Explore the decadent splendour of life amongst the rich of 18th-century Edinburgh in this immaculately restored Georgian townhouse.
Found in Edinburgh's New Town, Georgian House is an excellent example of the architecture and interiors you would have found two hundred years ago in this area. Charlotte Square, where the house is situated, remains home to the wealthy classes to this day. Built in 1791, Georgian House was designed by the famous Scottish architect Robert Adam. It is three storeys in height, and contains a number of stylishly appointed rooms filled with classical furniture as well as antique pieces in silver, all dating from the house's heyday around the turn of the 19th century.The house has been returned to its former glory and great care taken to fill it with art and accessories from the time. This is best exemplified in the opulent drawing room and dining room, which contain a square piano along with the finest ceramics, silver pieces and some wonderful paintings by the masters of 18th-century Scottish art.The wine cellar and china closet are found downstairs below ground level, along with the main place of work, the kitchen. Staff rooms can be viewed here also – they are tiny, and lack any form of natural light. This part of the house also screens an informative video about the history of the New Town.Much of the colour of the house's history comes from the many different residents it has had, from a judge to a marquis, a Free Church minister to the original occupants, the Lamont family – the friendly guides in each room can tell you more.While you're in the area, soak up the high-class atmosphere on the square and enjoy your perfectly preserved surroundings. You can have a look at the period residents-only park in the middle of the square. It is open to the public for just a couple of events during the year, including the Edinburgh International Book Festival at the end of the summer.Georgian House is easily accessible, just a short walk from the western end of Princes Street, and a 15-minute walk from Haymarket and Waverley train stations. It is open on a daily basis, with different opening times depending on the time of year – check the National Trust of Scotland website for more detailed information.
