It might be too late for your acceptance to Hogwarts to drop through the letterbox, but no one is ever too old for a little bit of magic. And that’s exactly what you’ll find at this self-catering hideaway on the Upper Bow in the historic heart of Edinburgh. It’s easy to picture Harry Potter himself all grown up and living here in this bewitching apartment. A blend of fairytale and sorcery certainly informed the thinking behind the interior design, says Darren Armstrong of Strong Property, the developer charged with transforming the 19th-century flat.
“The initial brief was to design a luxurious Scottish hideaway that made the most of its location at the foot of Edinburgh Castle,” explains Armstrong. “I remember the day our builders were ripping the plaster off the walls, hoping to reach the original stone beneath. We hit the jackpot – it’s clear we’d found the entrance to Platform 9¾ and our theme,” he smiles. “Now, thanks to a carefully placed sign, you can see what I saw that day mid-renovation.”
That sign isn’t the only clue you’re in a Potter wonderland. There are nods to the wizarding world all over the beautifully accessorised apartment: jellybeans in every flavour, black cats guarding your coats and a portrait of Harry looking down from the display case.
The one-bedroom property is a mere 24 square metres but careful use of space allows for a relaxing stay. Armstrong has got the most out of every nook. The mustard-yellow sofa is slim but comfortable, and there’s space at the window for extra seating. Mirrored panels have been placed on most of the walls, making the rooms feel brighter and bigger.
Denne historien er fra November - December 2020-utgaven av Homes & Interiors Scotland.
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Denne historien er fra November - December 2020-utgaven av Homes & Interiors Scotland.
Start din 7-dagers gratis prøveperiode på Magzter GOLD for å få tilgang til tusenvis av utvalgte premiumhistorier og 9000+ magasiner og aviser.
Allerede abonnent? Logg på
Escape BOATH HOUSE
An inspirational Georgian manor house in the north-east offers sanctuary to artists, poets and the curious of spirit
Escape THE LOOKOUT
Sun-drenched interiors, right on the beach - it's hard to believe this is Scotland
"It still feels like home. Just nicer"
The owners of this house in Edinburgh didn't intend to give it a complete makeover, but once they started they just couldn't stop
A SCOTTISH LOVE STORY
You need passion to persevere through a lengthy restoration project. Thankfully for this rambling old lodge in Highland Perthshire, its new owners were already head over heels
CLEAN AND POLISH
Ten years in the making, this one-time dental surgery in Portobello has been reshaped as an elegant, practical family home
MEET THE MAKER RACHEL MACLELLAN
You might think the process is purely creative, but designing knitted textiles requires a deep understanding of geometry and pattern calculations. It is intricate and often mathematical. I have learned that knitting demands a constant balance between artistry and engineering. Creating a new textile involves not only selecting colours and yarns but also considering the tensile strength, elasticity and drape of the material. That way, I ensure the final product is both aesthetically pleasing and functional. To me, this blend of creativity and technical precision is a fascinating aspect of knitted textile design.
IN THE KITCHEN AT PARTIES
It's all in the details for this slick and multifunctional entertainment space
JUST A HINT OF PINK
This family-orientated Georgian kitchen gets an upgrade in both footprint and finish
BEHIND CLOSED DOORS
Beauty and the best of Scotland on the shores of Loch Ness
LAURA THOMAS
The environmentalist has become a very successful entrepreneur whose products are stocked by Scotland's best hotels
