Latest news with #Rettie
Scotsman
12-07-2025
- Business
- Scotsman
High house prices on East Lothian's ‘Golf Coast' are par for the course
Scotland's premier towns – and their golfing connections – are popuilar with overseas buyers, says Andrew Smith Sign up to our Scotsman Money newsletter, covering all you need to know to help manage your money. Sign up Thank you for signing up! Did you know with a Digital Subscription to The Scotsman, you can get unlimited access to the website including our premium content, as well as benefiting from fewer ads, loyalty rewards and much more. Learn More Sorry, there seem to be some issues. Please try again later. Submitting... The Scottish Open returned to East Lothian in 2018 and has been played there ever since. It returns to the Renaissance Club again this week, a year on from Robert MacIntyre holing a putt on the 18th green to win his home open championship for the first time. East Lothian's coastal and rural towns and villages will be abuzz again this weekend, with locals and tourists from across the globe soaking up the atmosphere around one of Scotland's leading sporting events, and hopefully a bit of sunshine too on the 'Golf Coast'. Advertisement Hide Ad Advertisement Hide Ad East Lothian is notable due to its position as one of Scotland's most sought-after areas for homeowners, reflected in it having some of the country's highest house prices. In fact, Gullane (sixth), North Berwick (fifth), Longniddry (third) and Aberlady (seventh) all rank in the top ten Scottish towns by average house price. Properties at he Fairways in Gullane have stunning views over the hallowed links of Muirfield In addition to the scattering of some of the world's most celebrated golf courses, the region's towns and villages offer a blend of natural beauty, outdoor activities and coastal walks. They also have easy access to Edinburgh by rail and road. In Fife, St Andrews and Strathkinness also rank in the national top 10, fourth and tenth respectively. Residents have access to St Andrews Links, which is rightly celebrated as one of the greatest golf courses on earth. The Home of Golf has hosted 30 Open Championships and is set to host the tournament once again in 2027. Auchterarder, known as the 'Gateway to the Highlands' is home to former Ryder Cup venue Gleneagles Golf Resort. Auchterarder ranks eighth in the list of Scotland's most expensive towns, with an average house price of around £375,000 over the last 12 months. Advertisement Hide Ad Advertisement Hide Ad Elie & Earlsferry ranks number one in average house price out of all Scottish towns at approximately £725,000 over the last 12 months. This high value area is also home to the highly revered Elie Links and new golfer's favourite, Dumbarnie Golf Links. Andrew Smith, Director of Country House Sales, Rettie Scotland's premier towns are popular with international buyers, including Americans, in no small part due to the peaceful lifestyle and breadth of high-quality golf courses. Since the start of 2025, international buyers from America viewing Rettie's listings have increased by 38 per cent year-on-year. This spike coincides with President Trump's second inauguration. The President, of course, has his own connections with Scotland and golf, although this may not be the main factor in driving the traffic! In terms of our overseas viewings, the US is second only to Spain, with the US states generating the highest amounts of this traffic being North Carolina, California, Virginia, and New York. With more than five million people in the US with Scottish ancestry, interest in Scotland as a place to visit has always been high. However, now we're seeing increasing numbers looking at it as a place to live as well. Advertisement Hide Ad Advertisement Hide Ad The growing interest coincides with Rettie's release of high-quality properties like the Fairways in Gullane, designed by Lorn Macneal Architects, which offers stunning views over the hallowed links of Muirfield.
Daily Record
09-07-2025
- Business
- Daily Record
Scotland's most expensive postcodes named where most million pound houses are sold
Postcodes in Edinburgh dominated the list Scotland's most expensive postcodes where the most homes are sold for more than £1million have been named. Areas in Edinburgh dominated the list with a Glasgow suburb and an affluent Fife region also appearing. On July 3, Rettie shared its annual report detailing home sales in Scotland. The estate agents revealed that 514 properties across the country sold for a seven-figure sum in 2024. EH3 in Edinburgh takes the title for the highest number of £1million-plus sales in Scotland. It was found that 53 seven-figure sales took place in the area in 2024. The postcode covers sought-after areas in the Scottish capital such as its New Town and the West End. It also covers part of the popular and affluent neighbourhood of Stockbridge. According to Rettie, EH3 placed first due to "sustained demand for centrally located, architecturally significant homes within walking distance of key city amenities, excellent schools, and cultural institutions". The experts also noted the postcode's international appeal and limited availability. Following behind in second place on Rettie's list is EH10. Also located in Edinburgh, 50 properties sold for seven figures in the postcode in 2024. The EH10 postcode includes the neighbourhood of Morningside, which is known for its cafés and specialist food retailers. It also covers other sought-after districts such as Bruntsfield and Fairmilehead. Rounding out the top five areas of Scotland where the most properties sold for more than £1million in 2024 are EH4, EH9, and EH12. According to Rettie, 49, 33, and 29 seven-figure homes were sold in the Edinburgh postcodes last year. Overall, the Scottish capital dominates the list of the top 10 postcodes for sales of over £1million. The East of Scotland, including Edinburgh, accounted for almost 80 per cent of seven-figure sales in Scotland in 2024. Elsewhere, KY16 comes in at number six on Rettie's list with 24 £1million-plus sales last year. The postcode covers the popular Fife town of St Andrews and its surrounding areas. Meanwhile, placing at number eight on the roundup is G61 in Greater Glasgow. The postcode, where 16 homes were sold for seven figures in 2024, covers the affluent town of Bearsden in East Dunbartonshire. Managing director of Rettie Simon Rettie commented: "Scotland's prime residential market continues to demonstrate remarkable resilience, with 2024 marking a record-breaking year for £1million-plus home sales. "While Edinburgh and the East remain dominant, it's encouraging to see continued activity emerging in the West. Buyers are showing confidence again—a trend we expect to build through 2025." Read on for the top 10 Scottish postcodes where the most homes were sold for £1 million or more in 2024. The full study can be found on the Rettie website. Top 10 Scottish postcodes for £1m+ sales EH3 — 53 EH10 — 50 EH4 — 49 EH9 — 33 EH12 — 29 KY16 — 24 EH1 — 16 G61 — 16 EH16 — 13 EH13 — 12
Scotsman
09-07-2025
- Business
- Scotsman
The affluent postcodes driving Scotland's record sales of £1 million-plus homes
'The Scottish £1m-plus market has weathered recent economic headwinds and emerged with renewed strength' – John Boyle, Rettie Sign up to our Scotsman Money newsletter, covering all you need to know to help manage your money. Sign up Thank you for signing up! Did you know with a Digital Subscription to The Scotsman, you can get unlimited access to the website including our premium content, as well as benefiting from fewer ads, loyalty rewards and much more. Learn More Sorry, there seem to be some issues. Please try again later. Submitting... Last year set a new record for sales of £1 million-plus homes in Scotland, with the east coast accounting for the bulk of the business, new figures suggest. The latest research by property firm Rettie shows that there were 514 sales of high-end homes in 2024, versus 506 transactions in 2023. Advertisement Hide Ad Advertisement Hide Ad Edinburgh's EH3 postcode area, which includes the capital's New Town and West End, has emerged as the new number one location for £1m sales in Scotland, with 53 deals during the year, displacing the city's EH10 postcode - including Bruntsfield and Morningside - which held the top spot in 2023. Gloucester Place lies within EH3 Edinburgh. The east of Scotland, including Edinburgh, accounted for about 80 per cent of £1m-plus sales during 2024. EH4, encompassing Barnton, Cramond and Cammo, saw a significant rise with sales increasing by nearly 50 per cent, to 49. Other key Edinburgh postcodes - EH10, EH9 and EH12 - round out the top five, accounting for more than 40 per cent of sales. Postcodes outside Edinburgh that make up the top ten include KY16 (St Andrews) and G61 (Bearsden). Simon Rettie, managing director, Rettie, said: 'Scotland's prime residential market continues to demonstrate remarkable resilience, with 2024 marking a record-breaking year for £1m-plus home sales. While Edinburgh and the east remain dominant, it's encouraging to see continued activity emerging in the west. 'Buyers are showing confidence again - a trend we expect to build through 2025,' he added. Advertisement Hide Ad Advertisement Hide Ad On a rolling 12-month basis, Rettie calculates that sales transactions between £750,000 and £1m reached 767 during the first quarter of 2025, an increase of nearly 25 per cent year-on-year. Northumberland Street in Edinburgh's New town. The uptick, according to the firm, reflects improved affordability as mortgage rates stabilise and buyer sentiment recovers. Property experts say this is also an indicator of future growth at the top end - as values appreciate and more homes move into the £1m-plus bracket. John Boyle, director of research and strategy at Rettie, said: 'The Scottish £1m-plus market has weathered recent economic headwinds and emerged with renewed strength, culminating in a record number of sales in 2024. Edinburgh continues to lead the way, underpinned by its established prime districts and resilient buyer demand, while the wider east of Scotland market has consolidated its position as the engine of high-value transactions. 'The overall Scottish residential market modestly improved through 2024 and into this year after a tumultuous 18 months in late 2022 and 2023, when the cost of living crisis and the infamous UK mini Budget saw it caught in a swirl of rapidly rising mortgage rates and much market uncertainty.' Advertisement Hide Ad Advertisement Hide Ad He added: 'The sharp increase in sales just below the £1m threshold points to a strengthening sub-prime segment, likely to feed future growth in the top tier.'
Scotsman
08-07-2025
- Entertainment
- Scotsman
Inside the idyllic coastal Scottish property that's on the market for offers over £2,200,000
As far as fantasy Scottish homes go, Drumbain has it all, with a cherry (and sparkler) on top. The South Ayrshire countryside property is located at Fisherton in Ayr, which is near Culzean Castle and just four and a half miles from Alloway - the birthplace of Robert Burns. The coastal house is sheltered by trees and set in 53 acres of its own grass-land, which is currently used for grazing. It also has a walled garden, mature woodland, various outbuildings and 400 yards of private shoreline, so nobody will disturb your stone-skimming practice or occasional skinny dip. There's even a 'party barn' included, should you want to invite a few pals over for a hoe-down. The main house includes the original farmhouse, but also modern additions to the structure, and there are six bedrooms - four of which are en-suite - as well as two further bathrooms, some with roll-top baths and others that offer double sinks or wet rooms. The property also boasts four reception rooms, including a living room and snug, as well as a huge open-plan glass-walled kitchen that offers uninterrupted views of the Firth of Clyde and opens out onto one of the two paved terraces. Those who want to avoid getting a roller in their hand, needn't worry. The current owner, Ethan Lyell - who is based in the US, and is the grandson of legendary country music singer and songwriter, the late Loretta Lynn - has decorated his pad in a luxurious and restful style to keep any buyer happy. To match the whitewashed exterior, the inside is almost all white, or decorated in other neutral shades, like buff, cream and silvery grey. There is not an avocado suite in sight. The price for this slice of paradise is pitched at offers over £2,200,000 and it's on the market with estate agents, Rettie. We asked Lyell to tell us a bit more about the house. Why are you moving on? We're selling as our work commitments and family obligations, because of ageing parents, are making it more difficult to visit as frequently as we originally planned. How long have you owned Drumbain and have you loved staying there? We purchased Drumbain back in March of 2024. We spent about six weeks there last year and most recently spent five months in 2025. Tell us about the history of the property - when does it date from, and what new additions have been added? We're told the original property dates back over 100 years, then the various buildings were combined to form the main home. The prior owners added the glass kitchen structure to the building around 2008 and then we refreshed the home after purchasing it. Where do you get your interior design inspiration? We worked with a local designer, Lori James of Lori James Interiors, who is a long-time resident of the area to bring a cosy, relaxed and coastal feeling to the home, and they also added touches of Scottish flair that would pay homage to its history and coastal location. Where did you find your paintings - is that a favourite artist's work on the walls? We added a few pieces from a local artist, Philip Raskin, as they bring a bit of the seascape to the room. There are some interesting architectural features, like the staircases and beams, do you think they add to the house's character? The staircase was a later addition to the home and the beams were present when we purchased the home but we painted them to soften and add a layer of texture to the overall rooms. What have been your happiest times in the house? We took our five dogs with us while staying at Drumbain over the last five months of 2025. We've had an amazing time taking them out to explore the coastline and trails on the property. The evenings here are simply amazing as the sun sets behind Arran. Each evening is like looking at a different watercolour painting. What are your favourite spaces in the property and on the surrounding land? It's hard to pick one. The property is filled with many experiences. The chaise longues by the spa are perfect to enjoy the sunsets over Arran with a glass of wine in hand. The dogs and I love walking in the walled garden in the mornings, while I have a cup of coffee and take time to meditate next to the stream. Also, the woodland trail is a beautiful and enchanting hike down to the coast. Along the way, you will likely manage to spot an owl, deer, and various beautiful songbirds before reaching the sea. Do you spot any other wildlife with the country location? Drumbain is full of wildlife. I love watching deer, hares, birds, owls, and hawk, not forgetting the local residents – all the sheep and cattle. What opportunities does the land offer to a buyer? The land offers opportunity for wildlife, nature and coastal hikes in addition to the sheep and cattle grazing it today. Have you enjoyed living in that area, and what are your favourite things to do? We love the location. It's extremely convenient to fly into Prestwick along with the dogs. We love exploring the history that being in Scotland offers, especially in the area with lots of day trips to historic sites, as well as hiking with the dogs. For more information on Drumbain, see
Scotsman
26-06-2025
- Entertainment
- Scotsman
Inside the idyllic Scottish property that's being sold by the grandson of legendary US country singer
As far as fantasy Scottish homes go, Drumbain has it all, with a cherry (and sparkler) on top. The South Ayrshire countryside property is located at Fisherton in Ayr, which is near Culzean Castle and just four and a half miles from Alloway - the birthplace of Robert Burns. The coastal house is sheltered by trees and set in 53 acres of its own grass-land, which is currently used for grazing. It also has a walled garden, mature woodland, various outbuildings and 400 yards of private shoreline, so nobody will disturb your stone-skimming practice or occasional skinny dip. There's even a 'party barn' included, should you want to invite a few pals over for a hoe-down. The main house includes the original farmhouse, but also modern additions to the structure, and there are six bedrooms - four of which are en-suite - as well as two further bathrooms, some with roll-top baths and others that offer double sinks or wet rooms. The property also boasts four reception rooms, including a living room and snug, as well as a huge open-plan glass-walled kitchen that offers uninterrupted views of the Firth of Clyde and opens out onto one of the two paved terraces. Those who want to avoid getting a roller in their hand, needn't worry. The current owner, Ethan Lyell - who is based in the US, and is the grandson of legendary country music singer and songwriter, the late Loretta Lynn - has decorated his pad in a luxurious and restful style to keep any buyer happy. To match the whitewashed exterior, the inside is almost all white, or decorated in other neutral shades, like buff, cream and silvery grey. There is not an avocado suite in sight. The price for this slice of paradise is pitched at offers over £2,200,000 and it's on the market with estate agents, Rettie. We asked Lyell to tell us a bit more about the house. Why are you moving on? We're selling as our work commitments and family obligations, because of ageing parents, are making it more difficult to visit as frequently as we originally planned. How long have you owned Drumbain and have you loved staying there? We purchased Drumbain back in March of 2024. We spent about six weeks there last year and most recently spent five months in 2025. Tell us about the history of the property - when does it date from, and what new additions have been added? We're told the original property dates back over 100 years, then the various buildings were combined to form the main home. The prior owners added the glass kitchen structure to the building around 2008 and then we refreshed the home after purchasing it. Where do you get your interior design inspiration? We worked with a local designer, Lori James of Lori James Interiors, who is a long-time resident of the area to bring a cosy, relaxed and coastal feeling to the home, and they also added touches of Scottish flair that would pay homage to its history and coastal location. Where did you find your paintings - is that a favourite artist's work on the walls? We added a few pieces from a local artist, Philip Raskin, as they bring a bit of the seascape to the room. There are some interesting architectural features, like the staircases and beams, do you think they add to the house's character? The staircase was a later addition to the home and the beams were present when we purchased the home but we painted them to soften and add a layer of texture to the overall rooms. What have been your happiest times in the house? We took our five dogs with us while staying at Drumbain over the last five months of 2025. We've had an amazing time taking them out to explore the coastline and trails on the property. The evenings here are simply amazing as the sun sets behind Arran. Each evening is like looking at a different watercolour painting. What are your favourite spaces in the property and on the surrounding land? It's hard to pick one. The property is filled with many experiences. The chaise longues by the spa are perfect to enjoy the sunsets over Arran with a glass of wine in hand. The dogs and I love walking in the walled garden in the mornings, while I have a cup of coffee and take time to meditate next to the stream. Also, the woodland trail is a beautiful and enchanting hike down to the coast. Along the way, you will likely manage to spot an owl, deer, and various beautiful songbirds before reaching the sea. Do you spot any other wildlife with the country location? Drumbain is full of wildlife. I love watching deer, hares, birds, owls, and hawk, not forgetting the local residents – all the sheep and cattle. What opportunities does the land offer to a buyer? The land offers opportunity for wildlife, nature and coastal hikes in addition to the sheep and cattle grazing it today. Have you enjoyed living in that area, and what are your favourite things to do? We love the location. It's extremely convenient to fly into Prestwick along with the dogs. We love exploring the history that being in Scotland offers, especially in the area with lots of day trips to historic sites, as well as hiking with the dogs. For more information on Drumbain, see
