Why I chose to buy a house in Corstorphine

When people talk about putting down roots, I always smile… because for us, our roots have never moved all that far. I’m Corstorphine born and bred, and truth be told, I can’t imagine living anywhere else. From my childhood to raising my own children, this little pocket of Edinburgh has always felt like home.

I’m Leanne, from the marketing team at ESPC, and here’s my experience of buying not one, but a few properties in Corstorphine, before finally finding our dream family home.

1. The diversity of homes in charming Corstorphine.

My husband and I started out here, buying our very first one-bedroom flat tucked into a quiet street. We were young and excited, and although the place was small, it gave us our first real taste of independence. Since then, we’ve moved a few times, all within Corstorphine, and each step along the way has felt like a natural evolution of our lives.

One of the things I really love about the area is its versatility. There’s such a mix of property types… from flats to bungalows to family-sized homes. It means that no matter what stage of life you’re at, there’s something in Corstorphine that will work for you. It certainly worked for us as we navigated our way from first-time buyers to a family of four.

2. Looking further afield (but not that far)

When we were buying our first place (which feels like a lifetime ago now!), we did consider a few other areas. Affordability was definitely a factor, so we looked out towards Livingston and parts of West Lothian where prices were a bit more accessible. But in our hearts, we always hoped we’d find something local - and we got lucky. The flat popped up, we viewed it quickly, and the rest is history.

As our family plans started taking shape, so did our need for a bit more space. That led to a second move - a bargain of a two-bed house, just a few streets away from our flat. It was perfect for our early years as parents, but as our children grew, so did the need for another bedroom (and ideally a bit more breathing room!).

So, we moved again… this time still within a short walk of where we’d both grown up. It was a lovely house in many ways, but if I’m honest, we never quite settled. Sometimes a place just doesn’t feel right, and when the perfect property came on the market just a few streets over, we decided to go for it. Fourth time lucky, as they say!

3. Settling into our forever home

Our current house ticks so many boxes, and we knew it from the moment we walked in. It’s got a lovely open layout, big bright rooms, and a spacious garden that was a dream when the kids were little and is still a treat now that they’re bigger. We’ve also got an open view across the Corstorphine Hill Nature Reserve, which honestly still takes my breath away on a sunny morning.

The property had just enough space for a small extension, and we added a playroom when the kids were younger. That space has since evolved into my home office, a quiet corner of the house that’s ideal for working from home.

One of the biggest draws of this house was the location. It sits within the school catchment area we wanted, and the surrounding green spaces are perfect for family life. The neighbourhood has these great interconnecting paths that weave through little green pockets... it made it so easy (and safe) for our kids to head out to meet friends without us worrying about traffic.

Add to that the great transport links. Buses into the city are quick and frequent, and we’re right by the major road networks, which is ideal since my husband travels a lot for work. It just makes life that little bit easier.

4. Life in Corstorphine today

I sometimes forget how lucky we are to live somewhere that truly has everything you need. Whether it’s a quick run to the supermarket, popping into one of the independent shops, or grabbing a coffee on a Saturday morning… Corstorphine has it all. There are so many clubs and activities for kids, plus more than enough to keep the grown-ups busy too. From gyms to yoga studios, book clubs to social groups, there’s a real sense of community spirit here.

It’s also just a genuinely friendly place. People know each other, say hello in the street, and look out for one another. It’s got that village feel, but with the benefit of being just a stone’s throw from the buzz of the city centre.

5. Looking back (and forward)

When I look back on our journey through the property ladder, it’s not a story of hopping from one city to another - it’s one of staying close to home, making thoughtful moves, and gradually finding the place that fits just right.

We’ve never felt the need to leave Corstorphine, because every chapter of our life so far has found its setting here. And honestly? I don’t see that changing anytime soon.