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Our apartment has just undergone a complete refurbishment, so everything inside is brand new and ready for you to enjoy. In contrast, the building itself dates back to 1790, rich in character and steeped in history.

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From the front of the living room, you'll have a direct view of the Tolbooth, now a vibrant music and arts venue. However, it originally served as a courthouse and jail. Dating back to a similar period as our building, the Tolbooth Jail was notorious for its dire and dehumanizing conditions. By 1840, when the inspectorate of prisons was appointed, the Tolbooth was condemned and earned the grim title of ‘The Worst Prison in Britain.’

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Looking out the rear of the property, you'll see another former jail—the New County Jail, now known as The Old Town Jail. Built to replace the Tolbooth due to its deteriorating conditions, the New Jail was initially celebrated for its progressive design, offering separate cells and daily learning opportunities for inmates, who could even earn a small wage through labor. However, its success led to overcrowding, and the conditions soon declined.

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In 1888, the prison was requisitioned by the War Office and transformed into Military Detention Barracks. During this period, our property served as the residence for a high-ranking military official. After World War II, the jail fell into disrepair until its meticulous restoration in recent years, transforming it into one of Stirling's top-rated visitor attractions.

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Our unique location on St John Street, nestled between these two historic jails, offers views from every window that serve as a poignant reminder of our shared history. Fast forward to the present: after six months of extensive renovations, St John’s Jailhouse reopened in February 2024, and has established itself as a first-class accommodation of choice in Stirling. 
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