High above Princes Street, nestled beside Edinburgh Castle, there have probably been dwelling houses for well over 1,000 years. The present buildings, however, only go back to a redevelopment in the 18th century. Since there were no official planning controls in those days, there is a delightful mix of architectural styles, including an octagonal "Goose-pie" house built by Allan Ramsay the poet. There is a beautiful spacious flat, with a panoramic 360 degree view, designed by Sir Patrick Geddes (regarded as the "father" of town planning) which was created to encourage the University professors to return to the "Old Town" of Edinburgh.
The apartments, with their magnificent views over Edinburgh to the river Forth and Fife on the other side of the river, are now privately owned, high priced, luxury dwellings but visitors to Edinburgh Castle will find wandering around on the outside of the complex a rewarding experience. The nearby "Camera Obscura" which was also built by Geddes, offers amazing views of Edinburgh and beyond from the camera which projects its image inside the building.
