The Georgian House (National Trust for Scotland)

At 7 Charlotte Square in Edinburgh’s New Town, The Georgian House is a restored townhouse that shows how a wealthy family lived in the 18th century. Rooms are furnished for the period, with paintings, household objects and a kitchen hearth to explore. Start with the film upstairs for context, then take time to speak with the guides stationed around the house; their stories add detail to the rooms. The house also has a basement area and a gift shop, and works well for visitors interested in Georgian life and architecture.

A townhouse in Charlotte Square

The Georgian House stands at 7 Charlotte Square in Edinburgh’s New Town. Designed by Robert Adam, the townhouse was built in 1796. It gives visitors a close look at the home of a wealthy family at the end of the 18th century and into the early 19th century.

The rooms are arranged with period furniture and household objects, giving a sense of how the house was used. Paintings by Scottish artists hang among the displays. The house also tells the story of the people who worked there, including those whose lives took place below stairs.

Rooms and objects to look for

The kitchen is one of the rooms that brings domestic life into focus, with its hearth and working-home atmosphere. Other objects to look for include tea caddies, a barrel organ and a medicine chest containing items. The basement adds another part of the house to explore.

Upstairs, a film uses the museum’s own exhibits to introduce life in the house. A gallery of portraits adds to the picture of the period, with recordings giving voice to the people represented. Costumes and activities for children are also available.