Doors Open, Day 2

On Sunday, we headed out with some friends to Lauriston Castle, also a part of the Doors Open Edinburgh weekend. The castle is normally open for tours, but on this occasion, the tour included some rooms not typically shown to the public. The tower house was originally built in 1590 and an addition was built on in the 1800s making it the mansion it is today. (A castle, in case you were wondering is not necessarily a royal residence, it is the home of a royal or noble person and is built to withstand attack). Although Lauriston Castle is built in this style, according to our tour guide it was never expected to be attacked.

In any case, it was a beautiful autumn day. Cool, but perfect for roaming around the grounds and touring this remarkable building.

The front of Lauriston Castle

A side part of the building. I'm not sure what rooms are inside, but thought the red was pretty.

Another side

The back of the Castle. I wouldn't mind stepping out on this balcony every morning.

Behind the castle are several gardens and these large croquet lawns.
There were actually people playing croquet later in the day. In the distance is the Firth of Forth.

Another view from the back. The little island in the distance is Crammond Island.
Evidently, during low tide, you can walk across a path to the island
I'm not sure whose estate this is, but thought is was so prettily situated.
Before our tour, we managed to get a group shot. It's a little far away, but we're all there:

The girls (Leah, Me, Rebcecca and Ashli)So, as I mentioned earlier, we took a guided tour of the Castle. Our tour guide was quite knowledgeable and clearly very interested in the history of the house. He could tell us where every piece of furniture was from and why that was so significant. It was pretty interesting. The tour was an hour and I think he felt quite pressed for time as he continually looked at his watch, apologized profusely for being so quick and brief, and repeatedly reminded us that he had to be ready for another tour at 3pm. I didn't find the tour to be particularly brief but would have loved to hear more about the history of the place.

This was Mrs. Reid's bedroom (the wife of the most recent owner). Evidently, at the time, it was the height of luxury that she had a switch to her lights right by her bed (it's very small, but you can see it there to the right of the bed).

This was one of the drawing rooms or parlour rooms. I can't remember which.
I thought the piano was lovely, as was the view from the window and the ceiling
(neither of which you can see in this picture).
The Library. The original library was apparently donated, but what they
have filled the shelves with was pretty amazing.
This was the toilet. How funny is that?
The Riveras.After our tour, we stopped at a local pub and were surprised to find a really large, beautiful beer garden. It was a little chilly, but we still enjoyed some pints and some yummy fish and chips.

All in all, it was a really great way to spend the day. Good sights, good weather, good food, and good company.