Generations of Care
The human stories that have shaped this house into a home.
This house was never a place only of bricks and mortar. It was always firstly a vessel for memories, a witness to milestones in many lives, and a sanctuary for those who called it home. No. 13 Edinburgh has been fortunate to have been cared for by families who understood its value and its potential.
A vessel for memories: Amity and Cora on the shoulders of my great friend, John.
As current custodians of the house, my family has been here for nearly six decades, raising generations of children and grandchildren. We've approached our stewardship with a deep respect for the house's history while making it work for modern family life. "We never felt like we owned this house," my dad used to say. "We felt like we were borrowing it from the future. Our job was to care for it, to understand it, and to pass it on in better condition than we found it."
This philosophy of custodianship rather than ownership has guided every decision about the house. When updates were needed, they were done thoughtfully, preserving original features while improving functionality. When repairs were required, they were approached as opportunities to understand the house better.
My sole regret is lacking my grandfather's extraordinary gardening skills. (He was, after all, Head Gardener for the War Graves of northern France and Belgium.) I'd love the next owner to restore it as it used to be, where its prime position on the street encouraged passers-by to pause to enjoy it.
The result is a home that feels both timeless and lived-in, where the patina of age adds character rather than detracting from it. It's a house that has grown with its occupants, adapting to their needs while maintaining its essential character.
Family Memories
The garden was always the heart of the house. In the 1970s, we spent countless hours out there, the children playing while we tended to the roses.
This room has seen so many gatherings—birthday parties, Christmas dinners, quiet evenings by the fire.
Generations of care and stewardship have shaped this house into a home.
The Garden
"The garden was always the heart of the house. In the 1970s, we spent countless hours out there, the children playing while we tended to the roses. It's where we learned about patience, about the seasons, about the simple pleasure of watching something grow."
The Living Room
"This room has seen so many gatherings—birthday parties, Christmas dinners, quiet evenings by the fire. The walls seem to hold onto the laughter and conversation. It's where we've celebrated life's big moments and found comfort in the small ones."