Vacation Rentals by Owner

highly recommended

Guest: LindaMac (United Kingdom)
Date of Stay: 05/04/12 Review Submitted: 05/09/12

We stayed in the Balfour Apartment of Pilrig House. We were two couples so the two double bedrooms were perfect for us. We stayed for a long weekend arriving Friday evening and leaving Monday morning, On the first evening we walked to Leith and dined at Ship on the Shore, then woke early next morning to visit Edinburgh Castle. We set off walking to the Castle but after about 15 minutes hailed a cab, the castle was amazing with so much to learn about Scottish history. As the one o'clock gun fired we headed for lunch at the Witchery. We went home to the apartment around 4pm and had a rest and a lazy night in. We had a relaxed meal at the dining table and opened the excellent bottle of wine left by our hosts, then settled in to watch one of the many films provided in the apartment. On Sunday we walked to the Botanical Gardens, a delightful experience to see such an impressive collection of exotic plants, the glasshouses are easily comparable with those at Kew Gardens. We relaxed at home in the afternoon and then went to a Ghost Tour at 8pm to Greyfriars Cemetery - great fun! and topping off the evening at a traditional Scottish pub. On Monday we headed for an American Diner en route for the journey home. We had a great weekend: the location of Pilrig is excellent; the building itself is impressive; every possible comfort was provided; the hosts were lovely; the standard of furnishing and decor was very high and overall an excellent place to stay. I would certainly go back there and recommend it to friends.

Recommended for:Age 55+, families with teenagers, tourists without a car, romantic getaway, sightseeing.

Just like Home (except better!)

Guest: Wendy and David (Toronto, Canada)
Date of Stay: 03/22/12 Review Submitted: 04/25/12

We stayed at Pilrig House in Edinburgh with friends who were on their 5th visit! They convinced us that there is no place like it. Having spent a week there, we now understand what the raves were all about. The apartment was beautiful and fully stocked with all the conveniences of a spa, luxurious towelling robes, the most comfortable down beds and pillows, a decanter of Scotch, fresh flowers, a huge selection of DVDs and a "Welcome Back" torte. But Debbie and Philip were the icing on the cake. I mentioned I wanted to find some information on a specific clan. That night there was a printed fact sheet with everything I needed to know right outside our door. We talked about some movies we hadn't yet seen. Shortly after, a large bag with those movies appeared on our door handle. Debbie was also very helpful in guiding us to the best shopping and eating areas. And Philip ensured the men got to their favourite spots as well. When (not if) we go back to Edinburgh, we will definitely stay at Pilrig House.

Owner response:I can't wait for our next eating/shopping/chattering trip Wendy.... miss you and the gang! Come back soon.... Debbie

Recommended for:Adventure seekers, age 55+, girls getaway, romantic getaway, sightseeing.

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:Age 55+, girls getaway, tourists without a car, romantic getaway, sightseeing.

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:Age 55+, families with teenagers, families with young children, romantic getaway, sightseeing.

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:Age 55+, families with teenagers, girls getaway, tourists without a car, romantic getaway, sightseeing.

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:Age 55+, families with teenagers, families with young children, tourists without a car, romantic getaway, sightseeing.

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:Girls getaway, romantic getaway.

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:Age 55+, families with teenagers, tourists without a car, sightseeing.

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:Age 55+, families with teenagers, families with young children, girls getaway, romantic getaway.

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:Age 55+, tourists without a car, romantic getaway, sightseeing.

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:Age 55+, families with teenagers, girls getaway, tourists without a car, romantic getaway.

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:Families with teenagers, sightseeing.

Guest: Broxi (Dunstable, UK)
Date of Stay: 06/28/09 Review Submitted: 06/28/09

We spent 6 nights at Pilrig House in late May and found it to be the best accommodation we have come across in all our travels. The whole experience was first class and nothing was missed or done cheaply by the owners. The location is great for both the trendy restaurants in Leith and the sights in Central Edinburgh

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Guest: Val Pace (Yorkshire)
Date of Stay: 01/05/09 Review Submitted: 01/05/09

Pilrig House is the perfect place to stay - luxurious and spotlessly clean. It has a touch of history you can almost feel. Close enough to the city centre to walk yet in a tranquil parkland setting. Debbie and Philip are wonderful hosts and nothing is too much trouble. We would recommend Pilrig without hesitation.

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Guest: Chad and Kelly (Dothan, AL)
Date of Stay: 09/04/08 Review Submitted: 09/04/08

When we arrived we felt as though we stepped back in time with the beautifuly restored Pilrig House situated in Pilrig Park. The apartment met all of our needs and offered many extras to assist with our first visit to Edinburgh. Debbie and Phillip add all of the perfect personal touches to make you feel as though you are their most important guest. It was a perfect stay in a beautiful city!

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Guest: Julia Doten (Massachusetts, USA)
Date of Stay: 08/12/08 Review Submitted: 08/12/08

We stayed in the lovely Balfour apartment, with window seats overlooking Pilrig Park. Each morning I watched patrons of the park walk their dogs while enjoying morning tea and toast with Scottish honey. The apartment was roomy, comfortable, very clean, and well equipped; every detail attended to. Complimentary tea, coffee, chocolates (yummy!), fresh fruit, flowers and organic milk ensured we could begin our stay as though we were at home. Hosts Debbie and Philip leave nothing to chance, and were helpful throughout the week with our questions and needs. Wonderful hosts! The location is serene considering you are in the city, and it is easy to get to area attractions. We truly relaxed upon arrival each evening after our day trips out.

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Guest: John Lotherington (London)
Date of Stay: 08/05/08 Review Submitted: 08/05/08

Pilrig House was a complete delight - tranquil, beautifully furnished and equipped, with attention to every detail. And a wonderful warm welcome from the owners, Philip and Debbie. If you're heading to Edinburgh, I'd strongly recommend staying there.

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Guest: laurraine (-)
Date of Stay: 08/03/08 Review Submitted: 08/03/08

our stayed at pilrig apartment was just perfect. excellent holiday accommodation. very well equipped and clean. friendly and helpful hosts. would recommend. thank-you. laurraine and family.

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Greatest Place to be pampered in Edinburgh

Guest: Mickie (HARTSELLE, ALABAMA USA)
Date of Stay: 08/02/08 Review Submitted: 09/01/08

When we arrived at our apartment, and opened the door -we were simply awed! A 5 star rating should be given here not only for the best amenities in the Country, but the most friendly,helpful,"give the shirt off their back for you" proprietors . I have staying many a hotel and B & B including Bahama's ATLANTIS HOTEL!! THERE ISN'T EVEN ONE 5 STAR HOTEL WHO CAN BEAT PILGRIG HOUSE. I also want to say that we met not only our "landlords" for the week, but wonderful caring "friends" for ever. And if God permits we will return as soon as we are able. Love to you - Phillip and Debbie All our best - Micki and Marion Aug 2 thru Aug 8

Recommended for:Adventure seekers