New Garden Feature: The Edinburgh Window

The Paxton House team are delighted to launch a new garden feature, and it has an incredibly unique history. ‘The Edinburgh Window’ has recently been re-built, 53 years after the building it was once part of was demolished. With intricate features, including cherubs and towering columns, this outstanding piece of masonry really captures your interest.

This window used to be a part of The Life Association of Scotland building, located on Princes Street in Edinburgh. This magnificent building was originally constructed between 1855 and 1858 and was one of this tallest and grandest within the city. It had a large array of extravagant stone detail, especially on its windows. Despite a large amount of opposition by the general public, the building was demolished in 1967.

When the building was destroyed, one of the windows was saved by Ricky Demarco and Alastair Rowan, then principal of the Edinburgh College of Art. It was stored at the College for 25 years or so, and then brought down to Paxton by Alistair when he became chairman of the Trust. The window, in all its separate parts, was stored here for another 25 years or so, and has now been restored to its original glory.

The reconstruction would not have been possible without the expertise, help and support from Michael Richardson and his team of builders, Allan Swan who drew up the architectural plans, and several other local businesses and partners.

The Edinburgh Window is located in the Apple Yard, between the main bridge and caravan park. Grounds passes are just £5 per day or £15 for an annual pass and can be purchased in advance by clicking here.

Coronavirus Update: Information on Paxton House Opening

Paxton House’s grounds and gardens will be reopening to visitors from Monday 29^th June 2020. We have detailed information below on the various Paxton House attractions and facilities. All decisions have been made in accordance with government guidance, keeping the safety of our volunteers, staff and visitors in mind at all times.

Please use the hand sanitiser available on site and abide by  social distancing and hygiene rules at all times.

We will continue to post any further updates to our opening dates and health and safety measures on our website, Facebook and Instagram pages.

Hygiene Safety Measures

We encourage all of our visitors to be courteous to one another, maintaining a 2m distance from other visitors at all times, in accordance with government social distancing guidelines. Please also remember to wash your hands for at least 20 seconds as soon as you return home. Please follow the latest government guidelines regarding maximum group sizes and mixing of households.

You can find the latest Scottish Government guidance on Coronavirus here.