Our Homes From Home – Simpson Loan, Lauriston

There’s something very unique about Foster + Partners Quartermile development in Simpson Loan. Their transformation of Edinburgh’s Old Royal Infirmary Hospital into a mixed-use urban community of luxury homes, affordable houses, office, retail and leisure space has been very successful. Two types of home are available here – purpose-built architecturally designed new builds and the original hospital buildings. These old buildings, with countless stories to tell, have been very cleverly and sympathetically transformed into luxury homes and they’re in high demand.

Quartermile is an attractive addition to the Edinburgh skyline.

Simpson Loan

Simpson Loan is a bit of a microcosm in Edinburgh. Prior to it being developed, Scotland’s capital didn’t have anything like this and it’s a testament to Foster + Partners skill and vision that it has been so successful. For Edinburgh, the modern buildings here feel high rise; there’s floor to ceiling glass to make the most of the views. It’s an urban community where you’ll find well-designed places to stay, work, exercise, eat, shop and relax. International guests especially feel at home here because it offers the standards and comforts they’re used to.

You’re well catered for within this development. We find it very hard to walk past Söderberg without going in to buy one of their Swedish buns. Cardamom is our favourite! It can be hard to find a seat in this wonderful bakery, but seeing as their buns are rather addictive, it’s easy to see why.

Having Swedish buns this good on the doorstep is either a good or a bad thing!!

You’ll also find a gym and Tribe Yoga – a good thing if you’ve got addicted to the Soderberg bakery products. There’s also a small supermarket, more restaurants, and a bookshop. So much of your day-to-day living can be done without leaving the development. However, that would be a shame because this is a wonderful part of central Edinburgh.

The Local Area

To the South, there’s The Meadows – Edinburgh’s favourite green gathering place. On a sunny day, The Meadows is filled with hundreds of happy people picnicking and soaking up the sun. In early May people come to marvel at the cherry blossom, sit on a bench and relax. People here chat, run, cycle and play tennis, football and cricket. Families love this place and there’s a great outdoor play area for smaller children. And in recent years during the Festival, circus tents have sprung up here.

Edinburgh’s most famous cherry trees – an Instagram sensation.

To the North of Simpson Loan, you’re spoiled for choice. On Forrest Road, you’ll find Civerino’s who make the best slice pizza and Union of Genius who make the best bowl of soup in town. Just past them, there’s Greyfriar’s Bobby, Scotland’s most famous dog, Greyfriars Kirk, and the world-class National Museum of Scotland. The Elephant House, where JK Rowling wrote much of the first Harry Potter book, is in the neighbourhood too. And just a couple of minutes walk further on, you’ll find the Royal Mile and Edinburgh Castle.

Next door to Simpson Loan is Edinburgh University and in August this is the place to stay as all the main venues – The Pleasance, Gilded Balloon, Underbelly, and Assembly – are based around Bristo Square and George Square.

Simpson Loan is a much sought after place to stay in the Edinburgh Festival.

The Apartment

This apartment is in one of the purpose-built new builds and the main selling point of this home is the staggering floor-to-ceiling view from the windows in the living space. And as there’s a large balcony, you’ll be able to slide the doors open and make the most of looking onto The Meadows.

The views over The Meadows from our apartment are spectacular.

The living space is large, filled with light, and is well designed and stylishly furnished. There are wooden floors and you’ll find lots of comfy seating. There’s a dining table to seat four as well as a modern kitchen.

Lots of comfy seating for you to relax in, in this attractive living space.

Being this central and with so many great places to eat on your doorstep, you might not want to cook. However, if you do want to eat a home-cooked meal in, the kitchen is well-equipped and ideal for self-catering.

You’ll find two lovely bedrooms here, both quiet and with lots of natural light.

The master bedroom has an excellent shower room and there’s a family bathroom with a shower over the bath, too. There’s also an attractive second bedroom.

This fabulous two-bedroom Simpson Loan home offers superb quality modern-living, with views to die for, with most of Edinburgh’s best visitor attractions right on the doorstep. Staying here on a trip to Edinburgh is really a no-brainer! It’s no surprise that it was booked for the Edinburgh Festival as soon as it hit our website.

The stunning views from the large balcony

If you’d like to stay here, this beautiful home is still available for short-term lets, for corporate guests and holidaymakers, in June and July. If you’d like to check availability and prices and request to book, please follow this link.