{"id":2878,"date":"2024-10-30T19:33:00","date_gmt":"2024-10-30T19:33:00","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/edinburgh1.one\/?p=2878"},"modified":"2025-07-03T11:35:10","modified_gmt":"2025-07-03T10:35:10","slug":"prestonfield-a-luxury-hotel-where-history-comes-alive","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/edinburgh1.one\/en\/eternal\/prestonfield-a-luxury-hotel-where-history-comes-alive-2878","title":{"rendered":"Prestonfield \u2013 A Luxury Hotel Where History Comes Alive"},"content":{"rendered":"\n<p>Prestonfield is more than just a luxurious hotel; it&#8217;s a place where history breathes through every corner.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Edinburgh\u2019s hotels are a crucial part of the local <a href=\"https:\/\/edinburgh1.one\/en\">economy<\/a>, largely because the city has long been a magnet for tourists. This constant influx of visitors ensures a steady demand for places to eat and stay, as you can read more about at <a href=\"https:\/\/edinburgh1.one\/en\">edinburgh1.one<\/a>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>However, many of Edinburgh\u2019s hotels aren\u2019t just places to sleep; they\u2019re attractions in themselves. Their rich histories and opulent interiors are a huge draw, and Prestonfield is a prime example of such an establishment.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<div id=\"ez-toc-container\" class=\"ez-toc-v2_0_74 counter-hierarchy ez-toc-counter ez-toc-custom ez-toc-container-direction\">\n<label for=\"ez-toc-cssicon-toggle-item-6a679cb825a14\" class=\"ez-toc-cssicon-toggle-label\"><span class=\"\"><span class=\"eztoc-hide\" style=\"display:none;\">Toggle<\/span><span class=\"ez-toc-icon-toggle-span\"><svg style=\"fill: #999;color:#999\" xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\" class=\"list-377408\" width=\"20px\" height=\"20px\" viewBox=\"0 0 24 24\" fill=\"none\"><path d=\"M6 6H4v2h2V6zm14 0H8v2h12V6zM4 11h2v2H4v-2zm16 0H8v2h12v-2zM4 16h2v2H4v-2zm16 0H8v2h12v-2z\" fill=\"currentColor\"><\/path><\/svg><svg style=\"fill: #999;color:#999\" class=\"arrow-unsorted-368013\" xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\" width=\"10px\" height=\"10px\" viewBox=\"0 0 24 24\" version=\"1.2\" baseProfile=\"tiny\"><path d=\"M18.2 9.3l-6.2-6.3-6.2 6.3c-.2.2-.3.4-.3.7s.1.5.3.7c.2.2.4.3.7.3h11c.3 0 .5-.1.7-.3.2-.2.3-.5.3-.7s-.1-.5-.3-.7zM5.8 14.7l6.2 6.3 6.2-6.3c.2-.2.3-.5.3-.7s-.1-.5-.3-.7c-.2-.2-.4-.3-.7-.3h-11c-.3 0-.5.1-.7.3-.2.2-.3.5-.3.7s.1.5.3.7z\"\/><\/svg><\/span><\/span><\/label><input type=\"checkbox\"  id=\"ez-toc-cssicon-toggle-item-6a679cb825a14\"  aria-label=\"Toggle\" \/><nav><ul class='ez-toc-list ez-toc-list-level-1 ' ><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-1\" href=\"https:\/\/edinburgh1.one\/en\/eternal\/prestonfield-a-luxury-hotel-where-history-comes-alive-2878\/#A_Grand_Estate_with_a_Storied_Past\" >A Grand Estate with a Storied Past<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-2\" href=\"https:\/\/edinburgh1.one\/en\/eternal\/prestonfield-a-luxury-hotel-where-history-comes-alive-2878\/#Monks_Confiscation_Sales_and_Debts\" >Monks, Confiscation, Sales, and Debts<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-3\" href=\"https:\/\/edinburgh1.one\/en\/eternal\/prestonfield-a-luxury-hotel-where-history-comes-alive-2878\/#An_Influential_Owner\" >An Influential Owner<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-4\" href=\"https:\/\/edinburgh1.one\/en\/eternal\/prestonfield-a-luxury-hotel-where-history-comes-alive-2878\/#Tragedy_Strikes_During_Historic_Events\" >Tragedy Strikes During Historic Events<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-5\" href=\"https:\/\/edinburgh1.one\/en\/eternal\/prestonfield-a-luxury-hotel-where-history-comes-alive-2878\/#The_Luxurious_Outcome_of_a_Grand_Renovation\" >The Luxurious Outcome of a Grand Renovation<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-6\" href=\"https:\/\/edinburgh1.one\/en\/eternal\/prestonfield-a-luxury-hotel-where-history-comes-alive-2878\/#Subsequent_Owners\" >Subsequent Owners<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-7\" href=\"https:\/\/edinburgh1.one\/en\/eternal\/prestonfield-a-luxury-hotel-where-history-comes-alive-2878\/#A_Return_to_Old_Traditions\" >A Return to Old Traditions<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-8\" href=\"https:\/\/edinburgh1.one\/en\/eternal\/prestonfield-a-luxury-hotel-where-history-comes-alive-2878\/#Expanding_and_Updating_the_Estate\" >Expanding and Updating the Estate<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-9\" href=\"https:\/\/edinburgh1.one\/en\/eternal\/prestonfield-a-luxury-hotel-where-history-comes-alive-2878\/#A_Hotel_Welcoming_the_Rich_and_Famous\" >A Hotel Welcoming the Rich and Famous<\/a><\/li><\/ul><\/nav><\/div>\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"A_Grand_Estate_with_a_Storied_Past\"><\/span>A Grand Estate with a Storied Past<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-full\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"640\" height=\"400\" src=\"https:\/\/cdn.edinburgh1.one\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/59\/2025\/07\/image-2.png\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-2885\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.edinburgh1.one\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/59\/2025\/07\/image-2.png 640w, https:\/\/cdn.edinburgh1.one\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/59\/2025\/07\/image-2-300x188.png 300w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 640px) 100vw, 640px\" \/><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p>Stepping into Prestonfield feels like stepping back in time. Every inch of this hotel is steeped in history, and it\u2019s no wonder why. Before it became the luxurious five-star hotel it is today, this estate played a significant role in Scotland\u2019s cultural, political, and social landscape.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Monks_Confiscation_Sales_and_Debts\"><\/span>Monks, Confiscation, Sales, and Debts<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>Intriguingly, the building that would eventually become Prestonfield was originally part of an estate known as Priestfield. In the Middle Ages, it was handed over to the Cistercian monastery at Harehope in Northumberland.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>However, by 1376, after the brutal War of Independence, the monastic lands were confiscated. The new owner was the Earl of Carrick, son of King Robert II. But he found such vast holdings unnecessary, and the estate was soon bought by the wealthy Wardlaw family.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>They weren&#8217;t the final owners, as it later passed into the hands of Walter Chepman.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Overall, Priestfield faced a rather turbulent time in the late Middle Ages. By 1660, the estate was so burdened with debt that it was mortgaged to Sir Robert Murray.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"An_Influential_Owner\"><\/span>An Influential Owner<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-full\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"630\" height=\"465\" src=\"https:\/\/cdn.edinburgh1.one\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/59\/2025\/07\/image-3.png\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-2888\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.edinburgh1.one\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/59\/2025\/07\/image-3.png 630w, https:\/\/cdn.edinburgh1.one\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/59\/2025\/07\/image-3-300x221.png 300w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 630px) 100vw, 630px\" \/><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p>In 1677, Priestfield was sold again, with James Dick becoming its new owner.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Thanks to his high-ranking position in Edinburgh, Dick was able to initiate large-scale projects, including the ambitious task of clearing the city streets of waste.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Crucially, James didn\u2019t forget about his own estate, instructing that all this waste be brought to Priestfield to enrich its soil.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Tragedy_Strikes_During_Historic_Events\"><\/span>Tragedy Strikes During Historic Events<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>Just as life at Priestfield seemed to be improving, tragedy struck. An anti-Catholic student protest led to the estate being almost entirely consumed by fire. In response, Dick commissioned a massive restoration project and, at the same time, decided to completely change its name to Prestonfield.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"The_Luxurious_Outcome_of_a_Grand_Renovation\"><\/span>The Luxurious Outcome of a Grand Renovation<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>The renovations transformed the estate into something truly magnificent, adding a plethora of luxurious details. This included an incredible garden with lush lawns, sculptures, and fountains.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Inside, the d\u00e9cor was enhanced with Italian stucco work, gilded wallpaper, tapestries, and exquisite furnishings.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>James Dick was also a keen collector of art and antiques, which is why Prestonfield still boasts many priceless and beautiful items.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Subsequent_Owners\"><\/span>Subsequent Owners<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>When Dick passed away in 1728, his grandson William Cunyngham inherited the estate. Then, in 1746, his brother Alexander became the owner of Prestonfield, deciding to revert to the Dick surname.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Alexander, a physician, served seven terms as president of The Royal College of Physicians and was also a founding member of The Royal Society of Edinburgh.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"A_Return_to_Old_Traditions\"><\/span>A Return to Old Traditions<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>It was Alexander who actively revived Prestonfield\u2019s tradition of hospitality. He welcomed many esteemed guests to the estate, including writers, artists, and thinkers.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Expanding_and_Updating_the_Estate\"><\/span>Expanding and Updating the Estate<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-full\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"500\" height=\"322\" src=\"https:\/\/cdn.edinburgh1.one\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/59\/2025\/07\/image-4.png\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-2891\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.edinburgh1.one\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/59\/2025\/07\/image-4.png 500w, https:\/\/cdn.edinburgh1.one\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/59\/2025\/07\/image-4-300x193.png 300w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 500px) 100vw, 500px\" \/><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p>Interestingly, Alexander\u2019s heirs were keen on business, particularly the idea of turning the estate into an additional source of income.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Robert Keith Dick thoroughly expanded and rebuilt Prestonfield. It was he who removed the 17th-century staircase to create access to new rooms.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Furthermore, Robert was a passionate horseman, which led him to commission the construction of a lavish stable block.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"A_Hotel_Welcoming_the_Rich_and_Famous\"><\/span>A Hotel Welcoming the Rich and Famous<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-full\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"500\" height=\"347\" src=\"https:\/\/cdn.edinburgh1.one\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/59\/2025\/07\/image-5.png\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-2894\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.edinburgh1.one\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/59\/2025\/07\/image-5.png 500w, https:\/\/cdn.edinburgh1.one\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/59\/2025\/07\/image-5-300x208.png 300w, https:\/\/cdn.edinburgh1.one\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/59\/2025\/07\/image-5-218x150.png 218w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 500px) 100vw, 500px\" \/><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p>Subsequent generations of the family made their mark in military service, and the estate itself was rented out. During this period, there weren&#8217;t sufficient funds for major restoration or construction work.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>It wasn&#8217;t until the 1960s that Prestonfield once again began welcoming guests, solidifying its status as a hotel. Since then, its architecture, antiques, and stunning interior have captivated visitors. Among its famous guests are names like <strong>Margaret Thatcher, Winston Churchill, Catherine Zeta-Jones, Sean Connery, and Elton John.<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-full\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"630\" height=\"465\" src=\"https:\/\/cdn.edinburgh1.one\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/59\/2025\/07\/image-6.png\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-2897\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.edinburgh1.one\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/59\/2025\/07\/image-6.png 630w, https:\/\/cdn.edinburgh1.one\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/59\/2025\/07\/image-6-300x221.png 300w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 630px) 100vw, 630px\" \/><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p>Prestonfield truly is a jewel in Edinburgh\u2019s hospitality crown. Its opulent grounds combined with the incredibly beautiful building create a sense of perfect harmony.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Every visitor who steps through its doors is transported to a wondrous past. The rooms are filled with antiques, unique furniture, paintings, and other exquisite details. So, it&#8217;s safe to say that Prestonfield is a must-visit not just for those who appreciate the highest level of service, but also for any history enthusiast keen to see with their own eyes what they&#8217;ve only read about in books.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>Prestonfield is more than just a luxurious hotel; it&#8217;s a place where history breathes through every corner. Edinburgh\u2019s hotels are a crucial part of the local economy, largely because the city has long been a magnet for tourists. This constant influx of visitors ensures a steady demand for places to eat and stay, as you [&hellip;]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":457,"featured_media":2884,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"_lmt_disableupdate":"","_lmt_disable":"","footnotes":""},"categories":[1164],"tags":[1851,1847,1844,1838,1849,1846,1848,1850,1843,1845,1839,1852,1842,1840,1841],"moimportance":[78,81],"motype":[1158],"moformat":[1376],"class_list":{"0":"post-2878","1":"post","2":"type-post","3":"status-publish","4":"format-standard","5":"has-post-thumbnail","7":"category-business","8":"tag-17th-century-architecture","9":"tag-antique-furniture","10":"tag-cistercian-monastery","11":"tag-edinburgh-attractions","12":"tag-edinburgh-hidden-gems","13":"tag-edinburgh-luxury-hotel","14":"tag-famous-guests-edinburgh","15":"tag-historic-scottish-estates","16":"tag-king-robert-ii","17":"tag-luxury-travel-scotland","18":"tag-prestonfield-house","19":"tag-scottish-heritage","20":"tag-scottish-history","21":"tag-sir-james-dick","22":"tag-unique-hotels","23":"moimportance-golovna-novina","24":"moimportance-retranslyacziya-v-agregatori","25":"motype-eternal","26":"moformat-c-l"},"modified_by":"Yevheniia Shevchenko","_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/edinburgh1.one\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/2878","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/edinburgh1.one\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/edinburgh1.one\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/edinburgh1.one\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/457"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/edinburgh1.one\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=2878"}],"version-history":[{"count":1,"href":"https:\/\/edinburgh1.one\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/2878\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":2900,"href":"https:\/\/edinburgh1.one\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/2878\/revisions\/2900"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/edinburgh1.one\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/2884"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/edinburgh1.one\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=2878"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/edinburgh1.one\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=2878"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/edinburgh1.one\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=2878"},{"taxonomy":"moimportance","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/edinburgh1.one\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/moimportance?post=2878"},{"taxonomy":"motype","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/edinburgh1.one\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/motype?post=2878"},{"taxonomy":"moformat","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/edinburgh1.one\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/moformat?post=2878"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}