Observatory Apartment is a cosy self-catering apartment extending over the lower ground floor of Observatory House, Edinburgh’s unique hilltop retreat. Perched above the city centre, 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.
With a fully-equipped kitchenette, Observatory Apartment provides a perfect self-contained base for two guests to explore the city from. Enjoy coffee on the terrace looking out over the nearby National Monument, and watch the sunset over the city from your bed in the Chartmaker’s room.
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
Observatory Apartment is conveniently contained on one floor, with spectacular views from the living and bedroom out across Edinburgh’s old and new towns. Please note that the apartment is a lower ground floor property with a reduced ceiling height of 2 metres.
Living Room and Kitchenette
The Apartment's living room features a comfortable sofa, great for relaxing after a long day exploring the sights of Edinburgh, a smart TV and a dining table for four. The unique ‘Starman’ wallpaper in this room was designed by local artist Rabiya Choudhry. Next to the living room, there is a kitchenette which features an electric hob and oven.
Bedrooms and Bathrooms
The Chartmaker’s Room hosts a super king-sized bed and boasts west-facing views across the city. The bathroom, featuring a freestanding Lusso bath and separate shower, 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 terrace with outdoor seating for four and stunning views is located to the east of the Apartment.
Guest Access
Guests will have full, unrestricted access to the Apartment. 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. Please note the top two floors, Observatory House, are also separately available to book. So there may be guests staying in Observatory house during your visit.
Property Management
This home is managed on behalf of Collective by JOIVY, which offers a wide selection of top-quality properties across Europe.
Accessibility
Observatory Apartment was built over 200 years ago and although the City Observatory site itself is wheelchair accessible, unfortunately the Apartment is not due to steps and staircases which cannot be ramped.
The Apartment 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.
Laundry and Extra Appliances:
The Apartment has an ironing board and iron but please note there is no washing machine in the Apartment.
Pets
We regret that pets are not permitted in Observatory Apartment.
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 Apartment 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 Apartment
The Apartment 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 Apartment 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 Apartment; 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 Apartment.
By plane
Edinburgh Airport is well connected internationally. Take the Airlink 100 bus or tram to reach the city centre.
JOIVY 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.
