UK: Apple Apartments boss Billy Cowe has spoken about the company’s flagship property in Edinburgh’s New Waverley development.
The former school building close to the Royal Mile is one of Edinburgh’s last remaining “school board” designs of the late-Victorian era. It will open as a 21-room luxury aparthotel, managed by Apple Apartments, by 2017.
Proposals for the two-storey building include the conversion of the original school rooms into 21 double-height serviced apartments, each with a mezzanine level providing separate sleeping and living areas.
The rooms will overlook a “light-filled glass atrium forming part of a spectacular central galleried hall, which has remained unchanged since the building was first designed in 1901 as an infant school by Edinburgh School Board architect Robert Wilson”.
Apple Apartments’ Billy Cowe said: “We knew straight away that this historic building would be perfect for our next specialist conversion project. As well as sitting alongside the Royal Mile, one of the world’s most iconic streets, it also has a range of striking features both inside and out, which make it genuinely stand out as a unique destination not just in Edinburgh but across the UK.
“There is a huge, growing demand for high-quality serviced apartments in good city-centre locations serving both corporate and leisure markets. The Canongate Venture is set to become a flagship aparthotel across our UK business, offering something a little different,” said Cowe.
The property will feature 24-hour butler service, a customer lounge and a restaurant which will provide room service for guests.
Discussions are ongoing with potential operators for the restaurant.
www.apple-apartments.com</p
