Lovely Pilrig House...Balfour Apartment living-room window is next to sundial
Location: Edinburgh, Edinburgh Area, Scotland, United Kingdom, Europe (Located c. 1 mile from city centre, 12 miles from airport) View Map
Accommodations: Apartment, 2 Bedrooms + Convertible bed(s), 1 Bath (Sleeps 4)
2009: Scottish Thistle Award Winner - The Extra Mile
2008: Scottish Thistle Award Finalist - Accommodation - Customer Care
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 15-minute 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, giving the apartment a sunny and light-filled ambience.
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 private car park.
A Distinguished History
For those interested in the past, Pilrig is a house of notable distinction and boasts a fascinating history. Robert Louis Stevenson’s grandfather, James Balfour, lived in the house, and RLS, visited the house and played in the gardens as a child. He mentions Pilrig House in many of his books and letters, including in Kidnapped and Catriona.
Included in the Price
Fine bedlinen, Egyptian cotton towels, all utilities - heating and electricity (no hidden costs); and, on arrival, refreshment tray, fresh flowers, crystal decanter of whisky, chocolates and fruit bowl; luxury Scottish toiletries; fluffy towlling 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 books, Edinburgh guidebooks/maps/DVDs, children's books, games, binoculars, CDs/DVDs/Videos, and many other thoughtful extras.
Facilities
Broadband Wi-Fi access, flat-screen TV, Digital TV, CD-Player, Video, Digital Radio, Clothes Washer/Dryer, Ironing facilities, Fridge, Freezer, Dishwasher, Microwave, Oven, Hob, Coffee-Maker, Hairdryers, Real Flame-Effect Fire, Adjustable Heating in all rooms.
Booking Conditions
Open all year. The apartment is strictly non-smoking, and, sorry, no pets. Children age 7 upwards welcome. We have a 3-night minimum stay policy, except in August (the Edinburgh Festival) – 7 nights; July & Christmas/New Year - 4 nights.
The Owners
Debbie and Philip personally warmly welcome all guests, and are on-hand throughout your stay.
Rates
Please view our extremely competitive nightly rates & reduced weekly rates.
Discounts (on nightly rates) for longer stays:
2 weeks: 15%
3 weeks: 20%
4 weeks or longer: 25%
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
- Convertible Bed
- Entertainment
- Cable/Satellite TV
- TV (No Cable/Satellite)
- DVD
- VCR
- Video Library
- CD Player
- Music Library
- Kitchen
- Full Kitchen
- Cooking Utensils Provided
- Refrigerator
- Dishwasher
- Microwave
- Communications
- Telephone
- WiFi (Wireless Internet)
- Other Amenities
- Pilrig House is located on the edge of a a lovely, tranquil park - unique for an Edinburgh vaction rental! It has park views from most of the rooms, and lovely private gardens, teeming with wildlife in which guests can and relax and sip a glass of wine, after busy days' sightseeing. Other amenities include: clothes washer/dryer, ironing facilities, free parking in private car park, overhead dimmer lighting in all rooms, touch-activated bedside lamps, adjustable heating in all rooms, telephone (free local and national calls and CallMinda answer service), freezer, coffee-maker... and many more extras, which you can see listed on our own website!
- Suitability
- No Pets Allowed
- Kid Friendly
- Minimum Age Limit for Renters: Age 7 upwards.
- Smoking Not Allowed
- Activities (on site and nearby)
- Golf
- Tennis
- Zoo/Wildlife Park
- Shopping
- Sightseeing
- Restaurants
- Biking
- Rock Climbing
- Fitness Center/Gym
- Health/Beauty Spa
- Antiquing
- Cinemas/Movie Theaters
- Live Theatre
- Museums
- Miniature golf
- Horseback Riding
Rate Details (In Pounds)
November to January ....... £120/night ..... £750/week (whole apartment price)
February to March ......... £130/night ..... £820/week
April to May .............. £150/night ..... £950/week
June to July .............. £200/night ..... £1,250/week (4-night min. stays)
August..................... £250/night .... NO DISCOUNTS (7-night min stays)
September to October....... £150/night .....£950/week
Christmas & New Year: 23 Dec-2 Jan: 4-night min. stays: £700. Weekly stays: £900
Solo Travellers: 10% discount on nightly rates!
Note: Until confirmed, rates are subject to change without notice.
Map & Owner's Profile
Historic Townhouse (1638) Apartment in Unique Park Location
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 2 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.
Family-run restaurant, conveniently serving lunches/evening meals 7 days a week - directly opposite the entrance to Pilrig House Close.
Owner's Map of Edinburgh
Philip and I got married two years ago - here we are on the steps of Pilrig House after the wedding...on the steps to 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 4 years since we started up. We have made many great friends during the last 4 years, and still gain enormous joy and satisfaction in welcoming people here from around the world...It is also lovely that so many people come back time and time again.
Property Photos
- Lovely Pilrig House...Balfour Apartment living-room window is next to sundial - Edinburgh, Scotland Accommodation
- - Edinburgh, Scotland Accommodation
- - Edinburgh, Scotland Accommodation
- Thistle Awards - Scottish Tourist Board's top accolade - for 'The Extra Mile'
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Vacation Rentals by Owner Listing #156123
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Date last modified - November 06, 2009
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