On behalf of The Open University, Savills is marketing four substantial Victorian townhouses at 9–12 Drumsheugh Gardens in Edinburgh’s prestigious West End.

The Open University in Scotland will be relocating to new premises in early 2026 continuing its long-standing commitment to learners across the country. The sale of these properties marks a strategic move to support future growth and innovation.

With potential for continued office use or conversion to residential or hotel accommodation (subject to consents), the properties at 9–12 Drumsheugh Gardens offer significant scope for repositioning. Their scale, architectural character and prime location make them a compelling proposition for investors and developers seeking a foothold in a globally recognised capital.

Drumsheugh Gardens is located within Edinburgh’s UNESCO World Heritage Site and the New Town Conservation Area. The street itself has a range of occupiers including two highly regarded hotels, The Bonham Hotel and The Resident. The properties benefit from access to private landscaped gardens and are within walking distance of the city’s core retail and leisure districts, including Princes Street, George Street and the £1 billion St James Quarter.

The portfolio comprises three interlinked townhouses (Nos. 9–11) and a fourth standalone but adjacent property (No. 12), totalling approximately 35,698 sq ft across five floors. The Category B listed properties are rich in original Victorian features—including ornate cornicing, decorative plasterwork, cupolas and fireplaces Nos. 9–11 are currently occupied as office accommodation, while No. 12 is vacant but previously used for similar purposes. Each property is served by passenger lifts and retains its original staircases, with basement-level access to twelve private parking spaces, four with EV charging and including two secure garaged bays, unusual for a city centre property of this scale.

Renowned for its quality of life and liveability, Edinburgh’s West End offers an exceptional blend of lifestyle amenities, green space and connectivity. The surrounding area features independent cafés, bakeries, pubs and boutiques centred around William Street and Queensferry Street, while Stockbridge – just 0.75 miles away – provides a bustling high street and further retail and leisure offerings. Cultural venues such as the Modern Art Galleries, Usher Hall and the recently refurbished Edinburgh Filmhouse are all within easy reach. The area is also well served by the Water of Leith walkway, The Edinburgh Sports Club and a range of nearby fitness studios.  Transport links are excellent, with Haymarket Station just 0.6 miles away and nearby tram and bus services on Shandwick Place providing swift access to Edinburgh International Airport, which serves over 150 global destinations.

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Savills Danielle Corker commented: “Edinburgh continues to demonstrate robust fundamentals as a property market, underpinned by its position as the UK’s second-largest financial centre outside London and its appeal to a broad range of occupiers across finance, legal, technology and creative sectors. The city’s West End remains one of the most desirable locations for both commercial and residential use, and opportunities of this nature are increasingly scarce.

“The townhouses represent a rare opportunity to acquire a substantial freehold asset in one of Edinburgh’s most prestigious locations. The combination of scale, heritage and proximity to the city’s core amenities makes this a highly attractive proposition for investors and developers seeking to secure a prime foothold in a globally recognised market.”