Edinburgh’s Stockbridge
How often do you get a chance to live in an area that was once a finalist for the Great Neighbourhood Awards by the Academy of Urbanism? Stockbridge is just that. Cobbled streets, front gardens bursting with trees and flowers, and an exciting range of period property make it hard not to fall in love with this area.
One of Edinburgh’s original suburbs, Stockbridge shares a border with the New Town [link to that city guide] in the south and with the suburbs of Inverleith and Comely Bank in the north. The Royal Botanical Gardens and Inverleith Park, as well as the Water of Leith connect all three of those suburbs.
Despite being one of the most popular parts of the city for families, artisans and other creatives, Stockbridge retains a distinct village feel. This area of Edinburgh is home to a strong community that values local restaurants as much as independent retailers and the possibility of reaching places on foot.
What Type of Properties Can You Find Here?
The southern edge of Stockbridge picks up the Georgian and Victorian architecture of the New Town. However, where the New Town is defined by well-planned, rectangular streets, Stockbridge’s streets follow its hilly topography.
Ann Street, on the west side of Stockbridge, remains one of Edinburgh’s most coveted residential addresses. The Georgian mansions here are simply a dream for period property lovers. Ann Street was conceived by Scottish painter Sir Henry Raeburn together with renowned architect James Milne. Raeburn and Milne redefined New Town living by adding front gardens to their creations.
But this area is not only dominated by grand townhouses. Period property here includes smaller basement or garden flats bursting with character, spacious tenement flats and traditional mews houses.
There are also more unique choices – some of the most coveted houses in Stockbridge are known as the Colonies. Originally built in the late 19th and early 20th centuries to house artisans affordably, they are loved for their unique style and their proximity to the Royal Botanical Garden and Inverleith Park. If you enjoy going for a leisurely walk or a run, these one-of-a-kind properties could fit the bill.
What are the Local Amenities Like?
Stockbridge is filled with vibrant artisan shops and small, often family-run restaurants and cafes that create a bohemian atmosphere. Vintage fashion aficionados will enjoy browsing some of Britain’s best-stocked charity shops. In Stockbridge, foodies are well catered for every day, but Sunday stands out for the community’s farmers market near the Water of Leith river.
Community amenities also include the Glenogle Swim Centre and a recently re-opened community café. Local churches are not only open to worshippers but also welcome leading artists to share their music with the wider community.
Stockbridge is home to one of Edinburgh’s leading schools, the Edinburgh Academy. Founded nearly 200 years ago, this independent school welcomes children from the ages of two to 18. In addition, Stockbridge is part of the catchment area for several of Edinburgh’s leading public schools.
What About Transport and Accessibility?
Stockbridge is a great place to live if you work in the New Town but would like to raise your family in a quieter, more laid-back area. If you enjoy walking, it is perfectly feasible to commute to parts of the New Town on foot. Alternatively, there are plenty of daytime and nighttime bus connections to all parts of the city.
Like much of historic Edinburgh, Stockbridge wasn’t built for cars and parking remains limited. However, residents’ permits are available. Plus, larger properties like the Georgian houses on Ann Street offer private parking facilities.
Its close proximity to the city centre of Edinburgh makes this such a popular area to live. Stockbridge feels small and cosy like a village, whilst at the same time offering the amenities you would expect from a capital city.
Our Favourite Street
For period property, it is hard to look past the magnificent Ann Street. If you are looking for a generously sized family home on the edge of the New Town, seriously consider the streets in this area.
That aside, small, windy St Stephen Street remains our favourite Stockbridge street. There are plenty of reasons to love it, starting with the unmissable silhouette of St Stephen’s Church in the east. We like the characterful basement flats that make you curious about their residents. We also love the eclectic selection of shops, cafes, and restaurants lining this street on both sides. In short, this is Stockbridge in a nutshell.
