Prestonfield

'Rich, sumptuous and seductive', this twin-gabled house lies adjacent to Royal Holyrood Park; it was designed in 1687 by Sir William Bruce after he had finished the Palace of Holyrood House. It retains a traditional air, with kilt-wearing staff, fire-warmed sitting rooms and artwork and antiques at every turn. Owned by James Thomson of The Witchery by the Castle, it is 'incredibly peaceful' yet is just minutes from Waverley station and Princes Street. Glamorous interiors of brocade sofas, tapestries, art and curios are set against deep-red and purple colours; one drawing room has Cordovan leather on the walls, another 17th-century tapestries, while the bar contains quirky antler furniture. 'Bedrooms are rich and romantic', with velvets, flowing curtains, darkly patterned wallpapers, beds heaped with cushions – some four-posters require a footstool – rococo mirrors and marble bathrooms. All spoil with robes, books, magazines, hair straighteners and Tunnock’s tea cakes. A candlelit dinner might include pan-fried fillet of stone bass with roasted cauliflower or deer with smoked kidney, truffle mousseline. Breakfast is ‘sheer delight’.