DUDDINGSTON – AREA GUIDE
Mention living on the east side of Edinburgh and Duddingston is often included with Portobello. But despite their common origins and next-door proximity, these areas are so unique today that they deserve individual attention. At Ativa Property we’re a little bit biased about Duddingston and Portobello as this is where we’ve lived for nearly 20 years!
Before becoming part of Edinburgh toward the end of the 19th century, Duddingston and Portobello were two individual villages stretching from the south western end of Holyrood Park (home to Arthur’s Seat along the Figgate Burn all the way to the sea.
Present day Duddingston still starts at the foot of what turns into Arthur’s Seat with Duddingston Loch attracting people going for a stroll and families feeding the resident swans. From there, Duddingston stretches to the east, where it borders Portobello.
In reality, there are two parts to Duddingston. Nestled at the entrance to Holyrood Park lies Duddingston Village, one of the oldest, still preserved parts of Edinburgh. Similar to the Old Town, this part of Edinburgh traces its roots back to the Middle Ages. It also retains a distinctly rural, historic village feel, whilst being less than a stone’s throw away from the city centre.
The rest of Duddingston stretches all the way to Portobello. It has a decidedly suburban atmosphere, with wider spaces and larger gardens. Of course, there is beautiful period property here, too.
What Type of Properties Can You Find Here?
Duddingston Village
If you love truly historic, period property this is the place to look for it. Some of the buildings in this area date back to the 12th century, including Duddingston Kirk right by Duddingston Loch. Other properties in the area include beautiful, traditional cottages, and Georgian villas. Whilst most of the roads have been paved, some cobbles remain, conjuring images of the horse-drawn carriages of times gone by.
Because of its small size, Duddingston Village is highly sought-after by period property lovers. Many of the properties here are listed to preserve their historic features. Renovation and modernisation are possible, of course. However, you may find that the changes you can make are limited.
Duddingston
To the east of the historic Duddingston village lies the suburb of Duddingston. This suburb offers exceptional detached and semi-detached Georgian and Victorian villas that make ideal family homes that combine character and convenience. Think of elaborate cornicing, ceiling roses, and traditional fireplaces inside, complemented by a BBQ space and a trampoline for the kids outside.
If you would like to combine the joy of owning a detached period home with the convenience of easy access to the city and the A1 and by-pass, Duddingston might just be the place for you.
What are the Local Amenities Like?
Duddingston Village is home to Edinburgh’s oldest surviving pub, the Sheep Heid Inn. If you have never tried the Scottish classic of haggis, neeps, and tatties before, you could not choose a better, more atmospheric place. Local historians believe that the first licensed inn stood here as early as 1360.
If you enjoy being outdoors, Holyrood Park and Braidburn Valley Park offer great options for leisurely strolls and more energetic workouts. There are also smaller parks in the area, so you never have to go far to find green, open spaces. Duddingston Golf Club and Portobello Golf Course will become firm favourites with both beginner and more ambitious golfers.
If you are thinking of raising a family here, Duddingston offers childcare facilities and primary and secondary schools. Private schools are just a short drive away. There are plenty of smaller convenience stores in the area, and it is only a short drive to the nearest supermarket and outdoor shopping centre, Fort Kinnaird.
What About Transport and Accessibility?
Unsurprisingly, Duddingston Village is home to small, windy streets. As you head out of the village and into the suburb of Duddingston, roads get wider, and parking becomes easier. Duddingston benefits from easy access to the Edinburgh City Bypass, too.
Most period properties in the area offer private parking or have had garages added to them. Many also have free on-street parking, making it easy for visitors to join you in your new home. Plus, Duddingston is well connected to public bus services connecting East Lothian, the city centre, and other areas of the capital.
Our Favourite Street
We love the area around Durham Road, closer to the eastern side of Duddingston. Set back from one of the main thoroughfares, this street is quiet, yet spacious and home to outstanding period family homes.
You will find stunning Georgian and Victorian houses with spacious rooms for the entire family. Many of them feature first- and second-floor bay windows with spectacular views of Edinburgh and towards Arthur’s Seat. These are the types of homes that everyone loves returning to for family occasions and more for generations to come.
