Ten new customisable homes are to be developed by Custom Build Homes (CBH) on behalf of a local landowner in Midlothian.

The development features two and three storey detached homes which can be customised in terms of their internal layout, spec and thermal efficiency.

The development site is located in Millerhill and is within the vicinity of the Shawfair expansion site which has seen large consents for new homes by developers including McTaggart & Mickle and Cala Homes. The area benefits from south-facing gardens and balconies, local amenities and fantastic transport links into Edinburgh city centre.

Custom Build Homes were appointed to determine whether a custom-build development was feasible on the site in early summer 2019. Following initial consultations and discussions around which custom build development model was appropriate for the site, viable for the developer and would create a genuinely unique homebuying experience for the city, Custom Build Homes sought the support of their panel architects for the area, AC Architects. AC Architects were instructed to design a contemporary detached home which was capable of being bought off plan with three unique layouts on each of the three floors. They were successful in this pursuit and the homes applied for can be configured in 27 different ways depending on the needs and lifestyle of the homebuyer.


The level of flexibility in the original house design enables buyers to have three, four, or even five bedrooms within the same house design. They can choose to have flexible working spaces to work from home, or a purpose-built office. They can choose to live open plan or to create individual kitchen, dining and living spaces. They benefit from south facing balconies large enough to sit outside in the summer to eat with views of the Pentland Hills or to dine at the back of their home with large windows offering views across the city.

The custom build development at Shawfair will be suitable for families, first time buyers, and downsizers, it presents the first genuine opportunity to create a custom home that suits buyers' own needs. Whether individuals choose to include home office spaces, additional bedrooms, or first floor living, homes will be built to a high quality in accordance with their needs and desires.

Additionally, there is an option to create a self-contained apartment on the bottom floor in a number of the homes across the site. This presents an opportunity for buyers to gain from a booming short term rental sector in Edinburgh throughout the Fringe Festival or at new year when the city fills up with tourists needing an accessible place to stay. It can also be a suitable solution to multigenerational living as many young adults are remaining in their family home for longer due to being unable to get on the housing ladder themselves or being able to provide independent living space on the ground floor for elderly relatives can create a safe place to live and cost effective alternative from expensive retirement homes.

Margaux Durand-Watson, Development Consultant at Custom Build Homes, said: "The proposed development of custom homes in Shawfair offers Midlothian Council and the city of Edinburgh the opportunity to deliver a flagship development in Scotland.

"It will help to disrupt the thought process of prospective new home buyers and go some way to demonstrating that new homes designed for those who will live in them is both viable and successful in our capital city. We are delighted the landowner has adopted this model, they should be commended for it and Custom Build Homes along with BuildStore and AC Architects are delighted to support its delivery."

The development at Shawfair is subject to planning approval by Midlothian Council.

(MH/JG)