Summary:
✔ Expansive house nicely nestled on Calton Hill
✔ Extraordinary views on all sides
✔ 2152ft2 | 200m2
✔ 3 bedrooms
✔ 3 bathrooms
✔ Completely furnished kitchen
✔ Cosy garden
✔ 13-minute walk to Scott Monument
✔ St Giles cathedral is a 16-minute walk
✔ 20-minute walk to Edinburgh Castle
✔ Edinburgh Waverley train station is a 10-minute walk
The Space:
⭐ 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 allowing you to utilise and enjoy the house as a whole.
⭐ 3 bedrooms in total
— Astronomer’s suite – the main bedroom featuring a super king-sized bed
— Observer’s room – the spacious second bedroom with super king-sized bed that can be split into twin beds if necessary
— Chartmaker’s room – the main bedroom on the ground floor featuring a super king-sized bed that can be split into twin beds if necessary
⭐ 3 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 unique ‘Starman’ wallpaper in this room was designed by local artist Rabiya Choudhry.
⭐ The house boasts two comfortable living rooms on different floors
— On the first floor, the living room looks across the city and features a Smart TV
— The ground floor living room features a double sofa bed, a Smart TV and an additional dining table for 4
⭐ Fully equipped kitchen with 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, you can find an additional kitchenette
⭐ Observatory House's dining room is located in the Gothic Tower, the oldest part of the house. It offers spectacular views across the city on all sides. The room features a large dining table that seats 8 and specially commissioned wall paintings by artist Christian Newby.
⭐ 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.
⭐ Family friendly
⭐ Essentials, linens, towels, and Wi-Fi are provided
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Guest Access:
● Guests will have full, unrestricted access to the House. Due to its unique location (on the summit of Calton Hill - 105m above sea level), 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.
● The property is on the ground floor.
● There are two flights of stairs within the property.
● 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 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.
Check-in Information:
A member of our team will welcome you to the property, give you a tour, and provide keys.
The Neighborhood:
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, 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.
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.
Just a short walk from the front door, guests will find our acclaimed restaurant partner, Cafe Calton.
Getting Around:
● 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 a ten-minute walk away on foot. Please note there are steep steps on this route (we highly recommend getting a taxi if you have luggage) – 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 the Q-Park Omni.
✈ Nearest airport:
26-minute drive to Edinburgh Airport
Other Things to Note:
∗Please note the property is fitted with a noise-detection device.
∗Please note that JOIVY is not responsible or liable for any lost, misplaced or stolen items during guest stays.
⚡ In light of the current situation, we kindly ask our guests to consume electricity and gas mindfully. Please note we will add an additional charge for excessive energy usage.
*If you need a travel cot or sofa bed linens, please let us know in advance or add this to your reservation from your dedicated boarding pass for an additional fee.
*Please note this property is located at the top of Calton Hill, a popular tourist destination, and the hill can become quite busy during the day. Additionally, the house property is within an open public site containing a visitors' centre.
*If you need a Travel cot or Sofa bed linens, please let us know in advance or add this to your reservation from your dedicated Boarding Pass.
∗Please note that а refundable damage deposit of £250 is mandatory and should be paid via card and before check-in. We inspect the property after you check out; if there is no damage, we refund the deposit within 2 days via bank transfer.
Interaction with Guests:
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.
This home is managed on behalf of Collective by JOIVY, which offers a wide selection of top-quality properties across Europe.
