Couperfield House

Couperfield House, North Leith
©2022 Gazetteer for Scotland

Couperfield House, North Leith

Built c.1890 as the janitor's house for Couper Street School in North Leith, Couperfield House lay fire-damaged and derelict for more than 20 years until it was bought and uniquely refurbished in 2003-4 by Reuben Welch, the co-owner of Alien Rock climbing centre, and his partner April Marr. Featured in the Channel 4 television series Grand Designs in 2004, the interior is open-plan with the only bedroom on a curved mezzanine level reached by a spiral staircase. This bedroom features a free-standing bath, en-suite facilities and a south-facing balcony. A wrought-iron balustrade separates the mezzanine from the 7-m (23-foot) high naturally-lit space which is the lounge area. Beneath the mezzanine are a kitchen, dining area and a separate study. The buff sandstone exterior remains largely unchanged and features the school bell in its original niche and octagonal monogrammed chimney-pots.

The house won the National Home of the Year Award in 2005.


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