A luxury chapel-style retreat set within the grounds of a beautifully restored Victorian house near Edinburgh
old school house annex
A luxury chapel-style retreat set within the grounds of a beautifully restored Victorian house near Edinburgh
Escape to our cosy and private chapel-style retreat
Nestled within the grounds of the beautifully restored Victorian headmaster's school house in the village of Kirkliston, The Old School House Annex combines historic character, thoughtful design and modern comforts to create a truly special place to stay.
Whether you're exploring Edinburgh, attending a festival, visiting family and friends, or simply seeking a peaceful escape, this luxury get-away offers the best of both worlds. The Annex is a tranquil retreat just minutes from Scotland's capital city.
Explore Our GALLERY
HERITAGE & HISTORY
The Old School House
The Old School House Annex sits within the grounds of The Old School House, a former headmaster’s house built in 1890 alongside the Victorian nursery school under decree of the Earl of Hopetoun. It is situated within the village of Kirkliston. When we acquired the property in 2019, it needed a lot of love. Our aim was to restore it with care and attention to detail, using traditional materials and techniques, and to preserve the character, craftsmanship and spirit of the original Victorian building.
The Annex
The Annex was later created as a self-contained, chapel-style retreat to complement the main house. Its design is a quiet nod to the tradition of Scotland’s great houses and estates, where private chapels would often sit alongside the main residence. Built using natural materials and stone reclaimed from an original outbuilding within the grounds, the Annex has been designed to feel both timeless and settled within its surroundings.
The Finish
Inside, the double-height living space, natural limestone floors, log burner, Scots elm mantle and full height glazed garden elevation create a calm and characterful place to stay. Throughout the Annex, we have chosen materials, artwork and finishes that reflect Scotland’s heritage, craftsmanship and landscape, from Harris Tweed fabrics and Scottish hand-made kitchen and furniture, to original artwork and carefully selected natural finishes.
The Gardens
The gardens are also part of the story. During restoration works in 2021, an ancient stone-lined well was uncovered beneath a large sandstone cap. Archaeological assessment dates it to the 15th century, and it is believed to be one of the historic wells connected to the early settlement of the village of Kirkliston. Today, the well forms a quiet focal point within the grounds, linking the house and gardens to a much older chapter of village history.
The Purpose
The Old School House Annex has been intentionally designed and created to offer more than simply a place to stay. It is a peaceful, comfortable and luxury retreat with a genuine sense of place that is rooted in the history of the house, the village and the wider Scottish landscape.
SOME Things to do Locally
EDINBURGH CASTLE
SOUTH QUEENSFERRY
SOUTH QUEENSFERRY
Discover one of Scotland’s most iconic landmarks at Edinburgh Castle. Perched high above the city on Castle Rock, it offers spectacular views, centuries of history, and world-famous attractions including the Crown Jewels and Stone of Destiny. A must-visit for anyone exploring Edinburgh.
SOUTH QUEENSFERRY
SOUTH QUEENSFERRY
SOUTH QUEENSFERRY
Just minutes from The Old School House Annex, South Queensferry is a picturesque coastal town renowned for its charming cobbled streets, waterfront cafés, independent shops, and stunning views of the iconic Forth Bridges. It's the perfect place for a leisurely stroll, a relaxed lunch by the water, or a boat trip on the Firth of Forth.
forth rail bridge
SOUTH QUEENSFERRY
forth rail bridge
Marvel at one of Scotland’s greatest engineering achievements, the UNESCO-listed Forth Rail Bridge. Spanning the Firth of Forth just minutes from the Annex, this iconic red structure offers spectacular views and is a must-see landmark for visitors exploring the area.
PENTLAND HILLS
Royal Yacht Britannia
forth rail bridge
Escape to the Pentland Hills, a beautiful range of rolling hills and reservoirs just a short drive from the Annex. Popular for walking, cycling and wildlife spotting, the Pentlands offer breathtaking scenery, peaceful trails and some of the finest panoramic views across Edinburgh and central Scotland.
Royal Yacht Britannia
Royal Yacht Britannia
Royal Yacht Britannia
Step aboard the former Royal Yacht Britannia, one of Scotland’s most popular visitor attractions. Permanently berthed in Edinburgh, this floating royal residence offers a fascinating glimpse into the lives of the Royal Family, with beautifully preserved state rooms, decks and exhibitions to explore.
hopetoun house
Royal Yacht Britannia
Royal Yacht Britannia
Often described as Scotland’s finest stately home, Hopetoun House is a magnificent 17th-century estate surrounded by extensive parkland and woodland walks. Located just a few minutes from the Annex, it offers stunning architecture, beautifully maintained grounds and a rich history connected to the local area.
EDINburgh zoo
edinburgh city centre
edinburgh city centre
Home to hundreds of fascinating animals from around the world, Edinburgh Zoo is a fantastic day out for all ages. Set across 82 acres of hillside parkland, it offers memorable wildlife experiences and spectacular views across the city.
edinburgh city centre
edinburgh city centre
edinburgh city centre
From the historic Royal Mile and elegant Georgian streets of the New Town to world-class museums, galleries, restaurants and shops, Edinburgh city centre offers something for everyone. Rich in culture, history and atmosphere, Scotland’s capital is just a short journey from the Annex.
the kelpies
edinburgh city centre
the kelpies
Standing 30 metres high, The Kelpies are Scotland’s largest equine sculptures and one of the country’s most recognisable landmarks. Located at The Helix in Falkirk, these striking monuments celebrate Scotland’s industrial heritage and are surrounded by beautiful parkland, walking routes and visitor attractions.
SOME GOOD THINGS TO KNOW
Bedroom & WC
Bedroom & WC
Bedroom & WC
The Annex features a spacious queen size bedroom with a marble floored en-suite shower room with victorian drop shower and a range of Scottish soaps for your use and enjoyment.
Log Burner
Bedroom & WC
Bedroom & WC
Relax in front of the wood-burning stove, with your first basket of logs provided complimentary for your stay. More logs are available from our log store and as you need (£ contribution).
Coffee
Bedroom & WC
Gardens
Enjoy barista-quality coffee throughout your stay with the Jura bean-to-cup coffee machine, supplied with a full hopper of freshly roasted coffee beans. Perfect for coffee lovers!
Gardens
Gardens
Gardens
You can enjoy access to an enclosed garden with outdoor seating, providing a peaceful spot to relax, unwind and enjoy the surroundings during your stay.
Parking
Gardens
Parking
The Annex benefits from private parking for one car within a secure gated driveway, directly adjacent to the property. Parking in the adjacent nursery building car park is also available.
Dogs
Gardens
Parking
Dogs are not generally allowed, but we might consider a well-behaved dog by special request, particularly if you are on your own and you wish for your dog to accompany you during your stay.
Technology
Technology
Technology
Free Wi-Fi is available throughout the Annex along with a Smart TV with SKY, and a Sonos sound system, all for your comfort and convenience.
Appliances
Technology
Technology
The Annex includes a well equipped kitchen with an oven, hob, microwave, and fridge/freezer along with a washing machine and hot cupboard.
Instructions for all are included in the welcome pack should you need them.
Heating
Technology
Heating
Underfloor heating runs throughout the limestone floored living space and the marble floored bathroom, providing year round comfort. This is automatic, so you just need to put your feet up and relax.
SOME PRACTICALITIES
Arrival Days
Arrival Days
Arrival Days
Our arrival days are Mondays and Fridays. This allows our housekeeping team sufficient time to thoroughly prepare the Annex between stays and ensure everything is ready for you.
Minimum Stay
Arrival Days
Arrival Days
We operate a minimum stay of three nights to enable visitors to fully unwind, settle into the surroundings, and enjoy Edinburgh and the many attractions of the local area at a leisurely pace.
Timings
Arrival Days
Timings
Arrival is from 4:00pm onwards, with departure by 10:00am on the day of checkout. If you require a variation to this, please contact us and ask.
Check availability & Book
Click the button below to view the Annex on Holiday Cottages
Contact Us
Come and enjoy some peace and relaxation
If you have any questions, please don’t hesitate to get in touch with us directly using the button below.
Frequently Asked Questions
Please email us if you cannot find an answer to your question.
Check-in is available from 4:00pm onwards, and we kindly ask guests to depart by 10:00am on the day of checkout.
The Old School House Annex is bookable with Monday and Friday arrivals only, with stays available for 3, 7, 14, 21 or 28 nights.
Yes. The Annex benefits from a dedicated private parking space for one car within the front driveway of the main house, which is within a secure gated courtyard, and is directly adjacent to the property.
The Annex has been designed with accessibility in mind and benefits from level access, a private ground-floor entrance and accommodation arranged across a single level. If you have any specific accessibility requirements, please get in touch prior to booking and we will be happy to discuss the suitability of the property for your needs.
Dogs are not generally permitted at the Old School House Annex. However, we understand that there may be circumstances where having your dog with you is particularly important, and we’re happy to consider one well-behaved dog by prior arrangement. Please just get in touch with us before booking to discuss.
Please also be aware that we have our own friendly and lively working cocker spaniel who lives with us at the Old School House.
Yes. Complimentary guest Wi-Fi is available throughout the Annex.
Yes. A travel cot can be provided on request for guests travelling with a young child. Please note that the Annex features a log burner and access to gardens, so young children should be supervised at all times.
The Annex is located in Kirkliston, approximately 25 minutes from Edinburgh city centre and 10 minutes from Edinburgh Airport by car. There are alternative transport options for getting into Edinburgh too.
There is a regular bus service (X38) that runs from Kirkliston into the city throughout the day, offering a convenient and affordable way to travel. Or the Ingliston Park & Ride (beside the airport) is just a 8-minute drive away, providing frequent tram services directly into the heart of Edinburgh. The tram is excellent.
Yes, you are welcome to do that.
Yes. You are welcome to enjoy the private patio and lawn adjacent to the Annex during your stay.
Yes. We have printed out the manufacturers operational instructions and put them in the welcome pack should you need help operating any of the built in appliances.
Yes. There is a shower mat kept under the sink in the en-suite should you need one.
Yes. We are just next door, so if you need anything, or if there's something you'd like us to sort for you, please just reach out and we will do what we can.
Yes. There is a publicly accessible car park that is free to use directly beside our house, should you feel more comfortable using that. The house was built in 1890 with stone walls and gates. If you find the access or manoeuvring tight, you are welcome to park next door.
Yes. The annex is part of the main house and connected via a locked secure fire door that is bolted top and bottom, making the annex a private and self contained space. The door sits behind a curtain adjacent to the entrance door, so you would not even know it is ther