Easter Coates House, 32 Palmerston Place, Edinburgh

Easter Coates House: Visiting Hours, Tickets, and Edinburgh Historical Sites Guide

Date: 14/06/2025

Introduction

Easter Coates House, located at 32 Palmerston Place in Edinburgh’s West End, stands as a rare and captivating testament to Scotland’s rich architectural and social history. Dating back to the early 17th century—either 1615 or 1680, depending on historical sources—this laird’s house provides a unique window into Edinburgh’s transformation from rural estates to an urban capital. As one of the oldest surviving domestic buildings predating the Georgian New Town, Easter Coates House showcases the architectural vernacular of its era, with distinctive crow-stepped gables, corbelled turrets, and harled rubble masonry. Its story traces the city’s westward expansion, changing societal dynamics, and enduring importance as a heritage landmark.

While the house is not generally open for interior public tours, its striking exterior and proximity to major Edinburgh landmarks make it a highlight for architecture enthusiasts and cultural travelers. This comprehensive guide covers the history, architectural evolution, visiting information, accessibility, nearby attractions, photography tips, and resources to help you make the most of your visit.

For more detailed historical records and official status, consult Historic Environment Scotland and Scottish Places.

Historical Overview

Origins and Early History

Easter Coates House was constructed in 1615 for John Byres, a prominent Edinburgh merchant and civic leader (Scottish Places – Easter Coates House). The original L-plan laird’s house predates the New Town by over 150 years, serving as the centerpiece of the Coates Estate. Its position just outside the city’s original boundaries reflects the westward movement of affluent families seeking healthier living environments.

Architectural Evolution

The house exemplifies Scottish Renaissance domestic architecture, featuring a two-storey and attic L-plan layout, harled rubble walls, crow-stepped gables, dormer windows, and corbelled turrets (bartizans). Notable features include:

Datestones and Inscriptions: The west elevation displays datestones with the initials of John Byres and Mary Barclay, along with decorative elements such as grotesque faces and armorial shields.
Sundial and Carved Stonework: A historic sundial and reused carved stones enrich the house’s architectural narrative (Stravaiging: East Coates House).
Interior Details: The stairwell with barley twist balusters, Tudor rib vault, and 18th-century panelling reflect the building’s layered history (Canmore: Easter Coates House Record).

In the 19th century, under William Walker’s ownership, architect Robert Brown expanded the house, incorporating salvaged elements from demolished Old Town buildings. Later, Sir Robert Rowand Anderson and George Henderson made further alterations during its adaptation as a choir school for St Mary’s Cathedral.

Cultural and Urban Significance

Easter Coates House is a rare survivor of pre-New Town Edinburgh and an important component of the city’s West End development. Its association with the Dick and Byres families, and later with the Episcopal Church, marks key chapters in Edinburgh’s social and religious history. The building’s integration into the St Mary’s Cathedral precinct and adaptation as a music school highlight its ongoing cultural relevance (St Mary’s Episcopal Cathedral Official Website).

Protected as a Category A listed building, Easter Coates House benefits from strict conservation measures that safeguard its historic fabric (Historic Environment Scotland: Easter Coates House Listing).

Visiting Information

Visiting Hours & Tickets

Easter Coates House is not generally open to the public for interior tours, as it currently functions as part of St Mary’s Music School and contains residential and office spaces. There are no regular ticket sales or specific visiting hours for the house itself (Historic Environment Scotland). However, the exterior can be viewed from the cathedral grounds during St Mary’s Episcopal Cathedral’s opening hours, which are typically from early morning to early evening. Check the Cathedral’s official website for current access times and special event information.

Accessibility

The cathedral grounds are generally accessible, though some paths may have uneven surfaces. Visitors with mobility needs should contact the cathedral in advance to confirm arrangements (Truly Edinburgh).

Directions & Travel Tips

Location: 32 Palmerston Place, Edinburgh, EH12 5AL.
Public Transport: Easily reachable by bus or tram; Haymarket train station is a short walk away.
Parking: Limited on-street parking; public transport is recommended.
Nearby Amenities: Cafés and restaurants such as Teuchters and La Piazza are nearby, along with boutique hotels and guesthouses (UK Travel Planning: Edinburgh Tips).

Special Events & Guided Tours

Easter Coates House does not offer regular public tours, but St Mary’s Episcopal Cathedral occasionally hosts guided tours, concerts, and events—especially during the Edinburgh Festival Fringe—that may include information about the house. Some private architectural tours of Edinburgh’s New Town and West End also feature exterior views of Easter Coates House (Nomadic Matt – Edinburgh Travel Tips).

Nearby Attractions

St Mary’s Episcopal Cathedral: Adjacent to Easter Coates House, featuring Victorian Gothic architecture and regular choral performances.
Scottish National Gallery of Modern Art: A short walk away.
Princes Street and Gardens: Iconic shopping and park space.
Edinburgh New Town: A UNESCO World Heritage Site known for its Georgian squares and terraces.

Photography Tips

The house’s crow-stepped gables, corbelled turrets, and historic stonework make excellent photo subjects. The best vantage points are from within the cathedral close, especially with the spires of St Mary’s Cathedral as a backdrop. Respect privacy and avoid entering restricted or private areas.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q: Can I enter Easter Coates House as a visitor?
A: No, the house is currently used by St Mary’s Music School and is not open for public interior visits.

Q: Are there tours that include Easter Coates House?
A: While there are no tours inside the house, guided tours of St Mary’s Cathedral and private architectural tours may include exterior views and historical information.

Q: What are the visiting hours for Easter Coates House?
A: The house itself has no visiting hours, but the exterior is visible during St Mary’s Cathedral opening hours.

Q: Is Easter Coates House accessible for people with mobility issues?
A: The cathedral grounds are mostly accessible, but some surfaces may be uneven. Contact the cathedral for specific accessibility arrangements.

Q: Is photography allowed?
A: Photography of the exterior from public areas is allowed. Please respect privacy and avoid intrusive photography.

Conclusion

Easter Coates House is a significant architectural and historical landmark, embodying centuries of Scottish heritage through its distinctive design and adaptations. While interior access is restricted, its preserved exterior—featuring crow-stepped gables and rich stonework—offers a compelling glimpse into Edinburgh’s 17th-century past. Its location within the grounds of St Mary’s Episcopal Cathedral, and proximity to the New Town and other major attractions, make it a valuable stop for history and architecture enthusiasts.

For the latest visiting information or special event schedules, consult the St Mary’s Episcopal Cathedral website and Historic Environment Scotland. To explore more of Edinburgh’s heritage, download the Audiala app for curated audio tours and practical visitor tips.

Additional Resources and Further Reading

Visual Recommendations:
Include high-quality images of Easter Coates House’s exterior, crow-stepped gables, turrets, and gardens. Add descriptive alt text such as “Easter Coates House crow-stepped gables in Edinburgh” and an interactive map showing the house and surrounding attractions.