Edinburgh | One Royal Circus

One Royal Circus_Edinburgh_Scotland_United Kingdom

Technically, One Royal Circus falls into the category of “bed and breakfast,” but it’s not like any bed and breakfast I’ve ever stayed in…it’s more like being a guest in the fabulous house of very hip friends.

In 1823, renowned Scottish architect, William Henry Playfair, designed the Royal Circus, an elegant circle of Georgian houses overlooking a private park, in the New Town neighborhood of Edinburgh.  (Playfair also designed the National Monument, Royal Scottish Academy and National Gallery of Scotland.)

Royal Circus_Edinburgh_Scotland

Edinburgh map_mapseeker.co.uk
mapseeker.co.uk

One Royal Circus, the first house on the crescent, was restored by Mike and Susan Gordon. They were able to save many of the home’s original features, including the hand-painted ceilings in the drawing room, while adding their own contemporary mark with Philippe Starck furniture, vintage 1930’s posters, fab Italian lighting, and a pool table in the library. 

One Royal Circus_Edinburgh_Scotland

One Royal Circus_Edinburgh_Scotland

One Royal Circus_Edinburgh_Scotland

One Royal Circus_Edinburgh_Scotland

Mike and Susan have welcomed famous guests like J.K. Rowling and Ewan McGregor…and me.

For four days I got to pretend I actually lived in this ultra-cool house, letting myself into the high-ceilinged hall to the sounds of Mike playing the baby grand upstairs; helping myself to a glass of wine from the bar or a cup of coffee from the kitchen. 

One Royal Circus_Edinburgh_Scotland

I even got to attend a soirée that was held there, as a benefit for the Scottish Chamber Orchestra. The best part was hanging out with the hosts and their close friends after the party – it was so relaxed and fun that I wanted to forego the rest of my trip and move in.

One Royal Circus_Edinburgh_Scotland

One Royal Circus_Edinburgh_Scotland

In Mike’s words, “The house was designed with entertaining in mind – a tradition we attempt to respect and uphold!”

I think that Mr. Playfair would be delighted with the new life that his house has been given!

One Royal Circus_Edinburgh_Scotland

One Royal Circus
Edinburgh
www.oneroyalcircus.com

2 responses to “Edinburgh | One Royal Circus”

  1. admin

    Over the next couple months, I will be posting many recommendations for places to stay, eat, shop, and see in Edinburgh and Glasgow.  If you’ve subscribed, you’ll get each and every post via your email, and you’ll have plenty of time to plan your trip for April!

  2. Nancy MacPherson

    Can you give us more suggestions to see in Scotland? Interesting places to stay, must see’s for first time travelers? Going for a week in April 2014. My husbands family comes from Glasgow and my cousin lives in Edinburgh. Your thoughts?