Bute House and Georgian House

In front of you stand two of Edinburgh’s most famous houses. At number 6, Bute House, with its elegant façade and fine columns, serves as the official residence of the First Minister of Scotland. Designed by Robert Adam, it was gifted in 1966 by the Marquess of Bute to the National Trust for Scotland, the organisation responsible for preserving and protecting the country’s historic sites. To the left, another building is also listed among the city’s historic monuments: the Georgian House. Restored in 1975, it retains all the features of a typical 18th-century Edinburgh townhouse, built at the time when the New Town was emerging as a prestigious address for the wealthy. Open to the public, it offers a glimpse into the home and lifestyle of the city’s elite of the era, with period furniture, porcelain and paintings reflecting the culture and traditions of the upper class. A true step back into 18th-century bourgeois life awaits if you choose to visit! Both houses form part of Charlotte Square, renowned as one of the most prestigious spots in the capital.