At Home in North Berwick

24th February 2022

As a truly local East Lothian firm, we are privileged to be located in one of the most beautiful and sought-after regions in the whole country.

For those of you thinking about buying property here or relocating to East Lothian, we thought it would be useful to bring you some profiles about our towns and villages. In this edition, one of our property experts, Marie Cook, brings you a guide to her home town of North Berwick.

North Berwick is a gorgeous seaside town in East Lothian, boasting great beaches and coastal scenery, all set against the iconic backdrops of the magnificent Bass Rock and North Berwick Law.
The town is also home to an eclectic mix of fabulous independent shops, cafes, restaurants and bars, not to mention world-famous golf courses. Just a 30-minute train journey from Edinburgh, North Berwick offers stunning views out across the Firth of Forth and the Bass Rock, the world’s largest northern gannet colony!

North Berwick was named as ‘the Best Place to Live in Scotland’ in last years Sunday Times Best Places to Live Guide. To top the eight best locations across Scotland is quite an accolade, but for those who are lucky enough to live here, this title is very well deserved.

The judges assessed a range of factors, from schools, air quality, transport and broadband speeds, to culture, green spaces and the health of the high street.

The judges said of North Berwick:

“This elegant seaside resort that has been luring jaded urbanities from Edinburgh and beyond for decades”.

“North Berwick is our winner in Scotland because it is one place that really does have it all: heavenly beaches, jaw-dropping views from North Berwick Law, a successful secondary school and a lively high street.”

North Berwick High School is considered one of the best secondaries in the country, in The Sunday Times’ Scottish school league table 2020 it was ranked 13th out of 343 schools for pupils achieving five or more Highers. But as well as the school’s academic achievements, pupils were praised for their sense of social justice and charity work.

When it comes to property, the average house price is listed at £355,000, with the average rental price being £1,200 per month, the second highest of all places on the Sunday Times shortlist.  It is also very easy to see why so many visitors flock to North Berwick for their holidays and short breaks. As well as being home to the 5-star Scottish Seabird Centre, nearby attractions include the mighty Tantallon Castle to the east and Dirleton Castle to the west. Also, thanks to North Berwick in Bloom, the town has won multiple awards for its gardens, floral displays and wildflower gardens.

Both of North Berwick’s beaches feel blissfully uncrowded, with views of Bass Rock, the wide stretch of sand along Milsey Bay is dotted with rockpools and a favourite with families and dog walkers alike.

North Berwick Law stands behind the town, this conical hill has volcanic origins and is the tallest point around. Hike to the top and you’ll be rewarded with panoramic views across to Edinburgh and the Forth Bridges beyond, all framed by a giant replica of a whale’s jawbone!

As a seaside town, North Berwick offers classic fish and chip shops and ice cream parlours, as well as trendy coffee shops and tearooms and an array of wonderful independent shops and boutiques. Not surprising that North Berwick is home to the very aptly named Quality Street! The town also boasts a multi award winning distillery, NB Distillery is located just 4 miles out of the town and is home to the famous NB Gin.

From the gorgeous harbour there are boat trips around the local islands, putting greens, playgrounds, tennis courts and other sporting activities aplenty to keep everyone happy. Not forgetting the world-renowned golf courses of North Berwick, Glen, or the nearby Muirfield.

The North Berwick Golf Club is situated in the heart of the town itself and the 1st tee is a very short walk from the town and its bustling streets. A true test of links golf and the 13th oldest course in the World, golfers can enjoy some spectacular vistas across this Championship course. Golf has been played over the historic West Links since the 17th century, from almost every tee offers breath-taking views of the Firth of Forth and the islands of Bass Rock, Craigleith, Lamb and Fidra.

A packed events programme provides year-round entertainment with highlights including the North Berwick Highland Games, Fringe by the Sea and Puffin Fest, which celebrates the return of the puffins to the local islands.

Just ten minutes from North Berwick is Archerfield Walled Garden, a lovely place for the family to relax. Walk around the delightful eighteenth-century walled garden, a magical fairy trail for the little ones, a food market with essentials and artisan favourites, and a well-stocked garden shop.

This is just a snapshot of North Berwick, but as you’ll see the town certainly lives up to the award of being voted as ‘the best place in Scotland to live’. If you would like to discuss the property market in North Berwick or indeed elsewhere in East Lothian, please do not hesitate to contact me or one of the property team at Garden Stirling Burnet.

North Berwick Population 6,930 | Postcode EH39

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