Tour a contemporary holiday home which boasts beautiful views of Edinburgh Castle

Alexis Nicholson’s flat in the shadow of Edinburgh Castle is full of surprises

Four years ago, interior designer Alexis Nicholson bought two flats in a gated community off the Grassmarket in Edinburgh.

Neither were in good condition but having cut her teeth on a holiday let in the Pleasance nearby, Alexis knew location was key and she was happy to take them on and work some magic.

“The apartments are part of a development that shares the exact site of the inn where Burke and Hare lived in the early 19th century,” says Alexis.

“The flats also have the unique selling point of pretty much having Edinburgh Castle in their garden.

"If I was coming to Edinburgh, this is where I’d want to stay – slap bang in the middle of the Old Town, immersed in history.”

Picture: Chris Humphreys

The first flat was good to go in nine weeks, but Castle View took a little bit longer. “Initially, the flat consisted of a living room, kitchen, bedroom and bathroom.

However, being on the top floor of the development, I thought we could extend into the attic.

"I had £16,000 put aside to do it but after going through planning it transpired that I would need to install a sprinkler system, reinforce all the floors and costs were escalating to £35,000.

"This room in the attic was going to be amazing and it was so hard to let go of that, but it just didn’t make financial sense for a holiday let.

“What did happen instead and which I never anticipated was that we made the living room into the bedroom and put the kitchen into the living room.

"As the bedroom didn’t need as much space, we moved the wall and created a huge hallway.

Picture: Chris Humphreys

"Now we have a lovely dining hallway, which really isn’t what you expect in this kind of property and it works brilliantly.”

The kitchen which is fitted along one side of the living room is also unexpected in this kind of property, but it wasn’t the easiest installation.

“The kitchen was a nightmare to fit because I wanted it to have the most perfect shadow gap right around every side.

"I have a fantastic carpenter who I work with but who lives in Ireland. I pay for him to get the ferry from Ireland every time I need him because he’s that good.

"I have such a clear picture in my head of what I want and the standard I expect that it’s difficult to find tradespeople I trust.”

Picture: Chris Humphreys

Asides from shipping over the carpenter, the worktop was also a complex process. “It’s a poured concrete worktop.

"We made a mould in the flat and poured it here. Since we did this, I’ve discovered micro cement which is like a skin made from a cement and resin mix.

"It’s only about 3mm thick once it’s done. It’s amazing stuff and you could fit it over a laminate worktop and it’s easier than pouring concrete.”

While the concrete gives the kitchen area a bold, contemporary feel, the rest of Castle View is an eclectic mix of old and new.

“My mum used to work in an auction house, so there are a few pieces from there. The tapestry in the hallway is one of them.

"It’s really faded and every time mum visits, she paints a little bit of it. It’s a bit like painting by numbers; I hope it’s not an Old Master. The 18th century bench is also ‘borrowed’ from mum.”

Picture: Chris Humphreys

The best find came from a flat that Alexis’s mum rented. “We found this 17th century armchair in the basement and it wasn’t on the inventory.

"It’s a proper piece of history. This chair is Charles II dated between 1650 and 1660. You can date it accurately because of the twists in the carving.

"They both go the same way because at that time they couldn’t do them in different directions. It’s just mind-blowing when you think about the people who must have sat in that chair.

"I thought I’d place it opposite a modernist, Harry Bertoia diamond chair – I like mixing things up.”

Picture: Chris Humphreys

The bedroom is also a quirky mix, but this time due to the layout. A double bed sits beneath a single bed bunk which comes complete with book nook and privacy curtain.

“It’s a real hit with little kids; as soon as they see it, they disappear up the steps. There is also space for a small table and chairs and it’s a great spot to have coffee in the morning while taking in the view of the castle.”

Picture: Chris Humphreys

The smallest room in the house hasn’t been neglected either. “The shower room is very important and I think I have one of the best showers in Edinburgh, certainly according to some of my guests.

"The marble around the sink came out of a bathroom of an old lodge in Prestonpans. The movie The Railway Man was filmed there and it can be seen in the background of one of the scenes.”

Although the attic idea didn’t bear fruit, there’s no denying that Alexis has created a unique holiday experience. And the castle in the garden? Just the icing on the cake.

Picture: Chris Humphreys

To rent Castle View, visit Unique Chic Lets.

Words: Nichola Hunter