World champion racing car driver Paul Di Resta submits plans to convert £1.8m New Town townhouse into luxury pad with rooftop terrace

The 34-year-old former Formula One driver has submitted blueprints to completely upgrade the five-storey town house at Ainslie Place for “use” by himself and his family.

Paul Di Resta has submitted plans to renovate this £1.8m town house on Ainslie Place

World champion racing car driver Paul Di Resta has tabled plans to convert a £1.8m New Town townhouse from an office into one of the capital’s most desireable homes – complete with its own rooftop terrace.

The house, which covers 430 square metres, is understood to have been purchased by Mr Di Resta after being advertised for offers over £1.8m early this year.

The property was originally designed by esteemed Scottish architect James Gillespie Graham in 1822 for the 10th Earl of Moray.

It has been unoccupied for over a year now and is currently registered as an office building.

Pending approval by Edinburgh City Council, the house will be renovated to contain seven bedrooms.

The basement floor will comprise a kitchen, drawing room, cellar, plant room and three bedrooms.

On the ground floor there will be a second kitchen, a dining room and garden room.

The first floor will contain a lounge, office and drawing/TV room, while the second floor will be home to another bedroom and master bedroom. On the third floor there will be a lounge and further two bedrooms.

Plans have also been submitted to convert the property’s existing roof into a terrace with decking, a glass balustrade, surround and fixed seating areas and four large roof lights.

Mr Di Resta’s new pad is being designed by architect, Marshall Inglis, whose work includes the refurbished Supreme Court of the Netherlands and the recent interior renovations of 1 St Andrew Square, the south side of the famous quare’s upgrade.

In his planning application submitted to Edinburgh City Council, Mr Inglis says: “The building offers a number of well-preserved original features however the historic alterations to the property and the lack of care with regards to finishes and maintenance have resulted in the property needing a further renovation to allow it to be utilised for residential purposes.

“The proposed works seek to renovate and renew the existing property in order to create an attractive residential home which is respectful of the buildings history. whilst offering the spaces, finishes and facilities required by the applicant.

“The project will be undertaken with a deep understanding of the historical significance of the property and the location it inhabits. The scheme will retain and renew the original features of the property whilst all ‘new’ works will aim to be harmonious with the existing property and be of a high standard that enhances and enlivens the property.”

Neighbours have been informed of the proposals and so far no public objections have been raised.

Mr Di Resta was born in Uphall, West Lothian and is a stepson to the late Scottish footballer Dougie McCracken. He is also cousin to fellow racing champion Dario Franchitti.

He has been a professional race car driver since 2003 and most recently placed third in the 2019–20 FIA World Endurance Championship.

Mr Di Resta and Marshall Inglis have been approached for comment.

The application will be determined at a later date.