Beautiful Historic Pilrig House - home to Robert Louis Stevenson's family
Location: Edinburgh, Edinburgh & Lothian Area, Scotland, Europe (1 mile from city centre and 12 miles from Edinburgh Airport) View Map
Accommodations: Apartment, 1 Bedroom + No additional sleeping rooms avail, 1 Bath (Sleeps 2)
Keywords: Apartment
2011: Winner: Top Vacation Rental - Edinburgh/FlipKey Award
2009: Scottish Thistle Award Winner - 'The Extra Mile'
2008: Scottish Thistle Award Finalist - (category) Accommodation - Customer Care
100% of TripAdvisor reviewers said they would recommend Pilrig House to a friend (116 out of 118 reviewers awarded Pilrig House 5 stars!)
Pilrig House - The Garden Apartment (Sleeps 2 max.)
Our 4-star graded Garden Apartment is within Pilrig House, an A-listed 17th-Century Scottish Townhouse (built in 1638), which has an incredible history and a wonderful literary connection - it was once the home of Robert Louis Stevenson's mother's family - one of Scotland's most acclaimed authors! He mentions Pilrig House in his novels: Kidnapped and Catriona.
Location
Uniquely located on the edge of a peaceful park, it is only a short stroll (under a mile), or 5 minutes by bus, to Edinburgh's city centre and all the main attractions. The apartment overlooks private gardens and lush, green parkland - offering peace and tranquillity after busy days' sightseeing! Guests can enjoy sitting in the private garden to the front of the house, or in the privacy of the Regency garden, which has secluded seating areas and is teeming with wildlife.
The Accommodation...
...is beautifully furnished and extremely comfortable, comprising: sunny living-room with lovely window-seat & dual windows offering garden & park views; spacious double bedroom, also with garden and park views; fully tiled bathroom with heated towel rail, shaver point & shower over the bath; and utterly charming, cottage-style kitchen (fully equipped).
Free Parking!
Plus, rare for Edinburgh accommodation - there is the bonus of an allocated (FREE) car parking space for guests in a safe, private car park to the rear of the house.
A Home-From-Home. Included in the Price:
Fine bedlinen, Egyptian cotton towels, fluffy towelling robes/slippers, all utilities (heating and electricity - there are no 'hidden' costs), telephone with call-minder ansa message service (FREE local & national calls), luxury Scottish toiletries, refreshment tray, fresh flowers, crystal decanter of whisky, fruit bowl and chocolates on arrival, full Welcome, Places to Visit, Restaurant and Edinburgh Tour Packs, up-to-date Tourist Information file, Pilrig House stationery, bookmarks & postcards, a selection of Books, CDs/DVDs, Edinburgh Guidebooks/DVDs and Maps, AA-Touring Atlas, board games, binoculars - and many other thoughtful extras!
Facilities
Unlimited FREE high-speed Broadband Wi-Fi internet access (and, for a tiny daily charge, we can offer laptop hire if you want to leave yours at home), fridge, freezer, clothes washer/dryer, microwave, dishwasher, coffee-maker, blender, ironing facilities, CD-Player, DVD-Player, Digital TV, Flat-Screen TV, Digital Radio, Hairdryer, Real-flame effect fire, oak wooden flooring, adjustable heating & overhead dimmer lighting in all rooms.
The Owners
We - Debbie and Philip - live in Pilrig House and personally warmly welcome all our guests. We are also on-hand to offer advice and assistance throughout your stay, should you require it.
Our Reviews
We could add hundreds of 'owner-added' reviews from our apartment Guestbooks - but, we prefer to let our guests voluntarily choose to add their own reviews - we feel, that way, you can be 100% assured of the authenticity of their comments and star grading awarded to their stay with us!
Booking Conditions
Open all year. The apartment is non-smoking, but you are welcome to smoke outside. And, sorry, no pets. We have a 3-night minimum stay/price policy, except in August (Edinburgh Festival) - 7 nights; June/July - 4 nights; & Christmas/New Year - 7 nights.
Rates
Please view our extremely competitive nightly rates and our reduced weekly rates. You will note that we do not try to seduce you by giving 'per person per night' rates on the opening listing details - we feel this is disingenuous - we state our true minimum nightly and weekly rate. There are absolutely NO 'hidden' taxes or add-on charges.
Discounts (on nightly rates) for longer stays:
2 weeks - 15%
3 weeks - 20%
4 weeks or longer - 25% ( do ask - we are flexible and sometimes offer a greater discount if the stay is for low season!)
We also offer all solo travellers 10% discount on our nightly rates!
Bookings - Payment
For bookings of 7 nights or less, we ask for payment on booking. For bookings exceeding 7 nights, we ask for 50% payment on booking, and 50% 8 weeks before your stay. We send an online payment request, payable by debit or credit card.
Cancellation Policy
We ask that all prospective guests read our Conditions of Rental on our website before completing a Booking Form - our Cancellation Policy is clearly stated on that page.
Vacation Rental Features
- Amenities
- Washer : Clothes washer-dryer available in the apartment. We also provide details of a local laundry service, located just mins' walk from Pilrig House, which can also offer a 'service wash' - ie you leave and they wash and dry same day for you - ready to collect on your way home....
- Dryer
- Linens Provided : Our apartments have high-quality & high threadcount bedlinens, plus pillow protectors, mattress protectors, and neck rests/added cushions on all beds.
- Off Street Parking : Allocated (free) parking space in a safe private car park to the rear of the house. Free parking is extermely rare in Edinburgh, as most city streets have very costly parking meters, so this is a real bonus for our guests!
- Wood Stove : Electric 'real-flame-effect' fire....
- Beds
- Double Bed : High-quality and comfortable double bed with sprung mattress, suede bed-head, bolsters, and no restrictive bed-end!
- Entertainment
- Cable/Satellite TV : FreeView Digital TV.
- TV (No Cable/Satellite) : Flat-Screen TV with in-built digital channels...
- DVD
- Video Library : Large DVD library available to guests, covering a broad range of tastes, and with box-sets of excellent TV and film series....
- CD Player
- Music Library : Large selection of CDs available, to suit all tastes....
- Kitchen
- Full Kitchen : Fully equipped kitchen with all the facilities you could want:: fridge, freezer, microwave, clothes washer/dryer, dishwasher, oven, toaster, kettle, coffee-maker...
- Cooking Utensils Provided : Fully stocked kitchen: cutlery, crockery, glasses, pots & pans, refreshment tray, teapot, blender, jugs, bowls, and on and on....
- Refrigerator : Fully-sized fridge (milk and mineral water on arrival) plus full-sized freezer (containing bag of ice)
- Dishwasher : Fitted dishwasher and dishwasher tablets provided.
- Microwave : Standard, and, as will all kitchen White goods, instructions supplied.
- Outdoor Features
- Deck/Patio : Seating at front of apartment in private garden, overlooking lush green parkland... and with squirrels performing each and every day.
- View/Location
- Monument View : Views of lovely park and Holyrood Park across the city....
- Communications
- Telephone : Free local and national calls, and with Call Minda telephone asnwering service.
- Free Long Distance : Free calls to US and Canada, Australia, Europe - up to 59 minutes!
- Computer : Laptop and printer available for daily hire - £5 per day, should you wish to leave your laptop behind.
- Broadband Internet : Free Broadband Wi-Fi in the apartment.
- WiFi (Wireless Internet) : Free Broadband Wi-Fi. Laptop available for prebooking in advance at £5 per day (printer also available for rental).
- Other Amenities
- Same as our Park Apartment - please take a look!
- Suitability
- No Pets Allowed
- Handicapped Accessible (may have limitations) : There are around 8 steps down into the garden of Pilrig House, which leads to the entrance of Pilrig House's Garden Apartment. Thereafter, there are no other steps or stairs in the apartment.
- Not Suitable for Children : This apartment is absolutely spot-on for either a solo traveller (we offer a 10% discount for people travelling alone), or for couples, whether honeymooners, or people celebrating their retirement - as it has 1 double bedroom and is all on one level - no tricky steps, and it really is so cosy and charming.
- Smoking Not Allowed : However, guests are welcome to smoke in the garden!
- Activities
- Golf
- Tennis
- Shopping
- Swimming
- Biking
- Health/Beauty Spa
- Antiquing
- Live Theatre
- Rock Climbing
- Restaurants
- Fitness Center/Gym
- Cinemas/Movie Theaters
- Museums
- Other Activities
- Scottish Malt Whisky Society Membership We are delighted to offer Pilrig House guests membership of the Scottish Malt Whisky Society. This entitles you to prebook & attend exclusive tastings and events, or to dine in either of the Society’s distinctive premises in Edinburgh – the historic Vaults at the Shore area of Leith - a 10-minute walk away, or in the city centre's beautiful Georgian townhouse Queen St premises. Discover the best single cask, single malt whisky available to mankind – uniquely bottled for the Society from over 120 distilleries.
Rate Details (In Pounds Sterling)
November to January ..... £100/night..... £630/week (3-night min. stay/rate)
February to March ....... £110/night.... £690/week (3-night min. stay/rate)
April to May ............ £120/night.... £750/week (3-night min. stay/rate)
June to July ............ £130/night.... £820/week (4-night min stay/rate)
August .................. £150/night.... NO DISCOUNTS (7-night min stay/rate)
September to October .... £120/night.... £750/week (3-night min. stay/rate)
Christmas Week/Hogmanay Week.. £875/week (min. stay)..£1,500/fortnight
Solo travellers: 10% discount on nightly rates. No hidden/add-on charges/taxes.
Note: Until confirmed, rates are subject to change without notice.
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Credit Cards Accepted:
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Map & Owner's Profile
Historic Scottish Apartment/Free Parking & Wi-Fi/Owner Managed
Year Purchased: 2005
Why the Owner Chose Edinburgh
Well - there's the fact the Pilrig House is utterly unique as an historic 17th-century townhouse in Edinburgh, then there's the lovely location, and the parkland and Edinburgh skyline views... And the peace! Then, there's the wonderful ambience in the house itself - it really is special. And, the private parking, the beautiful gardens... there is so much to enjoy about living here. We just couldn't replicate what Pilrig House offers if we searched the length and breadth of Edinburgh. And the fact that we can walk into the centre of Edinburgh in 15 mins, or take a bus right outside the park... more than anything, we love the feeling of living in the country while living in the city.
The Unique Benefits at this Apartment
All of the above! We awaken to birdsong, can gaze out our windows and see the park in all seasons in all its beauty, or sit in the garden to the side of the house in total privacy and enjoy the tranquillity, and read a book... We often walk down to the Port of Leith, where there are great restaurants right on the waterfront, and grab a bite to eat. Everything we need is close-by - shops, transport links, restaurants, Edinburgh's main train station... and, there are beautiful drives to the East Lothian countryside and coastal trail, including some charming villages - within a half-hour's drive.
A small oasis in the city - mostly frequented by dog-walkers and joggers... or people just lazing around during the summer months.
The Water of Leith walkways and cycle-paths are just 5 mins from Pilrig House. Via these walkways, you can follow the river's path, either on foot or by bike, to many areas of Edinburgh.
The Royal Yacht Britannia is berthed in nearby Leith - you can walk here from Pilrig House in around 15-20 minutes.
Sit by the waterside in one of the great wine bars or eateries that have made The Shore area a fashionable dining hotspot! It also boasts 2 Michelin-star restaurants - Martin Wishart's and The Kitchin
A 5-minute walk from Pilrig House, where you can stock up on provisions.
An eatery and bar literally a few mins' walk from the entrance to Pilrig House Close. It serves food daily, at very reasonable prices, from 12pm.
Every Saturday and Thursday there is a local antique action, with viewings taking place over the preceding days and from 10am on the Saturday.
A 5-minute walk from Pilrig House, should you wish to pay a visit to the gym, take an exercise class or go for a swim.
One of the oldest graveyards in Edinburgh, where members of the Balfour family are buried.
Michelin-star restauranteur's cookery school - see the link on our website, should you be interested in attending a course here!
A lovely place to shop - overlooking the water, have a coffee/meal, take in a film at the cinema, or board the Royal Yacht Britannia.
Across the road from Pilrig House Close - sells newspapers, magazines, milk, and all the basic essentials.
Nearest bus-stop - takes you into centre of Edinburgh in around 8 mins. - and, only a few mins' walk through the park.
A huge number of buses travel up and down Leith Walk daily, and every few minutes, taking you to all areas of Edinburgh - including to Princes St and the Royal Mile in around 6 mins.
Edinburgh Woollen Mill's discount store - selling Scottish gifts, cashmere, golf shop, etc.
This road leads out of Edinburgh to East Lothian's lovely coastal route along the sea road, and taking you to some beautiful villages and golf destinations such as Gullane and North Berwick.
This route is the most direct one to take when driving to Edinburgh Airport - 12 miles away.
Owner's Map of Edinburgh
Philip and I had our wedding party at Pilrig House - here we are on the front steps of the Park Apartment after the wedding - golden oldies! Philip is a retired mechanical engineer, who travelled the world as a naval engineer for many years - living in Mexico and Belize for periods of time. He is an amateur historian, and has amazing local and Scottish historical knowledge... and, is also a keen 'treasure hunter' - goes off frequently to local sites with his metal detector. I am an ex-copy editor who worked for over 20 years in the field of publishing, and then on a freelance basis as an editor/proofreader. We both enjoy travel, books, films. We decided, after meeting, that we couldn't bear to sell Philip's apartment in Pilrig House - it was just so special, and so we decided to turn it into a rental apartment. A year later, with great joy, we moved back into the house ourselves, then we purchased another apartment for renovation and rental, and so it just grew over the years since we started up. We have made many great friends, and still gain enormous joy and satisfaction in welcoming visitors here from around the world...It is also lovely that so many people come back time and time again.
Property Photos
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- Beautiful Historic Pilrig House - home to Robert Louis Stevenson's family - Edinburgh Travel Vacation
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- Sunny, cosy living-room with window-seat views of the front garden - Edinburgh Travel Vacation
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- Comfortable, relaxing double bedroom overlooking the front garden - Edinburgh Travel Vacation
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- Fully tiled bathroom with bath and shower (over-bath) plus glass shower screen
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- Charming (& fully-equipped) cottage-style kitchen with feature recessed wind
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- Cottage- style charm abounds in the Garden Apartment...
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- Garden guests' outside seats, just to the side of your living-room window
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- Pilrig House viewed from the park - a stunning and unique house & location
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- Blue Plaque with Robert Louis Stevenson quote, on the wall of Pilrig House
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- Tranquil park setting... Do you really want to move an inch?
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- Smell the lavendar, take a pew and press pause...
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- Scotland Tourist Board's highest accolade - won for 'The Extra Mile'
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- Luxury Scottish toiletries in the bathroom, & baskets of toiletries in bedroom
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- Where else in Edinburgh could you enjoy such a setting & views?
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- Lie back & relax in the recliner living-room chairs....
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- You'll make lots of cute new friends when you stay here...
Traveler Reviews (28)
charming historic Edinburgh property
Guest: canoeing couple
(monterey, CA USA)
Date of Stay: 09/14/11
Review Submitted: 10/05/11
We stayed at the Pilrig House for two nights and enjoyed the housing, the 'close to all Edinburgh activities' location and the personal attention given to us by the owners. The facilities were more than adequate, very clean and maintained. The personal touches added a home-like atmosphere. We would recommend The Pilrig House to anyone visiting the charming, historic city of Edinburgh.
Owner response:Thank you - we are glad you enjoyed your short stay. Philip
Recommended for:Romantic getaway, tourists without a car, sightseeing, age 55+.
PILRIG HOUSE - EDINBURGH, SCOTLAND
Guest: scoobie
(Grand Rapids, Michigan, USA)
Date of Stay: 09/10/11
Review Submitted: 09/26/11
We loved Pilrig House. It has spoiled us for all others. All the kudos extended by other visitors are 100% true. Such a special place and such kind, caring, thoughtful hosts. I was especially impressed by the extensive DVD offerings. But...where was "The Queen"? Thank you, thank you, thank you, Debbie and Phillip. Edinburgh and Pilrig House were wonderful.
Owner response:Dear Rose and Vince, So glad you had a good time here.... we had a great time meeting you. And, so sorry, The Queen had taken up residence in the other apartments (sometimes I forget to get 3 copies of same DVD!)- well, at least I hope you are referring to the DVD and not me or Philip!! ha ha We should start a 'swap' system going here. Hope we see you again dear people...
Recommended for:Romantic getaway, tourists without a car, people with disabilities, sightseeing, adventure seekers, girls getaway, age 55+.
Newly Retired
Guest: Newly Retired
(Walla Walla, WA USA)
Date of Stay: 09/03/11
Review Submitted: 09/21/11
Pilrig House is in a quiet neighborhood, a 20 minute walk to the hustle and bustle of Princes Street in downtown Edinburgh. Bus lines are around the corner and run frequently. Taxi service was excellent.Free parking is a plus when renting a car which we recommend for touring outside of the city. We found Pilrig House to be everything that was described and shown on their website. Amenities in the apartment were topnotch and included everything one would need from tea and biscuits to milk in the fridge and a decanter of whiskey on the counter. Debbie has assembled great notebooks to help guide one to special spots in the area. As first time travelers to Scotland, we were treated as friends, not merely renters, by Debbie and Philip. Debbie and I had corresponded by e-mail in the months previous to our visit so many of our questions were answered before we arrived. Philip offered to take us to the car rental agency which happened to be closed, so proceeded to take us on a tour of the area providing great local history and information. We would highly recommend this property to friends and relatives. There are so many attractions to visit in Edinburgh; if one starts by walking the Royal Mile towards the castle, you get a feel for the city and can branch out from there. Pilrig House is located in the Leith area of Edinburgh where there are many good restaurants within walking distance. We had a wonderful dinner at the Plumed Horse which is a highly acclaimed restaurant in the region. It was expensive but worth every penny. Our stay at Pilrig House for the week was the perfect place to begin our holiday.
Owner response:Nancy & Bob You were the perfect guests - pleasant, good company and a delight to have stay. We really are so glad that your special trip lived up to expectations, and that your stay here was a happy one - hopefully the first of many such trips in your retirement! Thank you. Hope we see you again. Debbie & Philip
Recommended for:Romantic getaway, tourists without a car, sightseeing, age 55+.
Perfect in so many ways
Guest: Durham Bill
(Durham, NC, USA)
Date of Stay: 07/21/10
Review Submitted: 07/06/11
Spectacular old building in top shape, thoughtfully outfitted in every way one could want (right down to the whisky and small washer/dryer unit), incredibly gracious hosts, perfect location in between the incredible Edinborough and funky downtown Leith. Garden apartment is perfect for a couple.
Owner response:Glad you enjoyed your stay here, Bill, and funky Leith as well as Edinburgh city centre - we also agree that it is a great spot for relaxing and dining out by the waterfront. Thank you so much for conveying your appreciation, and, hope we see you back! Debbie & Philip
Recommended for:Romantic getaway, sightseeing, adventure seekers, age 55+.
Our stay at Pilrig House
Guest: Dick & Carol
(Signal Mountain, Tennessee, USA)
Date of Stay: 05/30/11
Review Submitted: 07/01/11
We stayed in the Garden Apt. at Pilrig House in late May 2011. The property was well cared for and colorful, with flowers in bloom. Our experience proved to be everything promised by the Web site, clean, comfortable, and well furnished with everything to suit our needs. Philip was very helpful in making suggestions about local eateries. We especially enjoyed breakfast at Valvona and Crolla's, one of his recommendations.
Owner response:Thank you for your kind comments, which are always much appreciated - it is lovely to know that you enjoyed your stay and liked the apartment. With thanks, Philip
Recommended for:Romantic getaway, sightseeing, age 55+.
Staying at Pilrig House made my first trip to Edinburgh all the more wonderful
Guest: Anita
(Toronto, Canada)
Date of Stay: 03/22/11
Review Submitted: 05/08/11
Based on a friend’s rave reviews about Pilrig House, I chose to stay here, in the Garden Apartment(Mar 22 – Apr 21 2011). After wonderful adventures during the day, I could come “home” to a clean, comfortable, and charming apartment to enjoy a quiet, peaceful evening in the garden or park, and then turn in for some of the best sleep (I slept like a rock), and then wake up each morning thoroughly rested to the sound of birds. I had the best of all worlds with Princes Street truly a 15 minute walk from Pilrig; frequent buses a 2 minute walk away which brought me into the downtown if I chose not to walk, or the Ocean terminal. Debbie and Philip were amazing hosts and lovely people. I’m already planning to go back in 2012. The listing description re location, the photos of the property and apartment -- are all accurate. Debbie and Philip were very helpful, and provided helpful hints, great directions, and the apartment was equipped with cds, dvd's, books, guides and a great guest book and overview to help to get oriented. I loved Edinburgh, and also took a number of small coach tours of the Highlands, and St. Andrews; Scotland is an absolutely, breathtakingly beautiful country. I highly recommend Pilrig House. I truly enjoyed my stay.
Owner response:Thanks for your lovely review Anita - we loved having you here and so look forward to your return... Debbie and Philip
Recommended for:Tourists without a car, sightseeing, adventure seekers, age 55+, families with young children, families with teenagers.
Absolutely excellent!
Guest: Debbie
(Ohio)
Date of Stay: 06/29/09
Review Submitted: 04/26/11
My husband and I stayed in the Garden apartment during the summer of 2009, and we could not have enjoyed our stay more. Our hosts were wonderful and accommodating, thoughtful and full of information. The apartment was a dream, the photos below really do not do it justice: it was lovely and extremely comfortable. We HIGHLY recommend this experience and all that these lovely people offer in this historic home. I wish I could retreat back tomorrow -- I certainly would if I could.
Recommended for:Romantic getaway, tourists without a car, sightseeing, adventure seekers, girls getaway, age 55+, families with teenagers.
First Trip to Endinburgh
Guest: Jeff & MJ
(Santa Fe, New Mexico, USA)
Date of Stay: 09/29/10
Review Submitted: 04/14/11
We were on the trail of my husband's ancestry and spent the first part of our trip in Endinburgh at the Pilrig House. The apartment was a wonderful starting point and very convenient without being in the center City. Philip and Debbie went out of their way to make sure that your stay met every expectation and that we focused out time in Endinburgh to get the most out of our trip. Debbie even went the extra mile to help locate some family information and a couple of places we were having trouble locating. Philip is a wealth of information about the history of the area and the best places to see and eat. We could not have asked for better accommodations or hosts.
Recommended for:Romantic getaway, tourists without a car, sightseeing, adventure seekers, age 55+.
Wonderful Experience
Guest: Jim and Diane
(North Carolina, USA)
Date of Stay: 08/01/09
Review Submitted: 04/12/11
This is a great vacation rental. It was clean and well maintained and the owners were very helpful. It is in a good location which is convenient to bus transportation to get to the center of the city and also has parking. Lots of character. Highly recommended.
Recommended for:Romantic getaway, tourists without a car, sightseeing, age 55+.
the perfect vacation
Guest: Jean and Gary
(Norwell, MA USA)
Date of Stay: 09/08/10
Review Submitted: 04/11/11
We decided to stay in a comfortable apartment and have our time be our own. We found a well appointed home with all that you would need and more. There was fresh fruit and a decanter with whiskey and coffee, tea and more to make our first day/night comfortable. But, the real "gems" were the owners...Philip and Debbie. They went out of their way to make sure that we knew where to go, what to see and if we needed anything. Philip is an incredible history buff and a gifted story teller. We stayed a week and had hoped to extend our stay but it was booked!! All you need to do is book this wonderful apartment and read the guest book in the home for places to visit, eat and see. Or...in a much more enjoyable fashion, take the time to meet the owners. You'll love them both. It was all that we had hoped for and more!
Recommended for:Romantic getaway, sightseeing.
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