Edinburgh’s New Town has a slightly misleading name – rather than glossy, modern blocks, this district is purely home to gorgeous Georgian architecture from the 18th and 19th centuries. This flat is no exception. An eight-minute walk to the lush green hills of Princes Street Gardens (whose steep banks are still standing from when this was a loch in the 1400s), you’ll be able to enjoy both natural and urban delights. Among streets of cafés, bakeries, and independent shops, your home has a welcoming bright-blue door to beckon you inside. Its hallway offers an incredibly stylish way to enter – ornate floor tiles and arches, gilded cornicing, and an antique sideboard set the tone for what’s to come inside. Your living space is bright, airy, and sophisticated. With a unique black marble fireplace and two huge, original sash windows, it has a regal feel with an understated elegance. Rich wooden features can be found throughout, bringing a warmth to chilly Scottish evenings. When you’re not out tasting drams of whisky in the local pubs, take in some culture with a visit to the National Portrait Gallery, seven minutes from home.
Home truths: *There's a washing machine but no tumble dryer, so your host provides a clothes drying rack instead *No parking is available, but it's in an extremely central part of Edinburgh – if you do need a car, on-street parking is available for free but this is a mile and a half from home *It's worth noting that the mattresses here are on the firmer side, so not everyone might find them comfortable *There's a pub nearby, so you may hear some noise during your stay. *While the fireplace is gorgeous to look at, it is purely decorative and not functional *The original, sash windows are single-glazed, but the central heating should keep you toasty