While we’re still being told to ‘stay at home’ at the moment, with the vaccination programme continuing apace and the roadmap out of lockdown starting to become a reality, we can perhaps start to look forward to breaks again with a little more confidence.
First Minister Nicola Sturgeon has indicated that Scotland will be returning to a system of tiers, meaning that even when holiday accommodation reopens we may not be able to leave our council area.
So here’s an idea for a stylish staycation without leaving Edinburgh City Council boundaries – renting a fully-refurbished 15th century tower, complete with parapets and spiral stone stairways.
Liberton Tower is located next to Braid Hills Golf Course and, with an open outlook over fields and Blackford Hill nearby, it’s about as close to the countryside as you can get without leaving the city.
The entrance is accessed via an exterior wooden staircase and leads straight into a Great Hall, complete with oak-beamed ceiling, a log fire, flagstone floors and tapestry wall hangings.
Banquets can be prepared in the kitchen with a vaulted ceiling and original iron grail, while one of the bedrooms contains a kingsize four-poster bed.
The second bedroom contains a ladder to the parapets where you can enjoy views over Edinburgh, Arthur’s Seat and Salisbury Crags.
You can check all the latest Scottish Government restictions here.
**Liberton Tower is currently not available for rent**
1. Liberton Tower
The 15th century tower has been fully refurbished but retains its medieval looks. Photo: www.hostunusual.com
2. The Grand Hall
The Grand Hall contains a table perfect for feasting. Photo: www.hostunusual.com
3. Full of character
Rooms are accessed via steep stone staircases. Photo: www.hostunusual.com
4. Cooking like a king
The kitchen features a vaulted ceiling and an original iron grill. Photo: www.hostunusual.com