Observatory House is Edinburgh’s unique hilltop retreat. Overlooking the city centre, with extraordinary views on all sides, it provides a quiet haven within walking distance of the bright lights, but nestled high above them amongst the crags and wildlife of Calton Hill.
The House has a rich history, with the oldest tower section dating back to 1776 and the first attempt to build an astronomical observatory for Edinburgh. Recently Collective embarked on an ambitious project to restore the interior and transform it with a sophisticated and contemporary renovation, mixing warm, natural materials and colours with a suite of new feature art works specially commissioned from artists close to our heart.
Just a short walk away from the front door guests will find our acclaimed restaurant partner, The Lookout by Gardener’s Cottage. Eat out with the best view in Edinburgh, or let the Lookout come to you with one of their special in-house dining packages.
The Space
With a fully-equipped kitchen and dining room, Observatory House provides a perfect self-contained base for a larger group or family to explore the city from. The House itself comprises two upper floors while on the ground level a self-contained apartment provides additional capacity and facilities. The upper and lower floor are conjoined by a central staircase to allow you to utilise and enjoy the house as a whole. Enjoy breakfast looking out over the nearby National Monument, and watch the sun set over the city from your four-poster bed in the Astronomer’s Suite.
Living Room, Dining Room and Kitchen
The House boasts two comfortable living rooms on different floors. On the first floor, the living room looks out across the city and features a large corner sofa, snug reading chair, and smart TV. The ground floor living room features a double sofa bed, smart TV and additional dining table for four. The unique ‘Starman’ wallpaper in this room was designed by local artist Rabiya Choudhry.
The fully-equipped kitchen on the eastern side of Observatory House catches the morning light and has a stunning outlook across Calton Hill to the National Monument. Drawing on the Monument for inspiration, artist Thomas Aitchison was commissioned to produce a bespoke fitted kitchen which reflects its iconic silhouette. On the lower ground floor an additional kitchenette features an electric hob and oven.
The dining room of Observatory House is located in the Gothic Tower, the oldest part of the house, with spectacular views across the city on all sides. This is the perfect place to host your family and friends for a night they won’t forget. This room features a large dining table which seats 8 and specially-commissioned wall paintings by artist Christian Newby.
Bedrooms and Bathrooms
The House has three bedrooms plus an additional sofa bed, accommodating up to 8 guests.
The Astronomer’s Suite is the master bedroom of Observatory House, with a super king-sized four-poster bed and connected bathroom featuring freestanding bath and walk-in shower. Relax in the bath with a glass of champagne, looking directly out to the stunning views of Edinburgh. The suite is in the Gothic Tower, the oldest part of the House, with unrivalled views across the city on all sides and features an original light and fabric installation by artist Rachel Adams.
The Observer’s Room is a spacious second bedroom with a super king-sized bed that can be split into a pair of twin beds if required. A shower room is located next door on the landing.
The Chartmaker’s Room is the main bedroom on the ground floor, with a super king-sized bed that can be split into a pair of twin beds if required. The bathroom, featuring a freestanding bath, is located next door in what was once a courtyard and coal shed.
The living room on the ground floor can be turned into a double bedroom, there is hanging space as well as a double sofa bed. If this is required please let us know prior to arrival.
The House and Apartment contain three bathrooms. The Astronomer’s suite boasts an en-suite bathroom with a Lusso freestanding bath and separate shower. On the landing next to the Observer’s Room is a second toilet and shower. In the ground floor Apartment, a bathroom with a Lusso freestanding bath is located next door in what was once a courtyard and coal shed. The bathroom provides you a sanctuary of relaxation and recuperation in the midst of the hustle and bustle of the city.
Outdoor Area
A small east-facing garden with outdoor seating for four is located to the east of the house above a small terrace area with additional seating for four. The perfect place to enjoy your morning coffee as you watch the sunrise over Edinburgh's city skyline.
Guest Access
Guests will have full, unrestricted access to the House. Due to its unique location, there is no parking available directly outside the House; however, luggage drop-off by car and food van deliveries are permitted via the Calton Hill access road.
Property Management
This home is managed on behalf of Collective by ALTIDO, which offers a wide selection of top-quality properties across Europe.
Accessibility
Observatory House was built over 200 years ago and although the City Observatory site itself is wheelchair accessible, unfortunately the House is not due to steps and staircases which cannot be ramped.
The House is located on the summit of Calton Hill (105m above sea level). Drop-off by car or taxi is permitted via the Calton Hill access road; however, due to its unique location there is no resident parking on the Hill for House/apartment guests.
The House and Apartment both have steps and staircases to reach all rooms. The Apartment is self-contained on one floor without stairs, though a small flight of stairs is used to reach the front door.
Laundry and Extra Appliances:
The House has a washing machine, ironing board and iron.
Pets
We regret that pets are not permitted at Observatory House.
About the host
Collective is a charity with a mission to bring people together around art. From our home on Calton Hill we support artists in presenting their new work to a wide audience. We work with local children and young people to provide opportunities for play and creativity at Collective.
Observatory House is the oldest building on our site and part of the historic observatory which Collective redeveloped as a centre for contemporary art in 2018. All proceeds from the House support Collective’s charitable mission and work.
The Neighbourhood
Attractions within walking distance of the House include the National Gallery, City Art Centre, National Museum, Castle and many more. We’d also love to share our knowledge of the less-hyped Edinburgh too, from the vibrant contemporary art galleries such as Talbot Rice Gallery and Dovecot, to alternative ways to understand the city like Black History walking tours and smaller, independent museums.
Local Restaurants
Just a short walk away from the front door guests will find our acclaimed restaurant partner, The Lookout by Gardener’s Cottage. Eat out with the best view in Edinburgh, or let the Lookout come to you with one of their special in-house dining packages.
Edinburgh city centre also boasts a wonderful array of restaurants and food options. For more of a local feel, Leith, Easter Road and Abbeyhill are just to the north and east of Calton Hill and have many small restaurants, bars, and coffee shops on offer. If you’d like to stay in and enjoy the House, small independent food shops and mini-markets are close by, or online deliveries can drop food to you close to the House.
Getting to Observatory House
The House can be reached in a number of ways, but please bear in mind that its unique location on the summit of the Hill does present some access challenges.
On foot
Steps lead up the Hill from Waterloo Place and Royal Terrace. You will see Observatory House above you on the left as you reach the top of the steps. The entrance gate (signed Collective) is to the right, at the top of a final flight of steps.
By bus
Regular buses stop on Waterloo Place and Royal Terrace – visit Lothian Buses or download their app to plan your journey.
By train
Waverley station is just a few minutes away on foot – visit National Rail Enquiries to plan your journey.
By car
Due to its unique location, there is no parking available directly outside the House; however, luggage drop-off by car and food van deliveries are permitted via the Calton Hill access road. This road terminates approximately 100m from the House. The nearest Pay & Display car parking is on Regent Road or at the Q-Park Omni.
By taxi
Taxi drop-off and pick-up is permitted via the Calton Hill access road, which terminates approximately 100m from the House.
By plane
Edinburgh Airport is well connected internationally. Take the Airlink 100 bus or tram to reach the city centre.
*The property is fitted with noiseaware detection.
**Please note that sofa bed linens are not included in the nightly rate. If you would like to use the sofa bed, please let us know, and the additional fee is 25 GBP for linens.
House Rules
ALTIDO Scotland wants you to have a fantastic stay, so encourage you to see the space as a home away from home - treating it as though it is yours! There are, of course, a few things we politely ask guests to note before their arrival and throughout their stay:
- Strictly no smoking, no parties, no pets
- Dispose of rubbish appropriately
- Keep the property clean and tidy
- Whilst washing up and stripping the beds at check out would be appreciated, it is by no means expected
- Quiet hours are between 10:00 PM and 9:00 AM. Please keep the noise down and respect other neighbours in the building
- Please remember to close all windows and doors when leaving the space
- Careful attention to the keys is extremely important. Guests are responsible for any additional costs resulting from misplaced keys or locksmith call-outs
To ensure the safety of our current and future guests, we ask all guests to complete our online check-in form and to provide a valid form of identification.
