Barony House

Tucked away in Edinburgh’s leafy Southside, Barony House is a 5-star boutique guest house that feels more like a lovingly curated home than a hotel. Owners Paul and Susan—an Aussie couple with a flair for hospitality and design—have transformed this 1887 Victorian villa into a living tribute to the Arts and Crafts movement. Each room is individually styled with hand-painted friezes, William Morris fabrics, and bespoke ceramics, many crafted by Susan herself, a descendant of John Ruskin. The result is a stay that’s as personal as it is luxurious, where every detail tells a story. Mornings at Barony House begin with a breakfast that’s more fine dining than B&B—freshly baked bread, Aussie pancakes, and full Scottish spreads made from scratch using local ingredients. Guests rave about the warm, attentive service and the thoughtful extras: private gardens, artist-designed mugs to take home, and insider tips on exploring Edinburgh’s hidden gems. It’s no wonder Barony House has earned a place in the Good Hotel Guide and a loyal following of returning guests who say it feels like staying with friends—if your friends happened to run one of the best boutique stays in Scotland.