Why I chose to buy a flat in Stockbridge

Buying a home is always a big decision, but buying your first place in which to live on your own feels monumental. Three years ago, I found myself at a bit of a crossroads. I’d just sold my previous home in Edinburgh and moved back in with my parents in West Lothian for a few months. It was a practical move, giving me the space (and breathing room) to figure out where I really wanted to be, and what I was looking for.

I’m Ash, from the business development team at ESPC, and here’s the story of how I found my ideal home in the heart of charming Stockbridge...

1. Weighing up the options

When I started my property search, I had a few areas in mind. The West End had obvious appeal - central, elegant, with plenty of character. Leith was also on my radar, with its creative buzz and vibrant energy, and I’d always liked the look and feel of Hillside - close to the action, but a bit more tucked away. Each neighbourhood had its perks, and I was open-minded about housing types too. A tenement flat with character, something modern and low-maintenance, or even a bit of a fixer-upper... I was willing to consider it all, so long as it felt like the right fit.

2. Falling for Stockbridge

In the end, it was Stockbridge that stole my heart. I’d always loved the area - the independent shops, the laid-back vibe, the buzzing Sunday market. And the food! I don’t think anyone can visit Stockbridge without being won over by its cafés, restaurants, and delis. But I’d always assumed it was a bit out of reach, especially for a solo buyer.

Then I found the flat. It was a one-bedroom in an old tenement building, looking out over Raeburn Street - one of those charming, quintessentially Edinburgh streets that feels like it’s been plucked straight from a storybook. It was a bit of a renovation project, but as soon as I stepped inside, I knew it had potential. It was the kind of place I could really make my own, putting my stamp on every corner. Cosy, full of character, and flooded with light - it just felt right.

3. Making it my own

The renovation process was a labour of love, but incredibly rewarding. I wanted to preserve the flat’s original charm - the high ceilings, the sash-and-case windows - while creating a space that felt calm, fresh, and completely me. And the location? Honestly, it’s hard to beat.

Living in Stockbridge has been even better than I imagined. I can walk to work, which is a total luxury... no buses, no traffic, just a peaceful stroll through some of Edinburgh’s most beautiful streets. And on weekends, I’m spoiled for choice. Whether it’s a morning run around Inverleith Park, a yoga class, or just grabbing a coffee and a croissant and watching the world go by, there’s always something to do.

4. A village in the city

What I really love about Stockbridge is its sense of community. It feels like a little village tucked within the city. Everyone’s friendly, and over time, I’ve even made friends with some of the local shop owners. It’s the kind of place where you can pop out for milk and end up chatting on the street for half an hour. There are dogs everywhere (always a plus), and on Sundays the market draws locals and visitors alike for fresh produce, street food, and handmade treats.

Of course, it’s not all perfect. It can get busy, especially on sunny days when everyone has the same idea to grab a table outside the pub or pick up pastries from their favourite spot. But honestly, I think that’s part of the charm. It’s a neighbourhood people want to spend time in.

5. Home sweet home

My flat may be small, but it’s exactly what I wanted... a quiet retreat right in the heart of it all. I love looking out over Raeburn Street, especially in the early evening when the streetlights start to glow. At New Year, I can see the fireworks over the Castle from my window, which still feels like magic.

It’s cosy, it’s peaceful, and yet I have everything I need right on my doorstep - from fitness classes to fresh flowers, artisan cheese to excellent wine. Stockbridge offers the perfect mix of charm, convenience, and community, and I feel incredibly lucky to call it home.

Buying my first solo flat was a huge step, and not always an easy one, but choosing Stockbridge made all the difference. It’s more than just a place to live. It’s somewhere I feel truly settled, part of something. And for me, that’s what makes a house a home.