Old Observatory is Edinburgh’s newest holiday home

AN HISTORIC building has been brought back from dereliction to become a holiday home with a stunning view of Scotland’s capital.

The City of Edinburgh Council has worked with listed building specialists the Vivat Trust to restore the Old Observatory House on top of Edinburgh’s Calton Hill with breathtaking views across the city.

The building was designed by the famous “architect of the New Town” towards the end of the 18^th century and was originally home to the city observatory.

Although the building was last lived in 30 years ago but was subject to various types of rot and by 2002 it was placed on Historic Scotland’s Buildings at Risk Register.

Restoration began in 2007 and work on the interior was aided by volunteers and local tradesmen.

The Old Observatory House is now available for short term lets all year round.

Councillor Deidre Brock, Culture and Leisure Convener for the City of Edinburgh Council, said: “The house has been beautifully decorated and fitted out by Vivat Trust and its lucky visitors will be extremely comfortable, while enjoyihg the best views in town.

“I’m so pleased to see this important historic building brought back into use after such a long time. This exciting new chapter for Old Observatory House marks an important milestone in the regeneration of Calton Hill, following on from the very successful restoration of the Nelson, Burns and National Monuments in recent months as part of the Twelve Monuments Restoration Project.”

Laura Norris, Vivat Trust Director, said: “Old Observatory House is an extraordinarily special building in a simply stunning location. We took part in Doors Open Day last autumn to show people what we had done so far, and the interest was far greater than we expected; we had about 2000 people through the doors.

“We are delighted that people will now have a chance to stay in the building as well – to fully enjoy it – and to visit throughout the year on planned open days. We are sure that its revitalisation will help trigger further regeneration on the hill.”