St Stephen’s Church in Stockbridge has been put on the market by its current owner.

The former church turned theatre venue has become a popular destination for theatre lovers, especially during the Edinburgh Festival Fringe.

Bought in 2017 by former ballet dancer, choreographer, and director Peter Schauffus, it is now up for sale.

Estate agents Culverwell are managing the sale.

Mr Schauffus said: “When I first saw St Stephens in 2014, purchasing it in 2017, my vision was to create a world renowned arts venue. 

“I am a creative person not a landlord – and that’s what I have become by default, so now it‘s time to hand it over to someone else to be custodian of this incredible building.”

St Stephen’s was built in 1828 by the architect William Henry Playfair, who designed many of Edinburgh’s neoclassical buildings such as the National Gallery of Scotland.

The former church has a long history as a major Edinburgh Fringe Festival venue with many performances over the last fifty years.

It is home to the Ian McKellen Theatre, named in honour of actor Ian McKellen following his sold out season of William Shakespeare’s Hamlet.

Since 2017, Mr Schaufuss says the building has undergone renovations to improve and upgrade the facilities.

While a sale price of £3million has been reported, a spokesperson for Culverwell said that the figure was more of a “guideline” and would depend on what its value to the person buying is.

They added that the seller “hopes the person will use [St Stephen’s] in a way that is going to appreciate the building for its value.”

When the building was first sold, a condition was imposed that it would have to include “community use.”

In November 2025, a Stolperstein stone in honour of Scotland’s most prominent Holocaust victim, Jane Haining, was unveiled by then-Edinburgh Central MSP Angus Robertson in front of the building.