click to enlarge

Part of a terrace in the west end of the New Town, Melvin House was built in 1883 by Sidney Mitchell for John Ritchie Findley, founder of "The Scotsman" newspaper. The building is more elaborate externally then many of the houses around it. It has an asymmetrical composition with two bays windows of different designs flanking an ornate carved wooden porch.

Internally it has a fine hallway with a wooden screen and a double height square stairwell. To the rear is a fine room overlooking the Dean Village with original panelling and stained glass. At first floor level, the building has an excellent balconied library with glass fronted original shelving. But the primary room is to the rear and has a magnificent painted ceiling, original panelling and fireplaces. Now a hotel.