Four of the best seaside new-build homes within driving distance of Edinburgh

Househunters are finding lifestyle homes by the seaside in East Lothian, says Kirsty McLuckie

East Lothian is a real draw for those looking for a seaside home in commuting distance of the city.

The quality of life it offers is celebrated and the region is one of the highest in terms of house prices outside Edinburgh. There are good transport links both to the capital and the south.

Cala Homes (East) has a range of property on offer in the area and is currently selling from four coastal developments.

Picture: CALA Homes

The company’s Marine Rise development is the latest addition. On a site in the village of Gullane which was built as the Marine Hotel it later became the Scottish Fire Rescue Service College.

It is now being converted into residential use with apartments and houses being built in the grounds.

Recently launched to the market, the development will feature new and refurbished apartments.

Picture: CALA Homes

The first homes to be marketed are new build, with two-bedroomed flats priced from £365,000 and houses starting at £499,000.

Philip Hogg, sales and marketing director with Cala Homes (East), said: “Marine Rise is a really amazing destination, with something to suit many tastes.

“Not only do we have characterful refurb apartments, but also incredibly spacious new-build apartments and houses too, ensuring a home for every lifestyle and need.”

A semi-detached Duffy house, with five bedrooms, is available for £499,000 with part exchange offered and Land and Buildings Transaction Tax (LBTT) paid, giving a potential saving of over £23,000, if reserved this month.

Just a few hundred yards away, on the very outskirts of the village of Gullane, Fentoun Green is another development from Cala offering coastal living.

Picture: CALA Homes

The development has 36 three, four and five-bedroomed family homes, starting from £409,000.

Both Gullane developments are well connected with picturesque walkways, including the famous John Muir Way.

They offer award-winning beaches on the doorstep and championship golf courses along the “golf coast road”.

Gullane is close to one of East Lothian’s most sought-after property hotspots, North Berwick, which regularly features near the top of polls for the best places to live in the UK.

In North Berwick, Cala’s established Law Gardens development currently offers three and four-bedroomed homes against a backdrop of North Berwick Law.

Picture: CALA Homes

It is a peaceful spot but enjoys close proximity to amenities, pubs, restaurants and importantly is close to many top-rated schools.

Current properties, which start at £319,000, will be joined by a release of five-bedroomed homes next year.

Further along the sandy coastline is Castle Bay. Situated in Belhaven, originally the ancient port of Dunbar, the development offers a range of four and five-bedroomed properties from £485,000.

Picture: CALA Homes

The homes are in walking distance of Dunbar with its harbour dating back to the 17th century.

Hogg says: “East Lothian has it all: award-winning beaches, never-ending nature walks and a variety of excellent schools and amenities. Commuters, shoppers and day-trippers are in easy reach of Edinburgh, too.

“It really is a beautiful part of the world and we are delighted to be able to offer a range of developments up and down the county.

“Our East Lothian homes are perfect for those looking to escape city life to set up home in a postcard-worthy location.”