Lovely Pilrig House...Balfour Apartment living-room window is next to sundial
Location: Edinburgh, Edinburgh & Lothian Area, Scotland, Europe (Located c. 1 mile from city centre, 12 miles from airport) View Map
Accommodations: Apartment, 2 Bedrooms + No additional sleeping rooms avail, 1 Bath (Sleeps 4)
Keywords: Apartment
2011: Winner:Top Vacation Rental - Edinburgh/ FlipKey Award
2009: Scottish Thistle Award Winner - The Extra Mile
2008: Scottish Thistle Award Finalist - Accommodation - Customer Care
100% of Trip Advisor reviewers said they would recommend Pilrig House to a friend (118 reviews)/116 awarded us 5 stars!
Pilrig House - The Balfour Apartment (Sleeps 4 max.)
Our lovely 4-star, 2-bedroom 'Balfour Apartment' is within Pilrig House - an A-listed, 17th-century Scottish townhouse (built in 1638), which has a distinguished history and a wonderful literary connection with Robert Louis Stevenson - it was his mother's family's home. RLS, as a child, visited and played in the gardens here - he mentions Pilrig House in many of his novels and letters, eg Kidnapped and Catriona.
An Enviable Location
Pilrig House is uniquely located in a tranquil park, yet it is only a short stroll or 5 minutes by bus to Edinburgh's city centre and all the main attractions. Guests can enjoy the private gardens, including a lovely Regency garden, which offers secluded seating areas and is teeming with wildlife - a wonderfully peaceful retreat, away from traffic noise.
A Treasure
Occupying a commanding second-floor position in Pilrig House, the Balfour Apartment offers impressive views of the entire park and front gardens from dual-aspect windows in the spacious living-room.
The Accommodation
The interior is extremely comfortable & beautifully furnished: wonderfully spacious living-room with designated dining area, two delightful window seats with views of the park; two bedrooms - both doubles (1 with double bed and the other super king-sized bed that can be separated to twins); a fully-equipped kitchen; and, a luxurious, fully tiled bathroom with spacious walk-in shower cabinet, heated towel rail and shaver point.
FREE Parking
Rare for Edinburgh city center rentals, we offer the bonus of a FREE allocated parking space in a safe private car park to the rear of the house.
Included in the Price
FREE Unlimited High-Speed Broadband Wi-Fi internet access (and, for a tiny daily price, we can offer you a laptop should you want to leave yours at home), fine bedlinen, Egyptian cotton towels, all utilities - heating & electricity (no hidden costs). And, on arrival, refreshment tray, fresh flowers, crystal decanter of whisky, chocolates and fruit bowl; luxury Scottish toiletries; fluffy towelling robes/slippers, full Welcome, Places to Visit, Restaurant and Edinburgh Tour Packs, up-to-date Tourist information file, telephone (FREE local & national calls & call-minder answer service), Pilrig House postcards, bookmarks & stationery; a selection of novels, Edinburgh guidebooks/ maps/DVDs, AA-Touring Atlas, board games, binoculars, CDs/DVDs, and many other thoughtful extras.
Facilities
Broadband Wi-Fi access, flat-screen TV, Digital TV, CD-Player/i-PodPlayer/Charger, DVD-Player, Digital Radio, Clothes Washer/Dryer, Ironing facilities, Fridge, Freezer, Dishwasher, Blender, Microwave, Oven, Hob, Coffee-Maker, Hairdryers, Real Flame-Effect Fire, 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, and are on-hand throughout your stay to offer advice and assistance, if required or wanted!
Our Reviews
We could add hundreds of 'Owner-Added Reviews' from our apartment Guestbook, but we prefer to let previous guests voluntarily choose to review us and award us their star grading on VRBO. We hope this reassures you as to the authenticity of all the reviews you read.
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 (the Edinburgh Festival) – 7 nights; June/July - 4 nights; & Christmas/New Year - 7 nights.
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% is due 8 weeks before your stay.
We send an online payment request by credit or debit card.
Cancellation Policy
We ask all guests to complete a Booking Form on our website, and, before doing so, to read our clear Terms & Conditions page on our own website.
Rates
Please view our extremely competitive nightly rates & reduced weekly rates, as also stated accurately on the listing page ( NOT the 'per person per night' rate which we feel is disingenuous as it does not give the actual min. price per night or per week).
Discounts (on nightly rates) for longer stays:
2 weeks: 15%
3 weeks: 20%
4 weeks or longer: 25% (we are flexiblle and can offer bigger discounts here if for a long stay in low season - do ask!)
We also offer all solo travellers a 10% discount on our nightly rates!
Vacation Rental Features
- Amenities
- Washer
- Dryer
- Linens Provided
- Off Street Parking
- Beds
- King Bed
- Double Bed
- Twin/Single Bed
- Crib
- Entertainment
- Cable/Satellite TV : Digital TV - an extra 20 or so channels....
- TV (No Cable/Satellite) : Large, flat-screen television
- DVD
- Video Library : Extensive DVD library to choose from.
- CD Player
- Music Library : Large CD library. CD-playes with i-Pod docking
- Kitchen
- Full Kitchen
- Cooking Utensils Provided
- Refrigerator
- Dishwasher
- Microwave
- Communications
- Telephone : Free local and national calls, and with Call Minda telephone asnwering service.
- Computer : Laptop and printer available for daily hire - £5/per day, should you wish to leave your laptop behind.
- Broadband Internet
- WiFi (Wireless Internet)
- Other Amenities
- 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.
- Suitability
- No Pets Allowed
- Minimum Age Limit for Renters : Age 7-10 min. age
- Smoking Not Allowed : You are welcome to smoke outside in the gardens...
- Activities
- Golf
- Tennis
- Shopping
- Biking
- Health/Beauty Spa
- Antiquing
- Live Theatre
- Miniature golf
- Horseback Riding
- Zoo/Wildlife Park
- Restaurants
- Rock Climbing
- Fitness Center/Gym
- Cinemas/Movie Theaters
- Museums
Rate Details (In Pounds)
November to January ....... £130/night ..... £820/week (3-night min. stay/rate)
February to March ......... £140/night ..... £890/week (3-night min. stay/rate)
April to May .............. £150/night ..... £950/week (3 night min stay/rate)
June to July .............. £200/night ..... £1,250/week (4-night min. stay/rate)
August..................... £250/night .... NO DISCOUNTS (7-night min stay/rate)
September to October....... £150/night .....£950/week (3-night min. stay/rate)
Christmas Week/Hogmanay Week. £1,225/week (min. stay).. £2,200/fortnight
Solo Travellers: 10% discount on nightly rates. No hidden/add-on charges or 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 Rental in Unique Park Location/Owner Managed
Year Purchased: 2006
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 - frequented by dog-walkers and joggers, and sunbathers in hotter weather!
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, on foot or by bike, to many areas of Edinburgh.
The Royal Yacht is berthed in nearby Leith - the walk from Pilrig House is around 15-20 mins.
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 3 Michelin-star restaurants, as well as the 'Plumed Horse', r
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 & Thursday there is a local antique action, with viewings taking place over the preceding days and from 10am on the Saturday. The last Saaturday of each month is an arts and crafts auct
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 large shopping centre, overlooking the sea - great place to browse the shops, visit the multi-screen VUE cinema, have a coffee/meal, and where you can board the Royal Yacht Britannia.
Across the road from the entrance to Pilrig House Close - selling newspapers, magazines, milk, drinks 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 the centre of Edinburgh. A 5-min walk from Pilrig House.
Edinburgh Woollen Mill's discount store - selling Scottish gifts, kilts, cashmere, etc.
This road leads out of Edinburgh to East Lothian's lovely coastal trail which following the sea, and passes through places such as Gullane, and North Berwick - which both have great golf-courses!
This route is the most direct one to take when driving to Edinburgh Airport - c. 12 miles away.
Owner's Map of Edinburgh
Philip and I enjoyed our wedding party at Pilrig House - here we are on the steps of the Park Apartment. 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 and, life in general. 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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- Lovely Pilrig House...Balfour Apartment living-room window is next to sundial - Edinburgh, Scotland Accommodation
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- Where else in Edinburgh could you stay in such a setting & be so close to city! - Edinburgh, Scotland Accommodation
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- A hop, skip & jump down the garden path into the park.... July 2010 - Edinburgh, Scotland Accommodation
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- Beautiful fully-tiled bathroom with walk-in shower cabinet and heated towel-rail
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- Fully-equipped and sunny kitchen overlooking the side garden
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- Sumptuous super king-sized bed in one of the double bedrooms
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- Comfortable double bedroom with dual-aspect windows/views & fitted wardrobes...
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- Front garden and park just beyod the garden gate...
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- Elegant, light-filled living-room, with 2 window seat views of garden & park
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- Recessed window-seats overlooking park and the hills of Holyrood park
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- Shower cabinet in fulyl-tiled bathroom
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- The green garden oasis starting to come alive once more in springtime...
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- Scotland Tourist Board's highest accolade - won for 'The Extra Mile'
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- Dining area in the elegant and sunny living-room
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- Classic style and retro touches of the Balfour Apartment
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- Furry friends to greet you...
Traveler Reviews (17)
spectacular Pilrig
Guest: XMAS CATS
(seattle Wash USA)
Date of Stay: 12/13/11
Review Submitted: 01/08/12
Xmas in edinburgh. stayed in Pilrig House for 2 weeks over holidays. Beautiful setting in park, quiet safe and lovely views from every window. Debbie and Philip,proprietors, were a wealth of information on edinburgh and surrounding scotland. They took every opportunity to make sure we were well taken care of and every need and question seen too. Furnished beautifully with every thing you would need for a perfect stay. Apartment spotlessly clean perfectly maintained and again so very peaceful. A pleasure from start to finish. We are planning our next trip to Pilrig House already and can't wait to return to our cozy home away from home in Scotland.
Owner response:Thank you and Happy New Year to you! We were so pleased you made it here, and that you found it peaceful and a home-away-from-home over Christmas. It was great to meet you and hopefully we will see you again, Debbie & Philip x
Recommended for:Romantic getaway, tourists without a car, sightseeing, girls getaway, age 55+.
Ideal Edinburgh location.
Guest: Stimulus
(Framingha, MA USA)
Date of Stay: 08/18/11
Review Submitted: 10/22/11
My son was lucky enough to perform in the Fringe Festival this year. I needed two rooms for a week and hotels rooms are hard to find during Fringe. We reserved the Balfour Apartment at Pilrig House through VRBO.com with little time to spare. The rooms are beautiful and sunny and in brand new condition. It is very quiet and located on a nice park. Stores, pubs, dining and services are a short walk. The bus stops (including tour bus) are a two minute walk. Debbie and Philip are so thoughtful and helpful and provide loads of information for tourists. We loved it.
Recommended for:Romantic getaway, tourists without a car, sightseeing, age 55+, families with young children, families with teenagers.
Home away from home
Guest: Coco
(Brisbane, Australia)
Date of Stay: 09/05/11
Review Submitted: 09/28/11
We loved our stay at Pilrig House. The apartment is very large, very comfortable and extremely well stocked with everything you could possibly need. It is in a great location, within walking distance of lots of restaurants, shops and things to see and do. Debbie has heaps of helpful advice on the best places to eat and other local knowledge. Our stay in Edinburgh was a highlight of our recent holiday to UK and France and we highly recommend this apartment.
Owner response:Thanks John & Judy - look forward to hearing about the next leg of your trip.... We do love our Aussie guests! Come back one fine day and see us again - we'd love that - you were great guests.... and we enjoyed meeting you. Debbie & Philip
Recommended for:Romantic getaway, sightseeing, age 55+, families with young children, families with teenagers.
Very Charming - all the comforts of home
Guest: LB
(Chicago, IL, USA)
Date of Stay: 09/02/11
Review Submitted: 09/20/11
We stayed with our two boys (ages 9 & 11) in the Balfour Apartment for three nights September 2-4, 2011. Debbie and Philip are the most gracious hosts and we enjoyed meeting them very much. The apartment is beautifully decorated, spotlessly clean and contains everything you could possibly need. I felt truly pampered with all of the beautiful tea, flowers, fresh fruit, special soaps and of course the whiskey!! It is comfortable and peaceful while still being close to the city. We loved that we could leave the car at the apartment and explore the city without the hastle of parking. There is a wealth of information about the area in the apartment. Philip was of great assistance to us in making the most of our short stay. We absolutely loved Edinburgh and if you are planning on visiting, this is the place to stay.
Owner response:You are very gracious guests, too! Thank you. And, glad that you enjoyed your short stay... Come back again and see us, any time - we'd love to see you again. We were imnpressed with how much you managed to pack in - well done! Debbie & Philip
Recommended for:Romantic getaway, tourists without a car, sightseeing, girls getaway, age 55+, families with teenagers.
Practically Perfect in Every Way
Guest: Just Folks
(Kansas City USA)
Date of Stay: 06/17/10
Review Submitted: 04/21/11
We stayed at the Balfour Apartment (Upper left side of house) for about a week in June 2010. This is an excellent location (between Edinburgh's Old Town and Leith, roughly) for a visit. The reviews here are accurate---the house has undergone a thorough, and lovingly done, restoration and it has both modern and historic features. (The historic connection of this house to Robert Louis Stevenson, who is securely on Scotland's MVP list, is a fact that our teenage history-loving kids found especially intriguing!) The gardens surrounding the house are lovely, and the hosts couldn't be nicer. The apartment is exceedingly clean and livable. There are two nice bedrooms and if you need a third bed, there is a pullout sofa in the living room. Everything works and windows easily open, which is almost unique for a house of this age. Having travelled a good bit, we could tell that a good deal of attention was paid to the renovation of this house. The kitchen is modern and there is wireless ethernet. The complimentary whiskey, fruit, etc. are a really nice touch and makes the place feel more like home when you return after a sojourn. The shower is first rate. [We have no criticism of Pilrig House, and only one bit of constructive advice: consider the alternatives before using the combination (that is, all in one) washer/dryer in the kitchen. It is somewhat finicky to use, and only suitable for a very light load of clothes you don't particularly care about---a few socks and shorts, or a few shirts. If the Space Station has a washer/dryer, I bet this is it.] We highly recommend Pilrig House!
Recommended for:Romantic getaway, tourists without a car, girls getaway, age 55+, families with teenagers.
Pilrig House: Balfour apartment
Guest: Scotty
(Santa Fe, NM, USA)
Date of Stay: 07/04/10
Review Submitted: 04/18/11
Debbie and Philip are hosts par excellence. They thought of EVERYTHING to ensure a memorable stay, and even with all bases covered, there were "extras" to welcome and delight their guests, eg., whisky, shortbread, chocolates, videos, writing material etc. The apartment was spotlessly clean, very well maintained, and had everything in place that anyone could possibly need. The decor was lovely and the location was perfect for walks in the neighbouring park, buses to town, an easy walk to Leith and some memorable seafood restaurants. Location, amenities and appearance were flawless. Debbie and Philip were always available and attentive to guests and provided fascinating information re. the history of the house and surroundings, the R.L. Stephenson connection, places to see and things to do etc. I highly recommend a stay at Pilrig House.
Recommended for:Romantic getaway, tourists without a car, sightseeing, age 55+.
Could not have been better!
Guest: Dana54
(Maryland, USA)
Date of Stay: 09/04/09
Review Submitted: 04/10/11
My family and I stayed at Pilrig house during a recent family trip to Scotland. The apartment was beautiful, clean, and wonderfully comfortable. It was the perfect place to relax after our daily excursions, get a good night's sleep, and make our plans for the next day. Debbie and Philip were so friendly and helpful throughout our entire stay. We couldn't have been happier and we all look forward to returning again someday!
Recommended for:Sightseeing, families with teenagers.
Fond memories.
Guest: Rosemary12
(Toronto)
Date of Stay: 07/31/10
Review Submitted: 04/10/11
Our family spent a lovely week in Edinburgh at Pilrig House in August 2010. We can not say enough about it. It is an immaculate apartment in a lovely historical building adjacent to a park. Downtown Edinburgh is a 20-30 minute walk away. Debbie and Peter thought of every welcoming gesture for their guests. A book indicates their favourite shops, restaurants and activities for those in need of ideas. Fresh fruit, flowers, tea, coffee, milk, cookies and a decanter of scotch await your arrival. A pleasant surprise after a long journey. For rainy days a large selection of DVDs is provided. Debbie and Philip are not at all intrusive, but if approached will offer their suggestions for outings. Highly recommended.
Recommended for:Romantic getaway, girls getaway, age 55+, families with young children, families with teenagers.
Great Edinburgh Stay
Guest: Helen
(Minneapolis, MN)
Date of Stay: 08/15/10
Review Submitted: 04/10/11
My husband, son and I stayed at Pilrig House in August while we took in the sights and attended the Festival Fringe in Edinburgh. Pilrig House was a wonderful place to stay. The property was clean and well maintained. The photos are accurate--it is a very nice place. We were comfortable, enjoying the chocolates and biscuits Debbie and Philip provided! The apartment looks out onto a park, so we were able to watch dog walkers and the antics of their pets. It was easy to get into town by either bus or by foot. We were close enough to enjoy the many activities in town and yet still have a quiet, relaxing place to come back to in the evening. The first day we were there we were going to the botanical gardens and wanted to find a place to eat along the way. Debbie happened to be driving into town and saw us walking. She offered us a ride to the gardens, gave us a recommendation for lunch and actually dropped us at the restaurant! You couldn't ask us for more hospitality! We enjoyed the seafood restaurants in Leith. Information in the apartment with restaurant recommendations from fellow travelers was helpful. I would definitely recommend this property to friends and family.
Recommended for:Tourists without a car, sightseeing, age 55+, families with teenagers.
Wonderful stay!
Guest: Sarah
(Columbus, Ohio)
Date of Stay: 10/29/10
Review Submitted: 04/10/11
Balfour Apartment is beautiful and spacious. Debbie and Philip were so friendly and helpful and clearly put all their efforts into making guests' stays as comfortable and homey as possible. We would recommend Pilrig House to anyone visiting. We'd also recommend the Roseleaf for dinner. We hope to return in the future.
Recommended for:Romantic getaway, girls getaway.
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