Contemporary steading conversion for sale in tranquil location near Edinburgh

Liz Torrance’s early input into the redevelopment of steading conversion, Larch Cottage, enhanced the benefits of living in the country.

Good timing was a factor when the Torrances were house hunting three years ago and looking to swap Edinburgh for a change of lifestyle and a quieter location, without moving too far away from the city.

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When Liz Torrance spotted Springfield Steading at Carberry, within easy commuting distance of Edinburgh, the development was still in the early stages and this house, Larch Cottage at No 3, was still a shell – which was ideal as Liz was able to make the changes she needed to the original specification.

Picture: Aberdein Considine

“Musselburgh is only a short drive away, so there are all the amenities close by, but it feels like living in the country,” says Liz. “It was about the lifestyle that comes with a house like this.”

Springfield Steading was once part of the estate for the historical Carberry Tower, which is now an award-winning luxury hotel sitting within 35 acres of private parkland.

The building that is now Larch Cottage was once the sawmill. After Carberry Tower was bequeathed to the Church of Scotland in the 1960s, the surrounding buildings and houses also changed hands and became the factory buildings for Carberry Candles until the factory closed in 2004.

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It’s easy to see why Liz was drawn to this property. Arranged on one level, the floor plan falls naturally into two halves.

Picture: Aberdein Considine

There are three bedrooms, one of which is en-suite, along with a family bathroom, while on the other side of the hallway you’ll find the large open plan kitchen, dining and living area, with a separate utility room attached.

This open plan space stretches the depth of the building and has three arched openings, two forming windows and the middle archway with French doors leading on to a large raised terraced area.

Picture: Aberdein Considine

Even as a shell, Liz could see how dramatic this space could be, particularly as she wanted a home that would suit family living when her grown-up children came to visit.

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Because the house was in its early stages of development, it was possible to make a few alterations to the floor plans, borrowing a slice of space from the middle bedroom to make built-in wardrobes for the main bedroom, and also moving the utility room slightly to make the kitchen bigger.

The kitchen layout was also changed to include a large central island. “It’s much more social,” says Liz. “I chose the granite worktops, as I’d had that finish before and loved it.”

Picture: Aberdein Considine

The appliances were upgraded, including the big larder fridge and the downdraught extractor behind the five-burner induction hob on the island, as a ceiling mounted extractor would have impacted on the open views across this living space.

Oak flooring runs throughout the house, including the bedrooms where carpet was originally specified, and underfloor heating was added to the bathrooms.

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The wood-burning stove was also installed in the main space.

Picture: Aberdein Considine

“When you’re sitting on the sofa with your back to the kitchen and dining area, it can feel quite separate and cosy,” says Liz, “but it’s still open when you want it to be.”

The developer’s decision to retain the high, beamed ceiling in this space has helped define the different zones.

Liz used a light and neutral palette of cream and duck egg hues to enhance the flow of space as you move through the interior.

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Relocating from a period house with lots of original detailing, Liz was inspired to try a different aesthetic here. “I knew I wanted something light, and I didn’t want to add blinds or curtains to the arched windows,” she says.

Picture: Aberdein Considine

Liz also measured out the rooms before moving in to order new furniture that would suit the proportions here and mixed these new elements with some existing pieces.

As it was, the house wasn’t completed on schedule and there was a 13-week delay in moving in – time spent staying with family – so it was a relief to finally move in to a furnished home.

The big living area has become a wonderful space to entertain in, especially as the dining table extends to seat 16.

Picture: Aberdein Considine

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“I knew this had to be a massive social space for all the family to be comfortable in,” says Liz. “I love cooking, and I like to be able to have people sitting at the island and chatting.”

The rear garden is also a highlight as it’s fully enclosed, and this space was re-landscaped to include the patio.

Picture: Aberdein Considine

With a dining table, seating and a pizza oven and barbecue, this patio really does function as an outdoor room. And the house also has solar panels which provide hot water.

Larch Cottage is now on the market, but Liz insists that having lived here will influence her next choice.

Picture: Aberdein Considine

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“I’d like the next place to be open plan,” she says. “I wouldn’t want to go back to having a separate kitchen again.”

This style of living space has created a fantastic social home, and an interior that feels light and airy whatever the season.

Picture: Aberdein Considine

Larch Cottage at 3 Springfield Steading in Carberry is on the market with Aberdein Considine for offers over £375,000.

Words: Fiona Reid