If you are fortunate enough to book a stay at this lovely and enchanting Georgian-style home, centrally located for all of Edinburgh's key sights, you will be rewarded with sumptuous surroundings, a real sense of Scottish history, and the delightful hospitality of the amazing Zandra Macpherson.

The accomodations include many treasures from Ms Macpherson's own interesting family history. Her life, which I read about in one of her books, A Strange and Wild Place, is reflected in the lovely furnishings, most from the Macpherson castle. Family portraits, swords, a storybook (and luxurious) half-tester bed, and even the cannons in the foyer, let you know you are in Scotland and give you a real sense of its history and the Scottish sense of fun and love of life.

As for practical matters, there are two "rooms" to rent, but "rooms" is an inadequate word to describe what's in store for you. The "master" accomodation is an enormous room (even by American standards!), with charming and beautiful antiques. There is a window seat with a view to the back garden and a beautiful bathroom, which also has a view to the back garden and which is large, airy and bright. The other "room" consists of a suite, really, with a lovely front-facing room (but it's quite quiet), located on its own hallway, with a private bath, which includes a separate WC. Our children stayed in this room and absolutely loved it.

We will definitely go back; it's a winning combination of hospitality, location and accomodations. I just hope Zandra still will have room for us!

When Gerald of Gerald's Place B&B in New Town, Edinburgh was full up, and recommended Zandra MacPherson's B&B (just a few blocks away), I decided to take his advice and stay with her at 21 India Street. I am so very glad I did as it was a wonderful, comfortable and fascinating experience that I could never have had at a hotel. My private entrance ensuite room was appointed very well, complete with tea/coffee/hot chocolate making materials, and books, including those written by Zandra (she really goes by Sandra). What a life she has had, living for 25 or so years in Castle Glentruim, Scottish Highlands, as the wife of the MacPherson clan chieftain, Euan MacPherson (deceased). Her breakfasts were delicious, and her black Labs, Jazz and Emma, were the sweetest and most affectionate dogs, and loved attention. New Town is the area I like to stay in, as it is only a five-minute walk to Princes Street and I can walk to virtually everywhere else I want to go in Edinburgh. I really can't recommend Sandra's accomodtions any more highly - comfort, elegance, warm Scottish hospitality at its best.

Zandra Macpherson runs a B&B in central Edinburgh that is just outstanding.

My husband, brother, and I stayed there for three nights, and her hospitality was so much more than we ever expected. She was recommended to me by a friend who said "you'll love her dogs, and besides, Zandra is a really neat person."

That was an understatement.

Zandra has a beautiful house, sets a luxurious table, makes scrumptious breakfasts and is located in the absolute best area of Edinburgh for walking excursions - but my favorite part about her is her personal history! She is the widow of a Clan Cheiftain who is larger than life - what an amazing man he was, and their marriage and life together was like a fairy-tale. If you have the chance, check out her book, "A Strange and Wild Place" which will give you a taste of what you're in for when you talk to her.

The conversations we had over drinks in the drawing room will be conversations we'll remember forever. She was a terrific hostess who has a palpable "joie de vivre" despite the many hurdles she's had to face.

Zandra also gave us great recommendations for restaurants and sites to see - we were never disappointed.

You'll especially enjoy the authentic Scottish Pub about a 90-second walk from her front door!!!

The only downside to this B&B is the parking situation - it's best if you don't arrive by car. Another thing to remember is that this is a cash-only establishment, and she understandably charges quite a bit due to her inner-city location - so bring plenty.

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We prefer bed and breakfast places to the corporate anonymity of many hotels, and really struck gold at 21 India Street. Where else could we have been treated to a breakfast-time recital on the clarsach (traditional Scottish harp) by our hostess?

21 India Street is the home of Zandra Macpherson, whose late husband was chief of the Macphersons of Glentruim, the castle used in The Monarch of the Glen TV series. The story of their financial struggles to keep the estate is the subject of just one of Zandra's books, and a fascinating read - particularly when you're surrounded by the family portraits and memorabilia, including 18th century cannons which are still in working order, and a tiny pistol found at Culloden.

Over the years Zandra has turned her hand to many tasks - with great success! - as the family battled to maintain her husband's beloved heritage, and opening her Edinburgh home in the calm and elegant surroundings of the New Town is just the latest chapter in her eventful life. She does it with great warmth and aplomb, making us feel like friends from the moment we arrived.
The two suites were just as shown on the website [--], and came with lots of thoughtful touches, not least the dish of Scottish fudge and shortcake! And the breakfasts were memorable...We were greeted by a feast of fruit juice, porridge and muesli, bowls of yoghurt, raspberries, blueberries, melon and grapefruit, pancakes, muffins and toast - yet our hostess seemed surprised that we didn't want a full Scottish breakfast to follow!

The house is superbly situated for sightseeing, just a few minutes' walk from Princes Street, and in an area well-served with restaurants and bars - including the super-cosy Kay's bar, a local hang-out, just around the corner. The only drawback at present is having to park on street - which, with a maximum of four hours at a time can be a bit of a pain (and quite expensive), but Zandra will be able to offer private parking in the very near future.

What more can we say? It's the sort of place you can recommend without hesitation - and we certainly look forward to returning!