EDINBURGH, cont'd

The stars at the side of some properties are the Scottish Tourist Board grading.  Price is a guide only.  Some properties charge extra for linen/towels/electricity - please check.

West Bow

Sleeps 6/10   4 stars

Available January-December   No smoking   No pets

One of the oldest residences in Edinburgh, this fascinating house is in one of the oldest streets in the city, just below Edinburgh Castle.  The house was built in 1605 and still retains its stone vaulted ceilings and old stone fireplaces.  West Bow was once a principal entrance to Edinburgh in which Mary, Queen of Scots, Cromwell and James VI would have ridden in horseback.  There are many good shops, pubs, restaurants and bistros.  Just around the corner is the Grassmarket, an open square with more pubs and restaurants, so there is a thriving night life in the streets around, but previous guests say they have a good night's sleep. You enter via a secure communal stair with entry phone and then the house is on two levels, the first apartment having the main accommodation.  Then upstairs there is a further self contained apartment with its own kitchen, sitting room and bedroom.  Carefully restored, the house is full of antique furniture and historical objects.  A pack of essential groceries awaits your arrival.  The telephone is open line with credit card authority. Downstairs main apartment: The main bedroom has a four poster bed under a vaulted ceiling and a window onto Victoria Street.  The twin bedroom has its own shower room, a 17th century fireplace and wide board elm lined walls.  The vaulted bathroom has a free-standing bathtub, walk in shower with overhead and body jets.  This bathroom is en suite with the vaulted dressing room (single bed) and the main bedroom.  The drawing room overlooks Victoria Street with two sofas which convert into a very comfortable double bed.  The utility room, between the dining room and the kitchen, has washing machine, tumble dryer, dishwasher, table for 4 and TV.  The dining room has an oak table that seats eight. Upstairs apartment: There is a twin bedroom that looks out onto a quiet courtyard at the back of the house.  Dressing room off and door leading directly to the bathroom.  Antique cast iron bath, overhead power shower, adjoining wc with washing machine and tumble dryer.  Dining room and sitting room/bedroom, two sofas (one converts to a double sofa bed).  There is a kitchenette with dishwasher and microwave, etc. Price: from £935 per week for downstais apartment sleeping 6; both apartments together from £1,410 per week.  Please ask us for prices for the Festival, Christmas and Hogmanay.  Heating, hot water, electricity, linen and towels included