Spylaw House, 25 Spylaw Street, Colinton, Edinburgh

Spylaw House is a building of significant group value, dating to 1773, with a substantial earlier section from around 1650 that formerly served as a mill. The main house is a two-storey structure with a basement and attic, arranged in an approximate L-shaped plan with a former snuff mill attached to the rear. A slightly projecting, three-bay centrepiece with a pedimented front is the focal point of the west elevation, featuring a horse-shoe shaped perron (small porch) with alternating plain and barley-twist iron railings, and a timber panelled front door with a fanlight above, set within a corniced architrave featuring an Adam-style festoon and rosette panel. Recessed bays flank the centrepiece. Attached to the left side of the east (Water of Leith) elevation is the 17th-century mill wing. The house is constructed of coursed sandstone rubble, with random rubble for the 1650 wing. Dressings are of droved and polished ashlar stone, with a band course above the basement and eaves course on the 1773 section. Long and short quoins, raised quoins to the centrepiece, and raised window margins are also present.

The west (principal) elevation showcases the advanced centrepiece, regularly fenestrated with a timber panelled front door and fanlight. A small arched window is positioned within the pediment, accompanied by a blind panel beneath. Decorative wrought-iron balconies are featured on the first floor at the central and right windows. Windowless bays flank the central bay, with a window on the left return having a keyblocked relieving arch. A possibly later recessed bay is located on the outer left side, with windows at all floors.

The north (side) elevation displays a stepped composition. A single bay is centrally located, featuring a door within a keyblocked arch at ground level, alongside windows to the left return. An advanced bay, possibly a later addition, protrudes to the outer right, with a single ground floor window at the centre. The left return has irregular fenestration. The 1650 wing is recessed to the outer left, with a regularly fenestrated facade and a non-traditional glazed door with sidelight.

The east elevation, facing the Water of Leith, belongs to the 1650 wing, displaying a gable with a gable-head stack and regular fenestration on the upper two floors, with a single window off-centre at ground level.

The south (side) elevation also exhibits a stepped design, with the 1773 house advanced to the left and regular fenestration in three bays; blind windows are present on the right return. A recessed bay at an oblique angle features a modern glazed double-leaf door approached by a flight of steps, with a tall staircase window above. The 1650 wing has two bays to the left, with regular fenestration on the upper two floors and a single, later, slate-hung dormer to the outer right.

The building retains 12-pane glazing in timber sash and case windows. Corniced and coped stacks are irregularly placed, topped with yellow clay cans. The roof is covered in graded grey slates.

The interior has been converted into eight flats, and few original interior features remain.