Edinburgh: Scottish Houses, Castles & Interiors

Edinburgh and its surroundings are notable for their splendid legacy of historical houses, castles and palaces, which mirror not only Scotland’s history but also changing architectural styles, fashions and interests in collecting. From a base in Edinburgh, we will take in a range of fascinating properties both in the capital and the countryside, to study the history of the country house in Scotland across several centuries.

Buildings such as the grandiose Hopetoun House reveal the work of some of Scotland’s foremost architects in the 18th century. Meanwhile, in the Borders, we will visit the Scots Baronial mansion Abbotsford – home to Sir Walter Scott – which presents an intriguing fashion in the development of early 19th century antiquarian taste.

Our tour begins with an opportunity to consider the history of the city of Edinburgh from the perspective of the built environment, with a visit to the Castle Esplanade from which we can enjoy views of the New Town from above and learn about the city’s growth and development. Visits in Edinburgh will include Gladstone’s Land, one of the oldest buildings on the Royal Mile, featuring hand-painted interiors; Scottish National Gallery; and the Palace of Holyroodhouse.

Thirlestane Castle is a magnificent 16th century castle in the Scottish Borders, whilst Newhailes House is a Palladian building with exquisite interiors and a fine collection of art. Marchmont House, recipient of the Historic Houses / Sotheby’s Restoration Award in 2018, is a magnificent Palladian mansion with fine interiors and Arts & Crafts adaptations.

Further highlights of the tour will include the famous Stirling Castle and Scone Palace, and a visit to see the exterior of the extraordinary Pineapple Folly, built in 1761 by the Earl of Dunmore as a summerhouse.

We will stay throughout at the elegant three-star Parliament House Hotel, tucked away in a quiet location in the heart of the city centre.

This tour will be led by Sarah Burles, MA and Cosmo Brockway. Sarah studied History of Art at the University of Cambridge prior to gaining a Masters degree at University College London and going on to work in museum and gallery education, including at the Fitzwilliam Museum, Cambridge. An accredited Arts Society lecturer, she has run ACE tours in the UK, France, Italy and the US. Cosmo is a travel and interiors journalist and accomplished tour leader who is well acquainted with many of the finest private homes and estates in England, Scotland and Ireland. He writes for leading publications on interiors, culture and design, including Architectural Digest, The World of Interiors and The Telegraph, and is the author of the award-winning book Glorious Hotels of India (2019).