Breathing new life into Edinburgh’s oldest townhouse

One of the most exciting developments at the Old Town Chambers Edinburgh is the transformation of a 15^th Century townhouse on Advocate’s Close into a stunningly contemporary living space.

The building itself has seen many uses over the centuries, but at its heart it is a family home and it is our aim to combine its historic characteristics with modern day luxury to create that same sense of domestic comfort and ease.

Records show that the townhouse pre-dates 1490 and was first occupied by wealthy merchants who would have carried out their business on the Royal Mile. The building’s solid stone walls, original fireplaces and even painted wall panels and beams have now all been restored and will feature in its renewed form as a unique city centre serviced apartment.

The new internal design will remain true to the period, but because we like to think differently, we are introducing many complimentary contemporary fixtures and fittings, including a free standing bath in the principle bedroom and the most beautiful smoked oak wide board timber flooring.

The open plan living area on the first floor has two original stone fireplaces and the plan is to fit one with a stove fire and have a couple of high backed arm chairs by the fireside. We are also adding a magnificent long solid oak topped banquet style dining table adjacent to the kitchen, with benches and chairs to seat eight.

The layout of the kitchen and finishes used here have been detailed to blend into the room and appear more ‘furniture like’ than kitchen and has a tall handle-less storage wall which conceals majority of the appliances.

Breathing new life into the buildings of Edinburgh’s historic, medieval Closes is what we are all about. Advocate’s, Roxburgh’s and Warriston’s Close have long been neglected and yet represent a rich and fascinating part of Edinburgh’s past. Now we are opening up the Closes, bringing in new restaurants such as Zizzi and by designing in open spaces and new vistas all the way out over Princes Street Gardens, this is once again a dynamic part of the city centre.