Quirky Edinburgh restaurant building could become short-term let

Plans to convert a quirky and enigmatic former Armenian restaurant into a short-term let business in Edinburgh have been submitted to the city council.

The Aghtamar Lake Van Monastery in Exile achieved cult status after it opened in 1979 thanks to its unconventional, secretive owner and bohemian all-night banquets.

The B-listed former police station – a stone's throw from Holyrood Palace and the Scottish Parliament - closed in 2011 and lay empty for more than a decade before it was bought last year.

City of Edinburgh Council is considering proposals which would see the building house six double bedrooms, a hot tub, sauna and a library.

A planning application by McTaggart Ltd describes it as a "historic building close to many tourist attractions," adding it would be "an excellent location for short stays".

It adds the conversion would "safeguard its future".

The red sandstone building, completed in 1896, was designed by city architect Robert Morham – who also designed the ornamental ironwork on Edinburgh's North Bridge and many of the city's Victorian swimming baths.

It fell out of use as a police station in the 1930's and later became a mission hall before the Lake Van Monastery adopted it in 1979.

Stories of candlelit, all-night parties fuelled by traditional Armenian fayre soon spread via word of mouth.

Those wishing to make a reservation were carefully vetted by the elusive owner, known only as Peter, and invited in small groups.

Inside, the walls were decorated with Armenian artwork and soviet propaganda posters, while trinkets and antiques adorned various surfaces.

Diners told how they would enjoy several courses of meat and wine, occasionally intertwined with traditional folk stories and dancing.

When the restaurant abruptly shut in 2011, it did so without warning.

An arched sign in the Armenian alphabet remained over the heavy, wooden door but no-one was seen going in or out.

In 2021, BBC Scotland traced the former cook and owner Peter, who said he closed down the restaurant following a robbery in which the antiques and decorations were stolen.

He said he had become disillusioned after the incident and, as he was approaching his 80s, opted to retire.

The building remained empty until last year, when it appeared on the market for offers over £500,000.

Images from inside show peeling red paint on the walls and bare floors.

The proposed redevelopment includes construction of a glass tunnel between the main building and an outbuilding in the grounds.

The planning application will be considered at a later date.