Liberton Tower stands on a hill top site with stunning views over Edinburgh. Built shortly after 1453, it was originally connected to the Dalmahoys family and a carved panel, on the upper part of the wall on the south side, shows their crest emblem, an arm and sword. Later it passed to a branch of the Forresters of Corstorphine, before it was finally disponed to the Littles, a merchant family and Lords Provost of Edinburgh.
The tower was abandoned as a domestic habitation in the early 1600s. It was used as a farm store, byre and piggery right up until the 1990s, when its owners, the Liberton Trust, granted Castles of Scotland Preservation Trust a lease of one hundred years in order that the structure be restored and brought back into use. The Trustees decided that letting the tower as holiday accommodation would require the least alteration to the original structure.
Liberton Tower was repaired and restored under the supervision of Simpson & Brown, architects, of Edinburgh and the project was completed in April 1998. Scottish Historic Buildings Trust took over the management of the building in 2019, adding this exceptional tower house to their portfolio of historic properties across Scotland.
Painstakingly restored to a high modern standard whilst still preserving the ancient rustic feel of a 15th century castle, the tower can accommodate up to four guests.
The accommodation is placed over three floors with The Great Hall, the main living and dining space with oak beams and a large open fire on the first floor, and the two bedrooms, one with a double four-poster bed and the other with twin single beds, on the upper floor. In addition to the bedrooms, there is kitchen, bathroom, and the parapet walkway, access to which is gained through the twin bedroom. From the parapet, splendid views across Edinburgh are to be seen, with a vista that takes in Edinburgh Castle, the Old Town, Salisbury Crags, Arthur’s Seat and Craigmillar Castle.
Liberton Tower is dog-friendly, and there are public footpaths from the gate which are suitable for walking, running and mountain biking. A golf course and horse riding stables are a short walk from the tower, with further golf courses, leisure centres and a snow sports centre a short drive away. A good selection of shops are within easy reach, and there is ample free parking and nearby public transport.
