Scotland

The Georgian House, Edinburgh

An exquisite 18th century town house in Edinburgh's New Town, designed by master architect Robert Adam. The house is beautifully furnished, with collections of period china, furniture, art, and silver gracing three floors of elegant rooms, decorated as they would have been when the house opened in 1796.

Around the end of the 18th century prosperous natives of Edinburgh began to leave the cramped conditions of Edinburgh's Old Town to build new, imposing townhouse residences, like Georgian House, in New Town.

A "bougie box" of Sheffield plate

This example, widely regarded as one of Adam's finest urban works, dates from 1796, and is part of Adam's ambitious Charlotte Square development.

Visitors to the house can view a video presentation which explores the history of New Town and the living conditions of those who inhabited Georgian House. Visitors also have a chance to see what life was like "below stairs", with access to the restored kitchen, as well as the wine cellars and china closet.

The house was built by John Lamont, chief of Clan Lamont. In 1815 the Lamont's sold the house, and it passed through several prominent Scottish families until it passed to the National Trust for Scotland in 1966 upon the death of its last private owner, the 5th Marquess of Bute.

The Georgian House fronts onto Charlotte Square, just a few minutes walk west of Princes Street.

Essential Information
The Georgian House
7 Charlotte Square
Edinburgh, Scotland
EH2 4DR
Tel: +44 (0) 131 226 3318
Fax: +44 (0) 131 226 3318
E-mail: thegeorgianhouse@nts.org.uk
Website: www.nts.org.uk/georgian.html
Location map

Access: Limited wheelchair access, 6 steps up to main floor.

Opening Hours: see official website

Interior photos
The Dining Room	Drawing Room	Kitchen	Parlour

Related:
Robert Adam
Palladian architecure
Stately Homes in Scotland
Edinburgh Hotel Guide

article 2003 © Britain Express and David Ross