The Ironmonger's Store

The Ironmonger's Store: City of Edinburgh

In Edinburgh, history oozes out of every corner – and this Victorian home has a unique heritage of its own. A former 1800s Victorian ironmonger, this shop used to service the trading ships sailing back and forth from Leith Port to Iceland. Now, it's a cosy and contemporary hideaway in one of the most buzzing parts of the city.

Swapping Victorian allure for sleek mid-century style, the open-plan living space is a relaxed place to chill out and decompress after exploring the hustle and bustle of Old Town. Host Lynda has an incredible eye for design, and there are plenty of spots to snuggle up and get comfortable. Rustle up a meal in the kitchen, followed by a Netflix movie night on the plush blue sofa. When it's time for some shut-eye, drift off to sleep in one of the comfortable and chic bedrooms – both feature the large, original shop windows that flood the space with sunlight.

Although Leith is just outside the much-frequented neighbourhoods in the city centre, don't let that fool you – you'll find great bars and some of Edinburgh's best restaurants right on your doorstep. Here, old shipping warehouses now play host to photo studios, art galleries and delectable eateries, while the waterfront road along the port – aptly called The Shore – is dotted with cafes, pubs and shops. And with buses running directly into the centre taking about fifteen minutes, you'll have easy access to the tourist hotspots, too.

Home truths:
*A travel cot is available on request – there are also children's books and toys available here
*The bedrooms are at the front of the house and face a small lane – occasionally you can hear people and cars passing by
*Some regeneration is happening in the neighbourhood, mainly works for a new tram system – it's unlikely you'll be able to hear the construction from the home
*This single-level home has a private entrance – on arrival, you'll be able to check yourself in with a lockbox
*There's paid on-street parking in the area (free at weekends) – but with the tram and frequent buses running to and from the city centre, we don't think you'll need a car