Spotlight on: Portobello, Edinburgh

One of the biggest appeals for those looking to move to Portobello, Edinburgh, is the prospect of living beside the seaside.

Just three miles from the city, Portobello beach is perfect for families and immensely popular with runners and cyclists.

The pristine, sandy beach has historically been and still remains a huge tourist attraction for visitors.

The High Street nearby is also packed with gift shops, restaurants, boutique shops and cafes, making Portobello the perfect day out for visitors and local people.

Jacquie Sandison, Estate Agent at Watermans Legal, said: “The beach is beautiful and great place for kids and dog walkers.

“On the seafront, Edinburgh Leisure have the Portobello Gym and Swim centre. The pool is lovely and they even have a Turkish baths facility.

“It’s obvious why there are so many people looking to either buy or sell their house there.”

Portobello reportedly got its name from a house built around 1750 on the desolate Figgate Whins, between Leith and Musselburgh.

Some say the first house on the Figgate Whins area between Musselburgh and Leith belonged to a former sailor who was a veteran of the naval action in the War of the Austrian Succession.

It was built around 1742 and called the Portobello Hut, supposedly in honour of the victory.

Other notable historic links include when William Wallace gathered soldiers around the area to prepare for the Battle of Dunbar, in 1296.

One of our properties in Portobello.

Much later on, in the 1900s, the coastal suburb became a hugely popular area for people to visit, particularly in the Swinging Sixties.

And it still maintains its charming, sought-after reputation – on sunny days there’s never a shortage of people around.

In 2019 Portobello was voted the best neighbourhood in the UK at the 2020 Urbanism Awards.

Jacquie continued: “Houses sell very fast in Portobello, particularly family homes.

“People enjoy being beside the beach but not being too far away from the city. There’s lots to do and lots of nice schools there.”

If you are a lover of water sports, there’s also plenty of activities to partake in including beach volleyball, sailing, kayaking an canoeing.

If your thoughts are turning to buy or sell a home in Portobello then our expert Estate Agency team are here to assist you. Our service and attention to detail have given us a rating of 4.9 stars on Google Reviews.

We offer a free market appraisal of your home, this takes no longer than 20 minutes. In these challenging times, we are working both at the office and remotely so we can offer our virtual valuation service to you. To book your appointment call 0131 467 5566 or email [email protected]