Imagine stepping back into Edinburgh’s New Town in the late 1700s. This is the Georgian House. It stands here at No. 7 Charlotte Square. This house embodies the era’s attitudes toward wealth and class.
In the late 18th century, Edinburgh’s New Town was taking shape. Acclaimed Scottish architect James Craig designed the area. The Georgian House became a statement of luxury for those who could afford it.
John Lamont bought the house in 1796. He was the 18th Chief of the Clan Lamont. He purchased it for £1,800. The Lamont family lived here until 1815. Imagine them entertaining guests in the grand rooms. Renowned Scottish artists like Allan Ramsay adorned the walls.
Later, other wealthy families called this place home. Each left their mark on the house. The National Trust for Scotland acquired the property in 1966. They restored it to its former glory. It represents a typical New Town house of the late Georgian period.
Walk through the grand reception rooms. Explore the private family areas. Discover the servants’ quarters in the basement. Knowledgeable guides are in each room. They are ready to answer your questions.
The kitchen is at the rear of the basement. It features items dating back to the Georgian period. There is also a Servants Room. The wine cellar is also interesting.
On the ground floor, the dining room awaits. The table is set as it would have been for dinner around 1810. Portraits line the walls. They showcase the family’s ancestors.
There is a narrow passage between the dining room and the bedroom. It holds a flushing toilet from around 1805. The master bedroom overlooks the rear of the house. The bed dates from 1774. It was originally made for Newliston House.
Upstairs on the first floor, find the Drawing Room and the Parlour. The Drawing Room faces Charlotte Square garden. It shows where the family entertained on a lavish scale. Fine paintings adorn the walls. A neo-classical marble fireplace adds elegance. An 1802 square piano fills the room with music.
The Parlour is where the family gathered daily. Tea caddies sit on the table. Minton and Spode tea services are in the bureau. The walls match the Drawing Room. This connects both rooms when hosting large gatherings.
The second floor offers a short film. It introduces the history of the New Town. It shows the lifestyle of the Lamont family and their servants around 1810. There is an activity room for all ages. Visitors can handle objects from Georgian times. They can also try writing with a feather quill pen.
The Georgian House is more than just a building. It’s a time capsule. It preserves a piece of Edinburgh’s history. It lets us glimpse into the lives of those who lived here centuries ago. Take a moment to appreciate the architecture. Think about the families who walked these floors. Feel the echoes of the past. The Georgian House stands as a testament to a bygone era.