When in Edinburgh, Scotland's lovely capital city, most tourists will divide their time between the tightly packed streets of the Old Town, and the elegant Regency terraces and squares of the New Town to the south of Princes Street. On the edge of these areas, the city has sprawled to engulf what were once separate villages, some of which still retain something of their original character.
Two of the most delightful of these are Dean Village and Stockbridge. Just a few minutes walk from Princes Street, and on the banks of the Water of Leith, the former has been recorded in history for almost 900 years and once supported a thriving milling and baking industry. Now however, it is a very peaceful conservation area, with the graciousness of the New Town, and with many interesting and unspoiled old buildings which stand on its broad cobbled streets. Stockbridge, another upmarket area, called by some the Notting Hill Gate of Edinburgh, has delicatessens, patisseries, restaurants to suit all tastes, and many other specialist shops, as well as some very fine boutiques.
The Garden Apartment in Dean Terrace, on the Dean Village side of Stockbridge, is part of an A-listed terraced of Georgian houses, which stand in a quiet, leafy cul de sac, directly across from the river. 'Compact and bijou' in the very best sense of the words, beautifully presented and equipped, and with a large (shared) secluded garden (furniture) to the back, it must be one of the most perfect pied-à-terres for exploring all of Edinburgh's many attractions.
If you cross the bridge just across from the apartment, you will find yourself on the attractive footpath which runs along the Water of Leith, past a classical 'temple', a most enjoyable place for an evening stroll. You will pass St Bernard's Well and proceed through the trees where you can spot squirrels and herons. You are also within a 10 minute walk of the Royal Botanical Gardens, with world famous plant collections, and palm and tropical houses.
The village itself amply repays exploration by those with an interest in history and architecture while the Scottish National Gallery of Modern Art is within a short walk of the apartment. There is on street parking (metered 830am-5.30pm) beside the house. However, the apartment is well situated for public transport, with buses plying up and down to the centre at the end of the cul de sac.
There is an extra fold-down single bed in the sitting room. Gas central heating, electricity, bed linen and towels are all INCLUDED in the rental. Sorry, pets are not accepted and smoking is not permitted within the apartment.
Please note that special rates will apply for the Edinburgh Festival and New Year periods.
