Our Homes From Home – St Stephen Street, Stockbridge

Our Most Loved Collection was designed for homes like this one on St Stephen Street. Guests LOVE staying here and the thing they mention again and again in their glowing feedback is the amazing library of books. Wise Marcus Tullius Cicero said many moons ago that “A room without books is like a body without a soul.” and in this top-floor home with two bedrooms on St Stephen Street, your soul will be singing, as you’ll find books in almost every room.

St Stephen Street itself is a big draw, too. Edinburgh has changed massively over the years but there’s always been something cool about St Stephen Street. When we first moved here in the late 1980’s, a family of country bumpkins from rural Yorkshire, St Stephen Street felt so different and exciting and it still does. The location is hard to beat, sitting as it does between the Georgian New Town and Stockbridge. Recently, the retail offering has upped its game and around the corner, there’s Aesop, Farrow & Ball and Iolla. On St Stephen Street itself alongside cool vintage clothes stores, you’ll find superb local independent shops like The Method – a lifestyle|therapy boutique where the chat from shopkeeper Dan is to be cherished and the massage probably one of the best you’ll ever have. Bon Tot sells delectable children’s clothes and accessories, Jessica Buckley delights with her colourful range of sophisticated traditional homewares. And for modern Scandi style, Catalog is just the spot. Book lovers aren’t left out either as Golden Hare is here and is one of the city’s best-loved independent bookshops.

The lovely sitting room has two bookshelves brimming with books, sofas to curl up and read on, a piano and a little dining table where you can make the most of the delicious, fresh local produce from the brilliant market, which takes place every Sunday at the end of the street. There’s always a queue of around 20 people at the paella stand!

This is probably our favourite room in the house due to the sheer charm factor. The little single bedroom that sits between the kitchen and main bedroom is the perfect place to get lost in a good book.

The main bedroom is quiet and relaxing with a pretty outlook. It’s very spacious, too.

There are more bookcases in the main bedroom – Cicero would be very pleased!

The table in the kitchen has a lovely view over a pretty garden and the sun shines in here in the morning.

Golden Hare Books – one of Edinburgh’s most loved and charming bookshops. It’s dog-friendly, too and even has a stove lit in the colder months.

Clever Jessica Buckley sells beautifully sophisticated homewares from her pretty shop. This one’s a must-visit.

The entrance to the old Stockbridge Market is one of the prettiest architectural attractions on St Stephen Street.

St Stephen Street is good for food, too. Bell’s Diner has been serving the best burgers in town for many years and recently Lovecrumbs set up shop with their delectable cakes. The Kilted Lobster is award-winning and has a social conscience and The Stockbridge Restaurant is the perfect place for a special occasion. The Antiquary and The Bailie are both great traditional pubs.

Closeby on North West Circus Place, you’ll find cafes like The Pantry and Edinburgh institution Patisserie Florentin. You can also visit Aesop (we love that they have hand cream testers outside their store!) and Dick’s, which sells beautiful and carefully-curated quality clothes and accessories. Closeby are Farrow & Ball and Iolla for great glasses.

Just around the corner is Circus Lane, a must-see on any Instagrammers tour of Edinburgh. It’s the ultimate charming cobbled street and we’re so grateful to all the owners for the care they take with their minute but inspiring garden spaces. They make this street look extra special at any time of year.

To check availability and prices for a stay in this book lovers dream home, please click here