Historic Properties

Property
Facilities
History
Local Attractions

Liberton Tower with its breathtaking panoramic views of Edinburgh is situated just 2 miles from the city centre.

Liberton Tower is accessed from an outer wooden staircase which occupies the position of the original drawbridge. This leads directly into the Great Hall which is furnished in a lavish style with wall hangings and oak furniture. A roaring log fire and under floor heating create an inviting atmosphere in this spectacular room. On the first floor a descending stone staircase leads to the kitchen which has a vaulted ceiling with an original iron grail. A spacious bathroom is also found on this floor. Ascending from the Great Hall is the impressive master bedroom with a four poster bed. The twin bedroom has two single beds and a ladder provides access to the stone-parapet with splendid views of Edinburgh.

Accessibility
An external wooden staircase provides access to the entrance and internal stone staircases link the 4 floors. A ladder provides access to the roof for views.

Dog Allowed - Yes

Heating
Oil central heating, under floor heating and an open fire

Facilities
All Vivat Trust properties have a TV, DVD player and CD player plus fully equipped kitchens with oven & hob, fridge/freezer, dishwasher, microwave and washing machine. In addition Liberton Tower provides the following facilities.

Tumble dryer
Four poster king size bed
Bath with shower attachment
Cot & highchair available for infant
Garden with outdoor furniture
BBQ (charcoal not included)

Built in the latter part of the fifteenth century, Liberton is an unique property, and has been hailed as 'the most perfect and unspoilt tower within the precincts' of Edinburgh. Liberton contains many features typical of tower houses, including deep walls, slit windows and a listening hole called a 'lairds lug'. At Liberton this is a small hole in the wall between the hall and the north stair.

Liberton was built by the Dalmahoy family in the late fifteenth century and remained in their hands until 1587. A carved panel on the building shows their crest emblems of an arm and a sword. Later Liberton passed into the hands of the Littles, a merchant family and Lords Provost of Edinburgh, who found the tower too inconvenient and consequently abandoned it to erect Liberton House, a short distance away, in the early seventeenth century.

In 1992 the Castles of Scotland Preservation Trust (COSPT) took a 100 year lease of the building and proceeded carefully to conserve, repair and restore the building. Many exciting discoveries were made during the archaeological survey and restoration. The fact that access to the original door was via a drawbridge was unearthed as was the site of a well, along with small aumbries, garderobes, and mural stairs. In 2011 the Vivat Trust took over COSPT in order to carry out essential structural repairs to the roof, planned for completion in early winter.

Location: Off the A701 approach road into Edinburgh

Interesting Towns: Edinburgh, Linlithgow, the Scottish Border towns

Historic Attractions: Edinburgh Castle, Trinity House Maritime Museum, Linlithgow Palace, Edinburgh New Town, Edinburgh Old Town, Forth Road Bridge, Scottish Parliament, The Discovery Dome, St Giles Cathedral, Queensferry, The Palace of Holyroodhouse and The Queen's Gallery. The Edinburgh Pass is a city sightseeing card providing entry to over 30 attractions and ideal for first time visitors to Edinburgh.

Activities: various art galleries in Edinburgh, golf at St. Andrews and Braid Hills Approach, walking on Blackford Hill, Arthur's Seat, the Pentland Hills and along the Water of Leith

Local Events:
April        Beltane Fire Festival
June        Royal Highland Show
August    Edinburgh Book Festival (10^th - 26^th) & Edinburgh Festival (9^th Aug - 1st Sep)
December Edinburgh New Year Street Festival