Contemporary Crescent Homes with Georgian Inspiration

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A brand-new chapter for Edinburgh’s remarkable architecture

Property PR image of an apartment at CALA Homes The Crescent overlooking the former Donaldson's College building

AN ULTRA-MODERN development has taken its layout from a classic design inspiration – which has signified premium urban living since the days of the Roman Empire.

Directly inspired by the famous Georgian crescents of Edinburgh and Bath, The Crescent by CALA Homes (East) is a collection of luxury apartments, duplexes and penthouses set within the city’s iconic Donaldson’s estate, within the Scottish capital’s UNESCO World Heritage Site.

The classical shape of the development is paired with grandiose glass frontage, resulting in a fitting modern innovation to the iconic Georgian crescents in the surrounding Edinburgh New Town.

Designed by the celebrated architect Richard Murphy OBE, aerial visuals show how closely linked The Crescent is with the surrounding area – and how the shape naturally creates an attractive half-moon space to the front.

Gillian Tait, Planning and Design Director with CALA Homes (East), said: “As Edinburgh’s New Town began to evolve, crescents and beautiful communal gardens were designed to add a level of separation and privacy from the already existing grid structures.

“We believed this to be of particular importance, as The Crescent was designed from the outset to not be just ‘worthy’ of its place on the world heritage site, but to enhance it.”

One of the most prominent buildings of such structure is the Royal Crescent in Bath. While its fashionable appeal and elegant yet commanding aesthetic was designed to attract the Georgian upper classes, it also catered to the newly emerging middle class, increasingly eager to indulge in their desire to taste the lifestyle of the nobility and the heights of luxurious living.

In Edinburgh, this iconic shape took form in the New Town’s Moray Place – the grandest communal garden and living space within the 19th century Moray Estate, designed by architect James Gillespie Graham.

Property PR photography of exclusive new show apartments at CALA The Crescent

However, the pivotal moment in the history of the crescent shape can be traced back to the evolution of the Roman empire.

Following the creation of a new and strong cement, the Romans were able to create sweeping curves throughout their architecture to depict grandeur and space – with their architectural style evident at the Royal Crescent.

Across centuries, the crescent symbol has been used to represent new beginnings throughout most of ancient cultures and religions.

Even the term ‘crescent’ originates from the Latin word cres meaning “to bring forth” or “create” and crescere meaning to “grow” or “thrive”.

Beyond its architectural influence, the crescent is one of the oldest symbols in human history, having been used in art from the Babylonian period in Mesopotamia from 626BC.

Gillian Tait, added: “The fascinating journey of the crescent shape throughout history, whether in art, architecture or urban planning, gives this shape real excitement and appeal.

“The Crescent at Donaldson’s adds a brand-new chapter to this area’s remarkable architecture and pays tribute to its standing within Edinburgh’s World Heritage Site.

“We’re delighted to be able to now sell these incredible homes, which we home will become part of another celebrated crescent for generations to come.”

With the current release of apartments, duplexes and penthouses priced from £950,000 to £1,925,000, The Crescent comprises some of the city’s most sought-after residences, with early demand already high.

Construction started on The Crescent in the summer of 2017, including substantial excavations to create an underground car park to ensure the visibility of cars on site is kept to a minimum once it is completed.

To find out more call 01313 412 667 or visit www.cala.co.uk/thecrescent where you can view more information, as well as current availability and prices.

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