Vivere, a new specialist extra care developer-operator, has announced ambitious plans to deliver around 200 high-quality extra care homes across Edinburgh and the surrounding region over the next five to seven years – starting with a £25 million transformation of one of the city’s most historic sites.
First Project: Restoring Lansdowne House
The company has acquired the landmark 2.2-acre Lansdowne House site on Coltbridge Terrace, formerly part of St George’s School. Built in 1875, the Grade-listed Victorian villa will be carefully restored and reimagined as the heart of Vivere’s first community in Edinburgh, offering a blend of refurbished heritage residences and sensitively designed new-build homes.
Subject to planning consent, the scheme will provide modern homes alongside vibrant communal spaces, lounges, and on-site amenities – all designed to support residents to live healthier, fuller lives as they age.
Meeting a Critical Need
With Scotland’s older population growing rapidly, demand for housing that combines independent living with care and wellbeing support far outstrips supply. Vivere’s developments aim to ease pressure on the NHS while addressing the chronic shortage of suitable housing for later life.
“Our vision is to help people live longer, not grow old,” said Scott Curran, Co-Founding Director of Vivere. “These are not just homes – they are communities where residents can thrive, supported by tailored care and a design that fosters independence and wellbeing.”
Building a Portfolio for Edinburgh and Beyond
Following the Lansdowne House development, Vivere is actively seeking further sites across Edinburgh, the Lothians, and Fife, each capable of hosting between 50 and 80 homes. Suitable sites include both new build opportunities and conversions, ideally located within established neighbourhoods with strong transport links and access to amenities.
Backed by Expertise and Investment
Vivere is a joint venture between Probitas, a specialist in extra care and senior living homes, and the Stephenson Group, a leading contractor and mixed-use investor-developer with an annual turnover exceeding £100 million.
The business is led by co-founding directors Scott Curran (an Edinburgh-born architect with over 30 years’ experience in residential and assisted living design), Beatrix Lehnert (with extensive expertise across residential, commercial, and senior living projects), and Martin Stephenson, Chairman of the Stephenson Group.
“This is about more than homes – it’s about investing in Edinburgh’s future,” said Beatrix Lehnert. “We are partnering with local architects, consultants, and service providers to ensure our communities not only deliver best-in-class care but also generate long-term jobs and investment in the Scottish economy.”
A Vision Aligned with Scotland’s Health Goals
Vivere’s mission dovetails with the Scottish Government’s ambition to extend healthy life expectancy, ensuring older people can live well for longer. By combining thoughtfully designed homes, care services, and social spaces, Vivere aims to set a new benchmark for extra care living in Scotland.
“Scotland faces overwhelming demand for high-quality housing with care, but supply remains limited,” added Martin Stephenson. “Our developments will help bridge that gap and give older generations the homes they deserve.”
Partnerships with Scotland’s Leading Experts
For the Lansdowne House project, Vivere has appointed award-winning Scottish firms including CDA Edinburgh (architects), Rankinfraser (landscape architects), and Montagu Evans (planning and heritage consultants). Together, they will ensure this historic site is sensitively restored while meeting the highest modern standards.
For further information, visit: www.vivere-scotland.com
