Alastair Sawday's Special Escapes: Self-catering in the UK

Pilrig House Apartments

Pilrig House Apartments, 30 Pilrig House Close, Edinburgh, Scotland

Turn a corner to find a craggily handsome house overlooking parkland. Only 15 minutes from Princes Street yet this feels like the country: a tree-lined garden park of parterres, sun-traps and squirrels, and the river running by. The perfect proportions of this 17th-century townhouse, once home to the Balfour family, exudes a sense of timelessness. Robert Louis Stevenson (a relative) played here and refers to Pilrig House in Kidnapped. Lovely owners, Philip and Debbie, have created four apartments (one is theirs) with a modern but cottagey feel. The light rooms of the Garden Apartment are filled with garden and park views. There's a sunny sitting-room of pale blue walls, Persian rug, oak floors and flame-effect fire, and a pretty, low-ceilinged kitchen with a tiled floor and Belfast sink, fabulously equipped. The bedroom and pin-neat bathroom feel cosy and cossetting - bathrobes, Scottish soaps and lotions, a patchwork quilt. You want for nothing – WiFi, binoculars, books, maps, welcoming whisky, fruit, chocolates – and the owners on hand to help. There are restaurants on your doorstep and it's a taxi ride into town. The peace is supreme. Park Apartment has exclusive use of the Palladian stone staircase at the entrance; Balfour Apartment on the second floor has spacious rooms and wonderful views.

Winner of the 2009 Scottish Thistle Award 'extra mile' category.

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Details

Pilrig House Apartments

Contact: Philip & Debbie Martin

• Tel: 0131 554 4794 / 07788 113886
• Sleeps: 2-4 per apartment.
• Rooms: The Garden Apartment (sleeps 2): 1 double; bath/shower room. The Park Apartment (sleeps 3): 1 double; 1 single; bath/shower room. Balfour Apartment (sleeps 4): 2 doubles; shower room.
• Price: £570 – £950. Reduced Rates: Solo Travellers (10%)/weekly & longer stays
• Closed: Never.

Checklist

• Dishwasher
• Electricity included
• Washing machine
• Microwave oven
• Central heating
• Mobile reception
• Television
• BBQ
• Beach within 3 miles
• Cooked meals available
• Restaurant nearby
• Short breaks possible
• Extra bed/cot available
• Shop within 3 miles

Points of interest

• Visit Edinburgh Castle, Holyrood Palace then walk to to the top of Arthur's Seat and admire the panoramic views of the city
• Explore the wonders of Edinburgh's Old Town - from Holyrood Palace to Edinburgh Castle - and a historical journey inbetween - under a mile away (excellent local bus service nearby)
• Experience Edinburgh's International Arts Festival in August when the streets burst with life!
• Meander to the nearby 'Shore' area, eat in Michelin-star restaurant 'The Kitchin' - after a trip to the Royal Yacht Britannia - perhaps after attending a cookery course/demo at Martin Wishart's Cook School - only mins' walk from Pilrig House
• Walk to the Botanical Gardens along the Water of Leith Walkways - exiting at the village of Stockbridge, then continue on the river walk to the Gallery of Modern Art & Dean Village
• A hop, skip and jump from your front door into private gardens, and, through the front gate into green parkland - and yet 5 mins by taxi from Waverley Station, St Andrews Bus Station, and a mere stroll to the city centre and all the main attractions!

This information is provided by owners and is not endorsed by ASP. If you have questions about it, please contact the owners.