| Hermits and Termits | |
|---|---|
 | |
 | |
| Former names | The Coalyard House David Scott's House |
| General information | |
| Status | In use |
| Type | House |
| Architectural style | Scottish vernacular/Georgian |
| Classification | Category B |
| Location | St Leonard's, Edinburgh |
| Address | 64 St Leonard's Street, Edinburgh, EH9 9SW |
| Town or city | Edinburgh |
| Country | Scotland |
| Coordinates | 55°56′31.8″N 3°10′43.43″W / 55.942167°N 3.1787306°W |
| Construction started | 1734 |
| Completed | before 1736 |
| Renovated | 1982–1983 |
| Owner | Private |
| Technical details | |
| Material | Harled rubble |
| Floor count | 4 |
Listed Building – Category B | |
| Official name | St Leonard Street 64, The Coalyard House, Formerly Called Hermits and Termits |
| Designated | 12 December 1974 |
| Reference no. | LB30164 |
Hermits and Termits is a Georgian house in St Leonard's, Edinburgh, Scotland. Named for the lands of St Leonard's Hospital, it was completed around 1734 and restored from 1982 after a period of dereliction.
The name Hermits and Termits most likely derives from the crofts of the nearby St Leonard's Hospital. Although the hospital closed some time after the Reformation, the name continued to be applied to its lands and was given to the current house, constructed for William Clifton around 1734. In the early 19th century, the house was the boyhood home of the artists William Bell Scott and David Scott. In 1826, its lands were sold to the Edinburgh and Dalkeith Railway and it remained in railway use until the closure of the surrounding depot in 1968. In this period, it was known as The Coalyard House. After a period of dereliction and threatened demolition, the house was restored in 1982 by Benjamin Tindall. It is currently a private residence.
The house has been described as an outstanding example of vernacular architecture in Edinburgh.[1] Its harled exterior is distinguished by a gablet and a plaque with the Cliftons' crest. The interior retains much original woodwork and plasterwork. It has been a Category B listed building since 1974.