Location: Edinburgh, Edinburgh Area, Scotland, United Kingdom, Europe (Pilrig House is under a mile from the city centre and Leith.) View Map
Accommodations: Apartment, 2 Bedrooms + Convertible bed(s), 1 Bath (Sleeps 3-4)
Accolades/Awards
2009: Scottish Thistle Award Winner - for 'The Extra Mile'
2008: Scottish Thistle Award Finalist - for 'Accommodation - Customer Care'
2007: Visit Scotland: 'TOP 1O' status - 'Places To Stay' category. Scotsman newspaper: 'Best
Place to Stay/Self-Catering'. Listed in Frommers Guide and Alistair Sawday's Guides...
Pilrig House - The Park Apartment (Sleeps 3-4 max.)
Our exceptional 4-star graded, 2-bedroomed Park 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 - it was the home of Robert Louis Stevenson's mother's family - as a child, RLS often visited and played in the gardens here as a child - he mentions Pilrig House in his novels: Kidnapped and Catriona.
Unique Location
The apartment is sited in a tranquil park, yet, incredibly, it is only a 15-minute stroll (under a mile), or 5 minutes by bus (bus stop is only minutes away from the apartment) to Edinburgh's city centre and all the main attractions. Enjoy the private garden, which offers secluded seating areas and is teeming with wildlife.
A Gem of an Apartment
Guests have exclusive use of the house’s sweeping Palladian staircase entrance, at the top of which are double oak doors and a small seating area, a south-facing suntrap overlooking the park - wonderful for sipping a glass of wine and watching the world drift by at the end of busy days' sightseeing!
The Accommodation
The interior is extremely comfortable and has a beautiful mix of antique and modern furnishings, comprising: living-room with double pull-out sofa-bed, oak flooring, real-flame effect fire, designated dining area and recessed window seat with delightful views of the park; 2 bedrooms - 1 single, 1 double (fully carpeted and equipped with hairdryers, alarm clock, adjustable heaters, US adapter plug) -both with park views; a fully-equipped kitchen; and, a luxurious, fully-tiled bathroom with shower screen/shower over the bath, heated towel rail and shaver point.
Free Parking
Rare for city center rentals, Pilrig House offers the bonus of a (free) allocated parking space in a private car park.
Included in the Price
Fine bedlinen, Egyptian cotton towels, all utilities (no added costs!), and, on arrival: refreshment tray, fresh flowers, chocolates, fruit bowl & crystal decanter of whisky; 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 minda answer service), Pilrig House postcards, bookmarks & stationery; a selection of books/Edinburgh guidebooks, maps & DVDs, binoculars, children's books, games, CDs/DVDs/Videos, and many other thoughtful extras.
Facilities
Broadband Wi-Fi access, flat-screen TV/Digital TV, CD-Player, Video/DVD, Digital Radio, Clothes Washer/Dryer, Ironing facilities, Fridge, Freezer, Dishwasher, Coffee-Maker, Microwave, Oven, Hob, Hairdryers, Real Flame-Effect Fire, Adjustable Heating in all rooms.
Booking Conditions
Children over age 7 welcome. Open all year. The apartment is strictly non-smoking, and, sorry, no pets. We have a 3-night minimum stay policy, except in August (Edinburgh Festival)- 7 nights; July & Christmas/New Year - 4 nights.
The Owners
Debbie and Philip personally warmly welcome all our guests, and are on-hand throughout your stay.
Rates
Please view our highly competitive nightly & reduced weekly rates.
Discounts (on nightly rates) for longer stays:
2 weeks - 15%
3 weeks - 20%
4 weeks or more - 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: Private allocated car parking space in secure car park to the rear of property.
- Wood Fireplace: with gas log-effect fire.
- Beds
- Double Bed
- Twin/Single Bed
- Convertible Bed
- Entertainment
- Cable/Satellite TV: Digital TV.
- TV (No Cable/Satellite): Flat-screen TV.
- DVD
- VCR
- Video Library: Wide range of Videos/DVDs provided, including Edinburgh and Scotland DVDs.
- CD Player
- Music Library: A variety of CDs are provided.
- Kitchen
- Full Kitchen: Microwave, Oven, Hob, Dishwasher, Coffee-Maker, Clothes Washer/Dryer, Fridge, Freezer
- Cooking Utensils Provided: All the pots, pans, cutlery, glasses, crockery you will require!
- Refrigerator
- Dishwasher
- Microwave
- Outdoor Features
- Deck/Patio: Small, sunny seating area to top of the lovely Palladian staircase entrance, overlooking the park. Even on rainy days, guests can dine inside with the double oak doors flung open and watch the changing weather unfold.
- View/Location
- Monument View: Views of Holyrood Park and Calton Hill...
- Communications
- Telephone: Free local calls and receives incoming calls. 'CallMinda' Ansa service on phone to record messages.
- Broadband Internet
- WiFi (Wireless Internet)
- Other Amenities
- Adjustable Wall-Mounted Heaters, Dimmer Lighting in Main Living-Room and Bedrooms, Touch-Activated Bedside Lamps, Ironing Facilities, Full Range of Edinburgh Guidebooks and Street Maps, Magazines, Bookcase with Selection of Games, Children's and Adult's Books, Full Welcome Pack, Places to Visit Near Edinburgh & Tourist Information Files, Restaurant Recommendations/Sample Menu File Box, A Touring Company File with both local and Scottish Tours included, Binoculars, Umbrellas, Hairdryers, Postcards of Pilrig House, Letter-Headed Notepaper/Envelopes, Bookmarks, Leaflets. Welcome Tray, Fresh Flowers, Chocolates, Scottish Toiletries, Recessed Window-Seat Overlooking Park, Park Views in Both Bedrooms. We also have Digital TV.
- Suitability
- No Pets Allowed
- Minimum Age Limit for Renters: Age 7 upwards welcome.
- Smoking Not Allowed: However, you are welcome to smoke outside the property!
- Activities (on site and nearby)
- Golf
- Tennis
- Shopping
- Sightseeing
- Restaurants
- Swimming
- Biking
- Hiking
- Rock Climbing
- Fitness Center/Gym
- Health/Beauty Spa
- Antiquing
- Cinemas/Movie Theaters
- Live Theatre
- Museums
- Other Activities
- International Festival, Military Tattoo, New Year 'Hogmanay' Fireworks Celebrations, Nightlife, Art Galleries, Botanical Gardens, Visitor Attractions, City Bus Tours and Guided Tours and Walks, Indoor Rock-Climbing Centres, Walking, Fitness Centers, East Lothian beaches, Historic Castles and Churches, and very close to the Water of Leith Walkways - walks/cycle-paths around Edinburgh that follow the course of the river.
Rate Details (In Pounds Sterling)
November to January......... £100/night... £630/week (whole apartment price)
February to March........... £110/night... £690/week
April to May................ £130/night... £820/week
June to July................ £150/night... £950/week (4-night min. stays)
August...................... £200/night... NO DISCOUNTS (7-night min stay)
September to October........ £130/night... £820/week
Christmas/New Year: 23 Dec - 2 Jan: 4-night min. stays: £600 Week-long stay: £800.
Rates are based on 2 people staying/£15 supplement per person per night.
Note: Until confirmed, rates are subject to change without notice.
Map & Owner's Profile
Award-Winning Apartment in Historic Townhouse (Free Parking)
Year Purchased: 2004
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, in the main, by dog-walkers and joggers... or people just lazing around during the summer months.
The Water of Leith walkways and cyclepaths 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, eg to Stockbr
The Royal Yacht is berthed in Leith - you can walk here from Pilrig House in 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 boasts 2 Michelin-star restaurants... and 'Plumed Horse' - recently voted
A 5-minute walk from Pilrig House, where you can stock up on provisions.
A great eatery and bar literally a few mins' walk from the entrance to Pilrig House Close. It serves fresh 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.
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 - lovely place to shop, have a coffee/meal, go to the cinema, or board the Royal Yacht Britannia.
Leith Walk leads directly to Edinburgh's Princes St - overlooked by the Castle, and you can walk there in around 15 mins.
Across the road from Pilrig House Close - selling newspapers, magazines, milk, drinks and all the basi 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, cashmere, kilts, etc.
This road leads out of Edinburgh to East Lothian's lovely coastal trail...
This route is the most direct one to take when driving to Edinburgh Airport - c. 12 miles away.
Restaurant right across the road from the entrance to Pilrig House Close - open 7 days a week, serving lunches and evening meals.
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
- Pilrig House - a unique, tranquil haven - Edinburgh Accommodation
- Beautiful sunny double bedroom - lie in bed and watch the Birch tree sway ouside - Edinburgh Accommodation
- Lovely, spacious living-room with double oak door entrance overlooking the park - Edinburgh Accommodation
- Thistle Awards - Scottish Tourist Board's Top Accolades - for 'The Extra Mile'
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Vacation Rentals by Owner Listing #79936
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This listing was first published here in 2006.
Date last modified - November 21, 2009


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