This peculiar three-bedroom semi-detached house in Uphall, near Edinburgh, Scotland, has become an internet sensation, not for its desirable features, but for its unusual and arguably audacious interior design. Listed for £195,000, the property presents a unique opportunity for buyers with a penchant for the dramatic, or perhaps those with a vision for a complete renovation. The overwhelming theme throughout the house is purple, employed in various shades and textures. From metallic purple walls in the living room to chequered purple accents in the office, the colour dominates nearly every space. This vibrant palette is further amplified by purple LED ceiling lights, pillows, and rugs, creating an immersive, albeit potentially overwhelming, chromatic experience.
The kitchen and bathroom offer a contrasting, yet equally striking, aesthetic. Black glitter adorns the walls and cabinetry, creating a dramatic juxtaposition against the purple backdrop of the rest of the house. Two rooms feature oversized clocks with skulls replacing the traditional numerals, adding a gothic touch to the already unconventional décor. The exterior of the property follows a similar bold approach, painted entirely black, including the decking area. While the hallway offers a brief respite from the dramatic colour scheme, it serves mainly as a transition between the various purple and black spaces.
Estate agents Prime Property Auctions describe the property as having “fantastic capital growth potential,” suggesting its suitability for both homeowners and investors. They estimate a potential monthly rental income of £1,200 to £1,300, highlighting the property’s location near amenities such as supermarkets, restaurants, schools, and public transport. The property is also conveniently situated a short drive from Livingston, adding to its appeal for potential renters. However, the agents’ optimistic description contrasts sharply with the reactions of many online viewers.
The online response to the property’s unique design has been largely one of bewilderment and amusement. Some have compared it to a gothic teenager’s Sims creation, while others likened it to the aftermath of an arson investigation due to the black exterior and the presence of multiple fire extinguishers. The commitment to the unusual colour scheme has been both praised and ridiculed, with some admiring the owners’ dedication to their vision, however peculiar, while others questioned the vision itself, describing it as “someone assassinated Tim Burton with a glitter bomb.” Even those with a professed love for black and purple expressed hesitation at taking on such a dramatically decorated property.
Despite the largely negative online reaction, the property has also attracted a few admirers. Some praised its boldness and expressed interest in viewing the house, even jokingly suggesting they might have to be “sold with the house” due to their reluctance to leave. The property’s unique design has sparked a wider discussion about unconventional interior choices and the subjective nature of taste, highlighting the diverse reactions that bold design choices can elicit. This property stands as a testament to the idea that there is a buyer for every home, no matter how unusual.
This unusual property joins a growing list of quirky homes hitting the market, each with its own peculiar features. From a South London flat with a bed above the kitchen cupboards to a Glasgow flat with a cantilevered extension, and a Manhattan-style apartment with an odd suspended feature, these properties challenge conventional notions of interior design and often leave viewers scratching their heads. The former police station converted into studio flats, featuring an eyebrow-raising design element, further adds to the growing catalogue of unusual properties, reflecting the increasing diversity and sometimes bewildering creativity in the housing market.
