Old Town rooftop apartment
Overview
Tucked beneath the rooftops in the heart of Edinburgh Old Town, the Old Roof Apartment is a charming top-floor hideaway set within a historic 18th-century building.
Full of character, from parquet floors to wooden shutters, the apartment blends period charm with modern comfort. It’s an ideal base for couples looking to explore the city, with the Royal Mile, museums, cafés and restaurants within walking distance.
The Lemonstays Way
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Character over corporate, always.
Carefully selected, independent first, and always good value.
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Design without the price tag
Independent, design-led and chosen on purpose.
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Independent first
If it’s here, it’s because it feels thoughtful, well run and fairly priced.
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Small collection
We only include stays we would genuinely recommend to friends.
The Owners
Your host Calum is a creative, well-travelled local with a love for design and photography. He enjoys discovering new places, from favourite European capitals like Rome to big cultural hubs such as New York City.
That appreciation for good design and character carries through to the apartment itself. Calum clearly cares about the space and about hosting thoughtfully, creating somewhere comfortable, relaxed and easy to settle into while exploring Edinburgh.
Why we love it
-The location: Right in Edinburgh Old Town with the city’s biggest sights, restaurants and pubs all within walking distance.
-The interiors: Full of character and beautifully done, but still warm and lived-in.
-The thoughtful details: Callum has shelves of fiction, history, cookery, art and photography books, plus a well-stocked kitchen with essentials like olive oil, salt, coffee and teas.
-The rooftop feel: Being tucked under the eaves gives it a cosy, peaceful feel despite being in the centre of the city. In the evenings, we loved settling down in the lounge with an amazing views of the Old College dome.
The Setting
Set within the historic streets of Edinburgh Old Town, the apartment places you right in the middle of the city’s most atmospheric neighbourhood. You're moments from the cobbled lanes of the Royal Mile, with its historic buildings, independent shops and lively pubs. Many of the city’s highlights are within easy walking distance, including Edinburgh Castle, the beautiful Princes Street Gardens and the National Museum of Scotland.
The details that matter
-Central Old Town location, walkable to Edinburgh's famous sites
-Well equipped kitchen
-No lift (5th floor apartment)
Food & Drink
The Old Roof Apartment has a well equipped kitchen, so it’s easy to make coffee or breakfast before heading out for the day.
There's an amazing variety of cafés, bars and restaurants within walking distance. Callum is happy to share recommendations to suit whatever mood you’re in, and you’ll find our favourites in the Our Notes section.
Our Notes (tips)
See the classics: A visit to Edinburgh Castle is a must. For something a bit different (and fun), head to Camera Obscura & World of Illusions.
Lunch spot: Wander over to Stockbridge and grab lunch at the local market, a beautiful neighbourhood to explore with lovely independent shops and cafés.
Dinner nearby: We loved The Outsider, Junk and Ting Thai Caravan - all with great atmosphere and excellent food.
After dinner: Head to The Jazz Bar for cocktails and live jazz.
Good to know: The apartment is on the fifth floor of a traditional building and reached by a spiral staircase (about 100 steps). There’s no lift, typical for historic Edinburgh buildings, but the rooftop views are worth the climb. There’s also no parking, but you won’t need a car as everything is easily walkable or reachable by bus.