Observatory House
Observatory House is a large self-catering property spanning two floors. 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 artworks specially commissioned from artists close to our heart.
With a fully equipped kitchen and dining room, the House provides a perfect self-contained base for up to 4 people to explore the city from. Enjoy breakfast looking out to the nearby National Monument, and watch the sun set over the city from your four-poster bed in the Astronomer’s Suite.
Apartment One Ground Floor
Apartment One First Floor
Observatory House (sleeps 4)
Astronomer’s Suite
The master bedroom of Observatory House, with a super king-sized four-poster bed and connected bathroom with a freestanding bath and walk-in shower. The suite is in the Gothic Tower, the oldest part of the House, with unrivalled views across the city on all sides. This suite features an original light and fabric installation by artist Rachel Adams.
Observer’s Room
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.
Kitchen
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 new fitted kitchen which reflects its iconic silhouette.
Living Room
The main ground floor living room is part of the extension of the house instigated by Royal Astronomer Charles Piazzi Smythe in the 1880s. The room features outstanding views across the city to the west and to the observatory and National Monument to the east.
Dining Room
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 room features a large dining table which seats 8 and specially-commissioned wall paintings by artist Christian Newby.
Garden
A small garden with outdoor seating for 4-6 is located to the east of the house.
Access
Observatory House was built over 200 years ago and although the City Observatory site itself is wheelchair accessible, unfortunately the House/apartments are 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 has steps and staircases to reach all rooms.
Observatory House Dining Room
Observatory House Living Room
Observatory House Living Room
Observatory House Kitchen
Observatory House Kitchen
Dining Room Fresco by Christian Newby
Astronomer's Suite Bedroom
Observer's Room
Astronomer's Suite Bathroom
Observer's Room
Observatory House from the Collective garden
Shower Room
Observatory House from the City Observatory
Observatory House from the Waterloo Steps
Observatory House from the north east with Collective, National monument, Nelson monument and Arthur's Seat behind.
Observatory House in the snow
Observatory House from the east with the City Observatory, National monument and Nelson monument behind.
Our other rentals
Observatory Apartment (sleeps 2)
Observatory Apartment is a compact self-catering apartment incorporating the lower ground floor of Observatory House.
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