One thing that's not in short supply in the heart of Edinburgh's city centre is short-term let apartments.
In recent years, Airbnb's have surged in popularity - and price - in the capital, with eagle-eyed opportunists recognising the potential of making a hefty profit during peak months such as August when hundreds of thousands flock to the Festival Fringe.
With most Airbnb's in the capital being converted flats, there are some that would be perfect for booking during a quieter time of year due to their quirky nature and special features.
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Included in the list is a 1700s converted windmill in Murrayfield, a modern lodge on the outskirts of the capital and even a Harry Potter-themed apartment over-looking the Grassmarket.
If you spend time searching for stunning properties for a short stay in the city, you could be at it for hours. Instead, we have compiled a list of just five of the short-term lets that stand out the most and how much they would cost you on average per night.
Bruntsfield Dovecot Cottage
We'll start by getting perhaps the most known Airbnb in Edinburgh out of the way. The 16th Century Dovecot cottage in the Bruntsfield area is a spectacular one-bedroom converted building.
Originally used to house pigeons and doves, the structures would provide a safe nesting and sleeping spot for the birds. Now, the Airbnb is doing the same for people instead, with a rustic interior squeezed into the stone structure.
Features inside the building include a classic wood-burning stove, spacious walk-in shower and stunning garden and walkway. The property is rated 4.98 out of 5 and has over 500 reviews.
Finding availability is the main issue, however. The next available date to book a stay is currently Saturday, July 1, where the price is £509 due to a two-night minimum stay.
For more information, check out the property here.
Observatory House, Calton Hill
One of the most popular scenic locations in Edinburgh is Calton Hill, offering breathtaking views of the entire city. Recently, one of the landmarks on top of the hill, Observatory House, was converted into an Airbnb.
Despite the building dating back to 1776, you wouldn't know once you step inside. Available on average for around £117 per night, the hosts said on Airbnb: "Located at one of the capital’s best vantage points, the apartment has been renovated inside one of the former observatory houses on Calton Hill.
In addition to a swish new kitchen and cosy curved living room, the master bathroom has huge and private floor to ceiling windows which you can gaze out of while soaking in the very grand bath tub.
Outdoors, there is even a private patio and terrace with furniture that you can enjoy while making the most of the breathtaking views.
For more information you can view the property here.
Countryside lodge, Kirkliston
It's not just the city centre that is home to some of the quirkiest and modern Airbnb's. Looking further out towards the west of Edinburgh, the perfect couple's getaway is located near the airport in Kirkliston.
With a lodge break being popular among young couple's in the Scottish highlands, who knew Edinburgh had just the alternative on its doorstep. Named as the 'Black Studio' the one bedroom apartment has been specially built as a new outhouse on a local estate, and is surrounded by rolling fields.
The property benefits from views of the Pentland Hills via a outdoor private decking. Inside, it includes a huge window that acts as a viewing platform for the fields surrounding the studio.
The property averages around £100 a night. To enquire, click here.
Old windmill tower, Murrayfield
Similar to the Dovecot Cottage in Bruntsfield, this 1700s converted old windmill tower is the perfect getaway in the west end of Edinburgh. With several period features maintained, the tower has also been given a modern twist.
Advertising the property, the host says: "This is a unique, old windmill tower built around 1700 on a hill near a river next to the Modern Art Gallery. Entirely private with electric heating; consisting of an upstairs double bedroom, a downstairs sitting room with french windows to a terrace, a little bathroom with hot shower and a tiny kitchenette with hot water.
"There is a summer house in the garden. Fridge, microwave, toaster and kettle." The historic brick walls have been kept throughout the property and a spacious garden area concludes the ideal retreat to blow the cobwebs away.
The host of this property is currently not taking bookings, so an average price per night is unavailable. For more information, click here.
Harry Potter apartment, West Bow
With Edinburgh having several rumoured links to Harry Potter, it's surely no surprise there is an Airbnb in the city centre dedicated to the magical world of witchcraft and wizardry.
Located on West Bow, the street which has been likened to Diagon Alley, this apartment has one bed but is big enough to sleep four guests. According to the host, the wizard of West Bow once lived on the street in the 1600s, an infamous person who led the town guard and was arrested after accusations of witchcraft.
The host adds: "The Largest room takes inspiration from the grand halls of Hogwarts, with walls covered in antique portrait wall paper, a grand stag chandelier and some luggage that could be from the Hogwarts Express!
"The bedroom takes inspiration from Hagrids Hut as well as the womping willow and forests around Hogwarts. The bed frame is a 4 poster bed made from tree branches with forest wall paper and modern amenities such as a smart TV.
"The bathroom takes inspiration from Gringotts Bank, with a vault style door and a floor made of money! There is a large walk in shower, washbasin and WC."
The next available date to book this property is July 15, with a price of £169 per night. For more information, click here.
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