Nestled just a few minutes’ walk from Edinburgh City centre is the little hamlet of Dean Village. Originally the centre of the Water of Leith Mills Dean Village, meaning ‘deep valley’ has been standing in Edinburgh - in one form or another - for a very long time. Records date back to the reign of King David the 1st in the early 1100’s and the rich history and stunning architecture of the village give visitors a glimpse into times past.
The village was once home to 11 mills, working and supporting Edinburgh until the 19th Century. Although the mills are no longer active you can still see remains of them throughout dean village from miller’s stones, carved stone plaques and the architecture of the houses that were once mills.
Perhaps one of the most famous features of the village is St Bernard’s Well. The Well, which was built in 1789 by the celebrated Edinburgh Landscape painter Alexander Nasymth, was constructed on the sight of a natural spring. It is said drinking the water will heal aliments such as arthritis, back ache and even blindness. The best time to visit is an hour or two after a heavy rainfall when you can hear the roar of the water thundering under your feet from the Pentland Hills. The design of the Well draws on inspiration from the Temple of Vesta at Tivoli in Italy and at the centre of the open pillared dome stands the statue of Hygieia, the goddess of Health.
Walking down the cobbled streets of Bells Brea is like venturing in to another world, or at least another time. The whole village is really worth exploring on your own or on one of the guided tours The Dean Village Association organize but a great thing to go is just hang over the edge of the Bells Brea Bridge and take in the atmosphere and watch the water of Leith
The history and architecture give an ethereal feel to the village so keep a wary eye out for Brownies (Scottish fairies) they do like to cause trouble! (They'll be hiding by the water edge!)
If you would like more information about Dean Village or The Old School House where we have an apartment don’t hesitate to be in touch.
