-art’, owing to its impeccable design and integrated appliances by AEG, including a washer/dryer, dishwasher, combi-oven and grill with double oven, five ring gas hob with stainless steel extractor hood, an American style fridge/freezer, wine cooler and waste disposal unit.

By combining traditional shaker style walnut units and granite worktops, which harmonize impeccable with the glossy white lacquered units of the central island, the inspired design team has put a modern twist on a classic kitchen. This is certain to appeal to those who not only love preparing a meal for family and friends, but will also cater in teaching younger members of the family important life skills in cooking and dining.

A family area adjoins the kitchen where a vintage leather sofa effortlessly invites one to relax after weekend brunch. The muted red feature wall synchronises with the colours used in the kitchen. A coffee table and elegant chair have been covered with a dark green and rich red striped fabric, similar to the texture and design of a traditional travel blanket, ensuring further that everything about this room is effortless and relaxed.

A formal dining room has been dressed to impress for dinner parties, with its eclectic mix of classic and modern pieces. A black high gloss dining table easily accommodates eight diners, who will feast in utter comfort seated on sumptuous cream cushioned, velvet chairs. The ornate ebony sideboard, reminiscent of an oriental tea chest, intricate silver table lamps with black shades and splash of colour, courtesy of the crimson orchid, evoke far eastern influences.

In keeping with this season’s trend of layers and textures, the design team has introduced natural materials including linens, wools and silks. These each contribute to the sophisticated feel that is evident throughout the entire home, including the master-bedroom and bedrooms two and three on the first floor, which are accessed via a beautifully crafted oak staircase.

The vision for the master-bedroom was to create a luxurious haven and it has clearly been achieved, as the velvet pile carpet, velvet curtains and dramatic ‘winged’ black velvet headboard of the bed create plush sleeping quarters. The master-bedroom also has the luxury of a dressing area with a full bank of wardrobes and an en-suite with his and hers vanity units. This room manages to combine grandeur with a feeling of intimacy, where buyers will long for Sunday mornings to allow them an excuse to lie-in, and where they are sure to never want to leave.

Accessed via a concealed staircase, the second floor of the Lorimar is an utter joy, buyers will feel that they have gone through a secret passage way into an enchanted land. Comprising two bedrooms, the main bathroom and a study, each room has been dressed very differently to show purchasers both the personality and possibilities of this part of the house. This autonomous living space is a standalone apartment in its own right, ideal for the stay-at home student who wants to enjoy semi-independence.

The study area has been cleverly set as an interior design studio, with its swatch boards on the wall, drawing-board style desk and wooden book case filled with box files, design books and textiles. Bedroom four is the perfect quarters for teenage girls or as a guest wing. White is the dominant shade in the furniture, wall colour and bed-frames. However, the room has warmth due to the soft pink, olive, and lime striped bed covers and bold wall canvases, including one of dramatic pink lips. The final bedroom is a stylish pied-a-terre all on its own.

A two-seater, black leather Barcelona sofa, with footstool, sits side-by-side to a gaming chair, ready and waiting for the ‘Xbox 360’ to be plugged in. The furniture is perfectly positioned in front of the plasma mounted on the wall. This room also has the ultimate home toy – an IPod station, creating an area where the whole family, young and old, can come together to indulge in up-to-the-minute home entertainment. Also, with the added convenience of having its own private balcony, the man of the house could enjoy a sneaky cigar from this room while surveying the views of the garden.

As one would expect from a home of this character and standing, the individual touches are evident throughout. The bathroom and en-suites come complete with a selection of tiles by internationally celebrated – Porcelanosa, and the chrome towel rails have their own thermostatic controls. Other key features include polished chrome ironmongery to all internal doors and installed digital-ready aerials within the master room, a convenient feature which can also be found in the drawing room and kitchen.

When viewing a property of this stature, natural curiosity builds as to ‘who exactly would live in a house such as the Lorimar’ – however, Miller Homes has cleverly left clues throughout.

The discerning buyer of the Lormiar is someone who enjoys the finer things in life, someone who will fully appreciate the level of detail that Miller has gone to. From the ‘Family Heirloom’ Mulberry wallpaper in the utility room, to the state-of-the-art home entertainment system, which even allows buyers to listen to music or keep abreast of current affairs in the shower as they get ready for work, clearly this is a home that is only too aware of the busy life the professional leads.

While modern technology has been utilised to full effect in the Lorimar, it remains unobtrusive and subtle, further demonstrating that Miller Homes has left no stone unturned. The company has also expertly married old with new, such as the brass Dolly light switches found throughout the property. This light switch is one that you would expect to find within a traditionally crafted Edinburgh townhouse - therefore it only fitting that it has been incorporated within its 21st century counterpart.

Externally, the large garden of the Lorimar has been expertly landscaped to ensure that the inside and outside of the property work in complete harmony. The fully turfed garden, with its thoughtfully laid out shrubbery, is enclosed by a 1.8m close-boarded screen fence for added privacy, which is sure to be appreciated in the summer months when entertaining al-fresco. The double garage and front door have coach lights triggered by movement; while an intruder alarm with full control panel allows buyers to set the level of security to meet their individual needs.

Anne Marie Britton, sales director for Miller Homes in Scotland, says: “Graysmill Gait offers a distinctive collection of prestigious family homes, underlining that demand for this size of property, within this prime location, remains at a premium in the capital. It was crucial to ensure that the styling of the Lorimar showhome demonstrates the unique characteristics, superior design layout and potential of all the properties. However, Jefferys Interiors more than rose to the challenge and we are delighted with the results, as I am sure our viewers will be.”

Positioned off Redhall House Drive close to the Water of Leith, and surrounded by mature trees, Graysmill Gait enjoys all the peace and privacy of an established neighbourhood, yet is within the heart of Edinburgh.

The development is close to a range of good local services and shops available in Craiglockhart, as well as having some of the most respected private schools in the capital nearby, including Merchiston Castle, George Heriot and George Watson’s College.

To see the new Lorimar showhome or for further information on Graysmill Gait, visit the marketing suite, open daily from 11am to 6pm.