When we decided to live in Edinburgh for two months, we knew we really wanted to live in a place that felt like home. We were surprised when we arrived at John's flat by how empty it felt (no artwork on the walls or books on the shelves, etc.). In this sense, it feels much more like corporate housing. But the smaller bedroom was previously inhabited by a child and this room is quite cozy. The flat has very tall ceilings and gets incredible natural light. We often watched the sunset from the living room windows. There is a direct view of Arthur's Seat from the kitchen and bathroom windows.

The location of John's flat is absolutely perfect! It is directly across the street from Bruntsfield Links and the Meadows. It is very quiet. And we walked everywhere in the city from our front door, including to the top of Arthur's Seat. Many incredible restaurants, shops and grocery stores are less than a 5-minute walk from the flat, including a Victorian-era swimming pool.

The hidden gem of John's flat is the communal garden. It is a lush paradise with stone walls that can be vaulted, a rope swing hanging from a giant tree and a swing set. My son and I spent some portion of every day in this half-wild garden. We met many neighbors, children and animals (mostly cats and hens), and all of them were incredibly friendly. We hosted many picnics with family and friends and playdates in the garden. It is magical and mysterious, and it is what I will remember most about John's flat and about our time in Edinburgh.