The Georgian House Edinburgh.

On our frequent visits to our wonderful capital city we always find something new to enjoy. Our trip this time was principally to see my favourite fictional character, detective John Rebus in a play at the Kings Theatre. Written by Ian Rankin and adapted for the stage by Rona Munro the play demonstrates the pain of the retired police inspector who is haunted by his past. Both this play and the theatre were a grand experience.

During this particular trip we also visited the National Museum to see a special Exhibition Rip It Up that told the story of Scottish pop and took us on a musical journey from the 1950s to the present day, but for some strange reason did not include Jackie Leven! Still it was great to see  Glasgow born Lonnie Donegan, and the late great Alex Harvey both recognised for the influence they brought to modern popular music.

Making use of our National Trust membership we also visited the 18th century townhouse situated at No 7 Charlotte Square and known as the Georgian House. In 1964 the National Trust for Scotland received an offer of No’s 5, 6 and 7 from the 6th Marquis of Bute in settlement of the death duties of the 5th Marquis.

No 6 Charlotte Square.

In 1999 No 6 (Bute House) became the official residence of our First Minister. It’s where she holds weekly meetings of the Scottish Government Cabinet, greets dignitaries and holds ministerial receptions and press conferences. The building also includes offices and living accommodation. Number 5 is at present used as offices.

NTS opened No 7 to the public in 1975 and it is said to attract some 40000 visitors annually. Designed by Scottish architect Robert Adam No 7 Charlotte Square was completed in 1796 and was purchased by John Lamont for the vast sum of £1800 as his New Town, town house until he sold it to Mrs Catherine Farquharson of Invercauld in 1815 for £3000. It’s the Lamont family that is of most interest to the visitor as the Georgian House has been restored to represent trappings of Georgian wealth and what it looked like internally when the first owner lived there at the turn of the 19th century. There’s also a wee film for you to enjoy so you can get an idea how the rich and powerful lived their lives during this period.

 

Kitchen.

Dining Room.

Drawing Room.

Bedroom.

The property, well worth a visit, consists of a basement - that had a kitchen, working areas and servant’s quarters, the master bedroom and dining room were to be found on the ground floor. Above this is the first floor with the parlour and drawing room and on the second floor would have been bedrooms and dressing rooms. 

Edinburgh’s elegant New Town was constructed to the north of the Old Town as a strictly residential development for the privileged and wealthy to allow them to live away from the squalor and poverty found in the Old Town.