Conversion apartments in Edinburgh City Centre
All homes are currently under offer
All homes are currently under offer
With its majestic character and architectural heritage, The Playfair at Donaldson’s is recognised as one of the most important landmark buildings in the city. The Category A listed Playfair building includes a collection of apartments designed to provide fantastic panoramic views across Edinburgh, the Pentland Hills, the sweeping lawns and the attractive internal courtyard.
The contemporary apartments provide a striking contrast to the building’s exterior. Properties boast impressive proportions and natural light is optimised through the iconic period windows, ranging from beautiful mezzanine apartments boasting full-height feature windows to exquisite penthouses and three breath-taking chapel apartments, this wonderful collection of apartments offers a home to suit a wide range of lifestyles.
Residents enjoy exclusive access to The Playfair’s concierge service and several communal spaces, including the boutique Club Room and Chapel Room, where neighbours can meet, work or relax and unwind in part of the stunning development. As well as the internal courtyard which has been beautifully landscaped and provides a haven in the heart of Edinburgh city centre. Every home is sold with secure underground parking and a total of 18 acres of parkland to enjoy, as well as easy access to the sought-after streets of Edinburgh.
With a strong track record and trusted reputation for supplying high-quality developments in sought-after locations, let City & Country help you find your perfect property. We have conversion homes ready to move into. Hurry though, this could be your last chance to buy!
Awards
Scottish Home Awards Winner – Renovation of the Year
WhatHouse? Awards Silver – Best Renovation
*Price correct at time of publication & subject to availability. ^Terms & conditions apply, to find out more click here.
Make your next move to The Playfair at Donaldson's with incredible savings up to £20,000 when you reserve, available for a limited time only.
View our available homes for further details and don't miss the chance to make this landmark residence home.
^Terms and conditions apply.
TERMS AND CONDITIONSAssisted Move offers the chance to exclusively reserve the home of your choice whilst we help you sell your current property. You can then relax knowing that your dream home is off the market and that you have a dedicated team working to get you moving as simply and quickly as possible.
FIND OUT MOREOur happy buyer, Cat Kennedy, secured her new apartment at The Playfair at Donaldson’s in 2021.
Ready Full StoryContemporary linear kitchens from Ballerina
Corian worktops and upstands. Glass splashbacks behind hobs
Integrated appliances from Siemens including: single oven, combi microwave oven (to most apartments), extractor hood, fridge/freezer, dishwasher and induction hob. Three bedroom apartments also benefit from a wine cooler and warming drawer
Sanitaryware from Villeroy and Boch
Brassware from Hansgrohe and Crosswater
Feature free standing baths to selected apartments
Modern low profile shower trays. Shower enclosures with minimal frame screens
Heated towel rails in an anthracite finish
Mirrored vanity units to the majority of bathrooms and en-suites
Contemporary porcelain tiles to walls and floors
Engineered white oak flooring to all living areas, hallways and kitchens
100% wool or non-wool carpets to bedrooms
Tiling to bathrooms
Cast iron style radiators to living/kitchen/dining rooms and hallways when open to the living area
Flat panel radiators to bedrooms
Underfloor heating to basement and penthouse apartments
Nest Thermostat for intelligent temperature control including remote operation via a downloadable app
Luxury fitted wardrobes with glass sliding doors to most bedrooms without dressing areas*
Dressing areas fitted with hanging rails and shelving
Flush lacquered internal doors in grey matt finish
Satin chrome ironmongery
Virgin for television and internet up to 200mb**.BT for phone and internet only
Chrome shaver sockets to bathrooms and en-suites
LED downlighters to bathrooms and en-suites. Pendant fittings or LED downlighters to living areas and bedrooms
Double sockets to bedside with USB charging ports
Mains operated smoke detectors
Intruder alarms
Audio entry to main access points
Underground car park with fob/pin access
Sprinkler system to specific apartments – please ask for details
Shopping
Whether it is the luxury of having high culture, fine dining and exclusive shopping on your doorstep; or the opportunity to be immersed in the many festivals, exhibitions and outdoor events that take place in Edinburgh; Wester Coates and The West End has it all.
Dining
Chic, sophisticated and anything but ordinary, this vibrant quadrant of Edinburgh is home to a diverse range of boutique eateries, coffee shops and bars, with something for even the most discerning of palates.
Transport
The Playfair at Donaldson's is ideally located just seven minutes' walk from Haymarket station, with its direct services to Edinburgh city centre, Glasgow, London and beyond. It is also within walking distance of the city's wealth of shops and leisure facilities, so you can immerse yourself in art, culture or retail therapy whenever you feel the need.
Culture
Cosmopolitan Edinburgh is brimming with worldclass retail, culinary and cultural opportunities, and attracts over one million overseas visitors annually. Each year it hosts the Edinburgh International Festival and the famous Fringe, as well as its spectacular Hogmanay street celebrations. From the Scottish National Gallery and the National Museum of Scotland to theatres such as the Edinburgh Playhouse and Traverse Theatre, there is so much to see and do all year round.
Concierge Service
The on-site concierge provides residents with peace of mind and is on hand to assist with daily tasks.
Private Courtyard
The central courtyard retains much of the simplicity and geometry shown within the historic layout – following the concentric paving lines originally drawn by Playfair himself.
18 Acres of Private Parkland
Residents of Donaldson’s enjoy 18 acres of private parkland. Clipped box hedging and parterres add a formal arrangement whilst balustrade terraces, sweeping lawns and mature trees provide a tranquil landscape in the heart of the city.
Boutique Communal Spaces
Two boutique communal rooms can be found within the iconic building, one within the original chapel and the other adjacent. Residents can unwind in The Club Room with a refreshment and enjoying beautiful views onto the central courtyard.
I have been very impressed with the care which has been taken by City & Country to preserve the original features of the building, and the service from the sales and after sales teams has been great, exactly what you would expect in a development of this calibre. Now I am looking forward to settling in to my new flat and having new neighbours to pass the time of day with. If I want to go into town the bus stop is only a short stroll away, but there are shops, a medical centre and supermarkets not too far away either.James Miller Resident at The Playfair, Donaldson's
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VISIT THE HUBThe Playfair at Donaldson’s,
West Coates,
Edinburgh,
EH12 5FA
Our sales suite is closed.
The Dunstane Houses – 0.2 miles
A family run five-star luxurious boutique hotel located in two Victorian townhouses.
La Bruschetta – 0.5 miles
This Italian restaurant places an emphasis on fresh seafood and uses local produce where possible.
Cafe Nomad - 0.5 miles
Stretching the corner of Haymarket Terrace and Rosebery Crescent, Café Nomad offers a welcoming atmosphere and delicious homemade sandwiches and baked goods.
The Jolly Botanist - 0.6 miles
The Jolly Botanist is an award-winning Gin Bar with an extensive list of gins, cocktails and wines as well as a Brunch and Main menu.
Los Amigos - 0.6 miles
Los Amigos is a Latin-inspired restaurant, serving drinks and dishes from Argentina.
Rustom Restaurant - 0.6 miles
Influenced by Indian and Pakistani cuisine and interiors, Rustom delivers a fine experience and premium Halal food in the heart of Edinburgh.
Pizza Geeks - 0.6 miles
Pizza Geeks is a socially conscious pizza restaurant with sales of their featured pizza matched and donated to homeless and disadvantaged people within the Edinburgh community.
La Piazza – 0.9 miles
A traditional Italian restaurant.
The Rat Pack Piano Bar - 1 mile
Offering a unique night out, this popular bar offers a contemporary and innovative take on music, cocktails and socialising, with piano virtuosos playing music from 1950s to modern classics.
Cairngorm Coffee - 1 mile
A core asset of the Edinburgh coffee scene, crafting quality coffee since 2014.
The Timberyard - 1.2 miles
This family run restaurant is located in the heart of Edinburgh and offers a range of homemade soft drinks and independently sourced wines, alongside their locally sourced dishes from artisan Scottish suppliers.
Panda & Sons (Bar) - 1.3 miles
Panda & Sons calls itself a ‘hidden bar’, fusing the classic prohibition-style speakeasy with a vintage barber shop. Additionally, Panda & Sons offers delicious creative cocktails and innovative tweaks on classic recipes.
Petit Paris - 1.4 miles
This intimate French restaurant is located Edinburgh’s historic Grassmarket. Boasting French charm, the restaurant uses local produce and offers a traditional French menu.
Hoot the Redeemer (Bar) - 1.5 miles
Hoot the Redeemer is a 1950s themed bar which embraces vintage funfair. The bar includes an extensive drinks menu in addition to an ice cream parlour, tarot card reader and a pinch’n sip vending machine.
The Printing Press Bar & Kitchen - 1.6 miles
Winner of Hotel Cocktail Bar of the Year at 2019’s Scottish Hotel Awards, The Printing Press Bar & Kitchen is an all-day restaurant and late-night bar offering a variety of cuisine as well as a range of cocktails.
Makars Gourmet Mash Bar - 1.6 miles
Makars Gourmet Mash Bar is a popular choice in Edinburgh. Acting as a hybrid between a restaurant and a bar, Makars serves classic Scottish dishes using local produce.
The Milkman - 1.8 miles
The Milkman is an independent speciality coffee shop, located in the heard of Edinburgh’s Old Town.
The Kitchin - 4.6 miles
Located in Edinburgh’s Leith waterfront, this Michelin star awarded restaurant, founded by Tom Kitchin, offers seasonal British cuisine using quality Scottish ingredients and influenced by French culinary techniques.
Roseburn - 0.4 miles
Located on the suburb of Edinburgh, Roseburn features a selection of shops, including a Pet Supply Store, Virgo Delicatessen and 3D Cakes Edinburgh.
Edinburgh Farmer's Market - 1.3 miles
Edinburgh’s original award-winning Farmers’ Market. Here you can find fresh, local produce including organic meat, fruit & vegetables as well as juices, sweets, baked goods as well as specialty products. This market takes places every Saturday, 9am – 2pm.
Hawico Scotland (Luxury Cashmere Store) - 1.5 miles
Hawico is a traditional Scottish store and has been making classic, fine Scottish cashmere knits since 1874.
George Street - 1.7 miles
George Street boasts a number of notable buildings, such as George Hotel, The Dome and the Assembly rooms as well as a variety of stylish retail stores, including:
Additionally, there are a number of notable buildings, such as George Hotel, The Dome and the Assembly Rooms.
Craigleith Retail Park - 1.7 miles
Craigleith Retail Park has a Sainsbury Superstore and an M & S, amongst other shops.
Princes Street - 1.8 miles
Princes Street features a plethora of high street brands, including:
Stockbridge - 1.8 miles
Stockbridge offers a range of delicatessens and speciality shops, including jewellers, galleries and a weekly Sunday market.
Epitome (Women's Designer Clothing Store) - 1.8 miles
This independent women’s designer clothing store offers timeless and of a high quality woman’s clothing.
Waitrose - 2.0 miles
Life Story (Boutique Homeware Store) - 2.2 miles
Life Story is an independently owned, boutique homeware store featuring Scandinavian design and lifestyle products.
Multrees Walk - 2.2 miles
Multrees Walk boasts a variety of luxurious and exclusive fashion brands, featuring:
Additionally, Multrees Walk houses Scotland’s only Harvey Nichols.
Dalry Primary School - 0.9 miles
Broughton High School (State Secondary) - 1.7 miles
St George's School for Girls (Private Preparatory) - 0.9 miles
Cargilfield School (Private Preparatory) - 4.2 miles
Stewart's Melville College (Private Secondary) - 1.4 miles
Fettes College (Private Secondary) - 2.1 miles
University of Edinburgh - 2 miles
Edinburgh Napier University – 3.4 miles
Crossfit Murrayfield – 0.7 miles
Crossfit Murrayfield offers fitness in the form of strength and conditioning with a number of different classes to suit each individual.
Murrayfield Stadium – 0.8 miles
Murrayfield Stadium is Scotland’s largest stadium and where national matches are played
Calm on Canning Street - 0.8 miles
Calm on Canning Street is a yoga and wellbeing studio, offering a range of classes including pregnancy and postnatal classes.
Scottish National Gallery of Modern Art - 0.8 miles
Scottish National Gallery of Modern Art is set in the grounds of a beautiful sculpture park. The gallery is part of the National Galleries of Scotland and consists of two buildings, Modern One and Modern Two.
Murrayfield Ice Rink – 0.9 miles
This multi-purpose venue in the heart of Edinburgh offers a range of activities for people of all abilities including Racers Ice Hockey and Skating Club.
Dalry Swim Centre – 0.9 miles
Dalry Swim Centre houses a swimming pool and sauna, in addition to a fitness centre.
PureGym – 1 mile
PurGym is a 24 hour fitness centre located in Edinburgh city centre and offers a range of fitness classes as well as a number membership options.
Dean Village & Gardens - 1 mile
Dean Village is a picturesque village, featuring cobblestoned roads with small houses that line the streets and spectacular views over the river.
Dean Gardens are the second largest private amenity gardens in Edinburgh, consisting of nine acres of semi-woodland garden that border the Water of Leith, offering beautiful views over Dean Valley.
Edinburgh Gin Distillery – 1 mile
Edinburgh Gin Distillery is a boutique five-star distillery and offers visitors guided tours to discover how they make their award-winning gin and learn more about Edinburgh’s historic gin heritage.
One Spa – 1 mile
Scotland’s ‘most renowned urban thermal spa’, One Spa boasts a 19m swimming pool, poolside sauna, iconic rooftop Hydropool and thermal suite as well as a state-of-the-art Fitness Centre.
Fountain Park - 1.1 miles
Fountain Park features a range of attractions, including:
Traverse Theatre – 1.1 miles
Traverse Theatre is Scotland’s new writing theatre, seeking to enable people from across society to access and engage with theatre.
Royal Lyceum Theatre – 1.1 miles
Royal Lyceum Theatre is a beautiful Victorian building with a remarkable history. It remains as a theatre space, taken over in 1965 by Royal Lyceum Theatre Company.
The company is Scotland’s leading production theatre and has an excellent reputation for both classical and contemporary work. Throughout its history it has welcomed well-known actors, including David Tennant, Emily Mortimer and Ian McKellan
The Usher Hall – 1.1 miles
The Usher Hall is Scotland’s only five-star concern venue, hosting a range of musical performances annually. These performances include jazz, classical, rock in addition to dance and comedy shows.
Murrayfield Golf Club - 1.2 miles
A family friendly club in an idyllic setting with beautiful castle and city views.
Escape Hunt – 1.3 miles
Escape hunt involves being locked in a themed room and solving a series of puzzles using clues. In order to escape, you and your teammates must solve the clues before the allotted time is up.
Edinburgh Castle - 1.5 miles
Located in the heart of the city centre, spectacular Edinburgh Castle is one of Scotland’s most exciting historic sites.
Scottish National Gallery - 1.6 miles
Displays at the Scottish National Gallery include works by: Botticelli, Rembrandt, van Dyck, Constable, Turner
Edinburgh Zoo - 1.8 miles
Edinburgh Zoo is set in 82 acres of parkland and houses just under 1,000 rare and endangered animals.
Festival Theatre – 1.9 miles
Originally, Festival Theatre was designed as Scotland’s premier dance and opera house. Today, it offers a range of world-class productions and variety of performances.
Palace of Holyroodhouse and Holyrood Park – 2.4 miles
Palace of Holyroodhouse is the home of Scottish royal history and The Queen’s official residence in Edinburgh,. The Palace is open to the public and regularly hosts activities and events for people to attend.
Haymarket Station Tram Stop - 0.7 miles
Haymarket Tram Stop to City Centre – 15 minutes
Haymarket Tram Stop to Edinburgh Airport – 29 minutes
Haymarket Station - 0.7 miles
Edinburgh Waverley Station - 1.8 miles
Edinburgh Airport - 5.9 miles
Haymarket Bus Stop - 1.1 miles
Average journey time to Edinburgh Airport – 30 minutes.
M8 - 5.1 miles
M9 - 9.3 miles
M90 - 13.2 miles
The long history of Donaldson’s began in 1830, when newspaper editor James Donaldson bequeathed his estate to build an orphanage for boys and girls. Renowned Edinburgh architect William Henry Playfair was tasked with turning Donaldson’s vision into reality, having won a design ‘competition’.
Buying a new home can be a daunting prospect but we’re here to help you every step of the way.
“The redevelopment of Donaldson’s has been a bit of an Edinburgh legend for some time. It’s such an iconic building and it’s been much anticipated. Buildings like this become part of the DNA of a city. It’s so important to protect them and it would have been a huge shame to have let the building fall into disrepair. Seeing it restored to such a high standard is magnificent.”
16 Acres of Private Parkland
City Centre
Concierge Service
Allocated Parking
Dog Friendly
High Speed Internet
