A ONE-BEDROOM flat above the Oxford Bar in New Town has just gone on sale and all looks normal, except for the bathroom.
The flat, based on Young Street, is above the much-loved pub used in Ian Rankin’s Inspector Rebus books, which begin with Knots and Crosses.
A local pointed out that the flat had gone on the market, saying that it would make the perfect writing room for Rankin.
Though the flat includes a large living room and double bedroom, pictures of the bathroom reveal a less-than-conventional design choice.
The Oxford Bar, which is situated in a Category B listed building, increased in popularity after being noted as Inspector Rebus’ favourite pub by Ian Rankin, who often visited.
Since opening in the 19th century, it has also been frequented by Sir Sean Connery, Sir Michael Palin, and Lorraine Kelly.
The flat above is now on the market for offers over £185,000 but needs “modernisation”.
Situated in the heart of New Town, it has a number of traditional features such as a fireplace, sash windows, and a bookcase alcove often referred to as an “Edinburgh Press”.
Though not mentioned in the listing, residents can also benefit from the proximity of the Oxford Bar, as close as a simple walk down the stairs.
Pictures on the listing show the bathroom covered in pasted images of flowers, seemingly cut out from magazines or brochures and covering the entirety of the walls.
The bathroom is also an iconic relic of the 1970s as it has a full avocado green suite with matching toilet, sink, and bathtub.
This isn’t the only unusual DIY decoration in the building, as one kitchen wall is shown to be partially covered in pictures of pies, pastries, fruits and vegetables, seemingly also from magazines or cookbooks.
One local pointed out the bizarre setup on social media, saying: “The flat above the Oxford Bar is for sale, if Ian Rankin needs a new office/writing room within easy stumbling distance.
“Worth checking out for the bathroom decor alone which may or may not actually be the cover art for an unreleased New Order album.”
This is in reference to the cover art of New Order’s 1983 album Power, Corruption & Lies, which used a Henri Fantin-Latour painting of flowers.
One user commented: “I wonder if the owner has any Regret over that choice?”
Whilst another said: “Avocado just for everyone in the 1960s. Happy days.”
And a third replied: “I’m amazed ‘Additional benefits’ doesn’t list the proximity to such a fine bar.
“I’d happily live out my remaining years there.”