Gladstone's Land

　　Although it may not look remarkable from the outside, Gladstone's Land is in fact one of the best-preserved examples of 17th-century traditional architecture in Edinburgh and a quintessential building of the Old Town, forming a striking contrast with the late 18th-century Georgian House in the New Town. Restored and furnished by the National Trust for Scotland, it is now open to the public as a historic visitor attraction.

　　The owner of Gladstone's Land was Thomas Gledstanes, a wealthy 17th-century merchant who sublet the property to various tenants of different trades. As a result, each of the six rooms in Gladstone's Land has a distinct layout and character. Despite renovation, the interior decorations have been preserved to reflect their appearance around 300 years ago, making this one of the oldest surviving townhouses in Edinburgh’s Old Town. Among the two floors open to visitors, the hall dates back as early as 1550 and was once used as a residence by a merchants' guild. Notably, visitors should pay special attention to the magnificent painted ceiling and the merchant’s counting house at the ground-floor entrance, which dates back to 1620. In the 18th-century Green Room, you can clearly see how technological advances have improved daily life. Each room features detailed information panels for self-guided exploration.

　　Gladstone's Land Reason to visit: One of the finest examples of 17th-century traditional architecture in Edinburgh Continent: Europe【Europe】 Country/Region: United Kingdom [Britain] Province/State: Edinburgh [Edinburgh] City: Edinburgh [Edinburgh]