Modern convenience with historic charm: How Scott found his dream new-build home at The Engine Yard
12 March 2025
Looking to buy the brand-new home of your dreams in 2025?
If you’re keen to benefit from all the advantages of a new build yet you love the character of older properties, then a move to The Tram Sheds could be perfect for you.
This was the certainly the case for Scott, who works in finance in Edinburgh and whose home buying journey led him to the final collection of apartments at the city’s iconic and uniquely restored former tram depot – The Engine Yard.
- What first attracted you to The Tram Sheds at The Engine Yard?
- What were your must-haves for your brand-new home?
- What do you like most about your new Tram Sheds home?
- What are the advantages to living at The Engine Yard and in Leith?
- Would you say life is better now you live at The Tram Sheds?
- How did you find the process of buying a home with Places for People?
What first attracted you to The Tram Sheds at The Engine Yard?
“What really stood out to me was the stunning building and just how much character this place had for a new build.
“Having lived in old Georgian tenements that were lovely by design but generally cold and dark, I was really looking for something that would be warm and light. You don’t get many places like that in Edinburgh, so to see a new build come on the market that had that character to it and looked so stunning really caught my attention.”
What were your must-haves for your brand-new home?
“Somewhere spacious and open plan was important to me and this place really offered that. For a one-bedroom apartment, it’s really quite spacious with a great interior and the open living room design.
“I also wanted a little bit of outdoor space, whether that was just a balcony or terrace, or somewhere I could sit outside in private and enjoy. There’s some great green space right outside my front door, which is brilliant if you have a dog like me. There are also multiple parks nearby and you're only about a 10 or 15 minute walk from the coastline if you like the beach.”.
What do you like most about your new Tram Sheds home?
“I'm a really big fan of my balcony, which is lovely in summer to sit out on but actually I just really love how warm this place is! Scotland can be quite cold especially in winter, but I've not had to have the heating on once. Even when it's been cold outside I’ve had the windows open – that's just how warm it actually is with the heating off.
“I also love how bright these apartments are and having the kitchen and living room together is a really nice space to have people over for dinner and socialise at the same time.”
I was surprised by just how much a sense of Community there is here – all the neighbours are so friendly and always stop to chat.
What are the advantages to living at The Engine Yard and in Leith?
“I love this part of Edinburgh – it's fantastic for bars and restaurants, and there are so many nice places you can go, like the theatre house just up the road that has some great shows on.
“You've got the St James Quarter a 10-minute walk up the hill and you also have a tram stop less than 5 minutes away, which can get you anywhere east to west all the way out to the airport.
“As well as a new gym, The Engine Yard also has an underground car park, which is fantastic. It's really convenient having somewhere safe to keep my car where I know it's going to stay clean and out of harm’s way.”
Would you say life is better now you live at The Tram Sheds?
“There are two big ways that moving here has really improved my lifestyle. One is that I'm walking a lot more! Before, I used to drive everywhere but now I'm so close to the centre of town and everything is right on my doorstep I can just walk or take the tram and walk, so I'm a lot more active.
“Secondly, because it's so bright I'm just a bit happier. I think we all sometimes suffer from a bit of seasonal sadness when it's dark – and a lot of flats in Edinburgh are dark – but this place just keeps me bright and energized when I'm working from home.
“Another bonus is saving so much money on energy bills by way of it being so well insulated and not needing to have the lights on all the time. That alone makes it worth making the move here.”
How did you find the process of buying a home with Places for People?
“I found it amazingly simple. I thought the sales team were really helpful, Conor especially. He was a massive help to me throughout and made the whole process go so smoothly.
“I really rate the after-sales service as well because the site managers were kind enough to help me put right some damage to the walls done by a third party when they were laying some flooring. My whole experience was fantastic.”
Homes at The Tram Sheds start at £275,000 for a one-bedroom apartment. Find out more about our final collection of one, two and three-bedroom apartments and duplexes available at The Engine Yard in Edinburgh.
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Homes at The Tram Sheds start at £275,000 for a one-bedroom apartment. Find out more about our final collection of one, two and three-bedroom apartments and duplexes available at The Engine Yard in Edinburgh.