To get a clearer sense of what we do, we recommend looking at some of our recent work. This includes converting a Victorian home into a wellness centre with an underground treatment room, restoring Georgian townhouses for modern living, transforming a former vault into a high-spec en-suite, and creating bespoke extensions. By getting in touch early, we can recommend a suitable architect and help ensure your project runs smoothly, on time and on budget.

imgi_7_11044B001.jpg
imgi_8_15039B013.jpg
imgi_6_1.jpg
imgi_9_cropped-bathroom.jpg

PERIOD PROPERTY RESTORATION

Period property restoration requires meticulous attention to detail and a thorough knowledge and understanding of the era when the property was built. If you have recently purchased a period property in Edinburgh or East Lothian which is in need of restoring talk to Mackenzie Hughes first. We have over 20 years of experience restoring Edinburgh New Town properties from the Georgian, Victorian and Edwardian eras and properties in East Lothian too so we can give you an honest appraisal of what may be required to achieve the authentic period touches you are looking for – but with 21st Century living in mind. We also have excellent business relationships with many of Edinburgh’s top architects and can recommend the one that most closely suits your specific project.

  • PERIOD PROPERTY RESTORATION AND LISTED BUILDING CONSENT

    Edinburgh’s Georgian New Town is among the finest examples of urban planning in Europe. It is also a UNESCO World Heritage site which is why owning a property in the New Town comes with certain responsibilities. If you are thinking of buying one, with a view to restoring or converting it, it pays to speak with a building professional, such as Mackenzie Hughes, who are familiar with Edinburgh listed building consent and planning permission. By fully understanding the required guidelines, we can deliver the outcome you are looking for, on time and within budget.

    PRESERVING THE CHARACTER OF A PROPERTY

    The City of Edinburgh Council Listed Buildings Guidance Document states “The fact that a building is listed does not mean that changes cannot be made. However, it does mean that any alterations must preserve its character.”

    At Mackenzie Hughes we specialise in preserving the character of a period property through the finest craftsmanship and attention to detail. However our passion for interior architecture will allow for modern living with results that are simply breathtaking.

CONTEMPORARY

Edinburgh New Town period properties may look the same on the outside but, as the saying goes, don’t judge a book by its cover. Although there are strict guidelines in place for what can and can’t be done with the exterior, the rules are rather more forgiving when it comes to the interior. However, it takes an expert knowledge of Edinburgh listed building consent combined with a visionary eye for detail to retain the original character and combine it with the modern touch to deliver breathtaking results.

  • Over the years Mackenzie Hughes is proud to have been asked to restore many Edinburgh period properties – many to their former glory, while others have been completely re-imagined internally to blend the character of the period in which they were built with contemporary styling and modern conveniences. 

    And, if you were to cross the threshold of a few, you would discover open layouts making the best use of the high ceilings and large spaces; sumptuous baths and walk-in shower rooms with underfloor heating; expertly designed kitchens, carefully planned lighting to deliver warmth while accentuating prized artwork and hi-tech yet discreet security systems to keep your home, family and possessions safe.

    CREATING YOUR HOME FOR THE WAY YOU LIVE​

    Your Edinburgh period home may be built from ashlar stone from Craigleith Quarry; it may have sash and case windows and a fanlight above the front door, the same as your neighbour next door – but within certain parameters, the inside is a blank canvas for modern living. Trust Mackenzie Hughes to help you bring it to life.

CONVERSIONS

Each client is individual with unique tastes and a carefully defined vision for their Edinburgh home. While some may prefer a more contemporary interior, others prefer the classic styling of the period in which their home was built. However, the modern world places demands upon us the Georgians and Victorians never faced. One example is the way in which we conduct business today. We are online 24/7 and constantly on call. We fly overseas to negotiate multi-million pound contracts and stay in unfamiliar surroundings. We juggle family and business commitments and with the stresses and strains of modern living it’s good to have a place to come home to at the end of the day which is completely tailored to your desires.

  • CLASSIC STYLE WITH MODERN CONVENIENCE

    Imagine pristine ceilings trimmed with egg-dart cornices and original Georgian or Victorian fireplaces. A walk-in shower room where a bathroom never existed, or a feature bath somewhere to unwind after a long flight home where you can listen to your favourite playlist courtesy of the carefully placed integrated speakers. Or, perhaps walls adorned with the in-vogue period shades of a bygone age, but change colour at the flick of a switch with LED lighting. 

    Classic period styling, combined with ultra-modern convenience, is the hallmark of Mackenzie Hughes. Browse a small sample of our work which we hope will inspire you, or click the button below for contact details and let us help you create the perfect Edinburgh period home for 21st Century living.

EXTENSIONS

Adding an extension to your Edinburgh home will not only give you the extra space you need for an additional bedroom or dining kitchen– it will add value to your property. And, if you work from home, there are tax benefits to adding an extra wing dedicated solely to your business. Edinburgh period home restoration specialist Mackenzie Hughes have built extensions for many satisfied clients. Each extension is unique and designed to complement or contrast with the existing property while keeping within planning permission guidelines.

  • Moving to a bigger property will of course give added space but there are other factors to take into account. 

    If you like where you currently live and it has good schools and excellent local amenities it may well be worth staying put. Add to this the cost of moving and perhaps a bigger mortgage, an extension may be a more practical option.

    Your extension can also adapt to fit your lifestyle. If you need extra space for a growing family, it can easily be adapted to another use once the children have flown the nest. Other popular uses for extensions are dining kitchens, an office – for a better work/life balance, or even a home gymnasium or games room. Whatever your needs, a custom-designed extension will deliver. Call Mackenzie Hughes to talk things over and let’s explore some possibilities together.

INTERIOR DESIGN

Over the years the team at Mackenzie Hughes has gathered a wide range of expertise which includes advice on the finishes for your newly refurbished home. We work closely with renowned interior designers Sybil Colefax and John Fowler who have a worldwide reputation for being among the best in their field. We also work alongside excellent local interior designers such as Lally Walford based in East Lothian.

Why not contact us to find out more about our interior design service? We can help you plan the finished look for your home at the earliest stage of your refurbishment project.

Projects

Bring your vision to life

We’d love to hear about your project. Whether you’re planning a full restoration or simply looking to enhance your living space, get in touch and let’s discuss how we can help.