#house extensions Edinburgh

[edinburghhouseextension]

Edinburgh House Extension

Edinburgh House Extension, an experienced house extension company in Edinburgh, offers tailored solutions for every homeowner. With a reputation for delivering quality results, we enhance homes by adding functional and stylish extensions suited to your needs.

Whether you need loft conversions, kitchen extensions, or garden rooms, our expert team provides exceptional craftsmanship that meets the highest standards. We focus on bringing your vision to life while ensuring long-lasting results.

Services include:

Loft Conversions: Transform underused loft spaces into liveable areas.

Kitchen Extensions: Expand and upgrade your kitchen space.

Garage Conversions: Repurpose garages for additional living or workspace.

Garden Rooms: Custom-built rooms for any purpose in your garden.

Side/Rear Extensions: Enhance your home with bespoke side or rear extensions.

We are proud to be known for our detailed work and reliability across Edinburgh.

For more information or a free quote, contact us: 

Edinburgh House Extension

28 Rutland Square

Edinburgh

EH1 2BW 

Tel: 0131 564 3099 Website: https://www.edinburghhouseextension.com/ Twitter: https://x.com/EdinHouseExtend Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/edinburghhouseextension/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/edinburghhouseextension Pinterest: https://uk.pinterest.com/edinburghhouseextension/ YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@EdinburghHouseExtension

[tpconstructionsblog]

House Extensions Edinburgh: Enhancing Homes in Scotland's Capital

Introduction

Embarking on a journey to transform your house into a dream home? Edinburgh, with its rich history and stunning landscapes, provides an ideal backdrop for enhancing your living space. In this comprehensive guide, we delve into the intricacies of house extensions in Edinburgh, offering insights, tips, and inspiration for your home improvement project.

Why Choose House Extensions in Edinburgh?

Edinburgh, a city known for its architectural marvels, offers a unique canvas for house extensions. Unlock the potential of your property with carefully planned extensions that seamlessly blend with the city's aesthetic.

Historical Harmony

Explore how house extensions in Edinburgh can be designed to complement the historical charm of the city. Discover architectural styles that harmonize with the rich tapestry of Edinburgh's past while bringing modern comfort to your home.

Breathtaking Views

Edinburgh's picturesque landscapes deserve to be part of your living experience. Learn how strategic house extensions can capture and frame the breathtaking views, creating spaces that connect you with nature.

Planning Your House Extension

Before breaking ground, a well-thought-out plan is crucial. Dive into the intricacies of planning your house extension in Edinburgh, ensuring a smooth and successful project.

Local Regulations and Permits

Navigate the regulatory landscape of Edinburgh's local authorities. Understand the permits and regulations governing house extensions to avoid complications during the construction phase.

Budgeting Wisdom

Delve into our budgeting guide, offering practical tips on estimating costs, selecting materials, and avoiding common pitfalls. Uncover the secrets to achieving a luxurious extension without breaking the bank.

Designing Your Dream Space

Your house extension is a blank canvas waiting to be transformed into a masterpiece. Discover design ideas that elevate your living space and reflect your unique style.

Modern Elegance

Explore contemporary design trends that bring a touch of modern elegance to Edinburgh's traditional architecture. From sleek lines to innovative use of space, find inspiration for a truly sophisticated extension.

Cozy Retreats

Create cozy retreats within your extended space, perfect for unwinding after a busy day. Dive into design concepts that emphasize comfort without compromising on style.

Building Your House Extension

With the planning and design in place, it's time to bring your vision to life. Navigate the construction phase with confidence using our expert tips.

Trusted Builders in Edinburgh

Connect with reputable builders in Edinburgh who specialize in house extensions. Discover how to choose the right professionals to ensure a smooth and successful construction process.

Project Management Mastery

Learn the art of project management for your house extension. From timelines to unexpected challenges, our guide empowers you to navigate the construction journey with ease.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Q: Are house extensions in Edinburgh a worthwhile investment?

A: Absolutely! House extensions not only enhance your living space but also add significant value to your property in Edinburgh's competitive real estate market.

Q: How long does it take to complete a house extension in Edinburgh?

A: The timeline varies based on the scope of the project. On average, a house extension in Edinburgh may take anywhere from a few weeks to a few months.

Q: What permits do I need for a house extension in Edinburgh?

A: You typically need planning permission and building warrants from the City of Edinburgh Council. Our guide outlines the necessary permits and regulations to streamline the process.

Q: Can I design a modern extension for my traditional Edinburgh home?

A: Certainly! Modern extensions can beautifully complement traditional architecture. Explore design ideas that seamlessly blend modern elements with Edinburgh's historic charm.

Q: How can I maximize natural light in my house extension?

A: Strategic placement of windows, skylights, and glass doors can maximize natural light. Our design section provides insights into creating bright and airy extensions.

Q: What are the common challenges during the construction phase?

A: Unforeseen challenges can arise, but with proper planning and a reliable builder, you can mitigate issues. Our construction guide offers tips on handling challenges effectively.

Conclusion

Embarking on a house extension journey in Edinburgh is an exciting endeavor. Armed with the right knowledge, you can turn your vision into reality, creating a home that not only meets your needs but exceeds your expectations. Embrace the transformative power of house extensions in Edinburgh, and watch your living space evolve into a masterpiece.

[crimson-revolt]

Glass Exterior in Edinburgh An illustration of a medium-sized, modern, beige, one-story home with glass façade

[lalathemediterraneanmermaid]

Ikemen Prince Real Life Castles

Hi babes! I'm feeling like adding yet another layer of delusion to our already delulu brains, so here’s my take on what IkePrince castles would look like in real life. This way, you can visit them while pretending to be Belle running down the hallways looking for your beloved prince.

Rhodolite

The Rhodolite castle would be grand and ornate, with French Renaissance and Baroque influences. Expect elegant stonework, elaborate gardens with fountains, and decorative elements like balustrades and statues. The interior would feature intricate tapestries, gold accents, and chandeliers, exuding an air of refined nobility and romance.

Some examples could be:

Château de Chambord - France

Palace of Versailles - France

Château de Chantilly - France

Château de Chenonceau - France

Schönbrunn Palace - Austria

Dunrobin Castle - United Kingdom

Lednice na Moravě - Czechia

Château de Ussé - France

Obsidian

The Obsidian castle would have a stern, gothic architecture with imposing towers and stone walls. Think of dark, medieval castles with fortified structures, high walls, and sharp angles. Interiors would be minimalistic and austere, emphasizing function over ornamentation but with a touch of grandeur in public spaces.

Some examples could be:

Hohenzollern Castle - Germany

Edinburgh Castle - Scotland

Moszna Castle - Poland

Burg Eltz - Germany

Garibaldi Castle - Russia

Château du Bousquet - France

Inveraray Castle - United Kingdom

Cologne Cathedral - Germany

Benitoite

The Benitoite castle would be built with Italian Renaissance and Mediterranean styles in mind. Expect warm-toned stone, arches, and decorative columns. Courtyards would be lush, with fountains and intricate tile work. Interiors might have frescoes, marbled halls, and large windows to let in light, creating a grand yet inviting atmosphere.

Some examples could be:

Palazzo Ducale - Italy

Belvedere Palace - Austria

Howard Castle - United Kingdom

Catherine Palace - Russia

Palazzo Pitti - Italy

Miramare Castle - Italy

Swallow’s Nest Castle - Ukraine

The Royal Palace - Spain

Jade

The Jade castle would be charming, integrated with its natural surroundings. Built in a style that’s less imposing and more in harmony with nature, it would be surrounded by gardens and water features. Think of understated beauty, with an emphasis on wooden accents, greenhouses, and large windows overlooking gardens and the forest.

Some examples could be:

Stoke Rochford Hall Leisure Club - United Kingdom

Harlaxton Manor - United Kingdom

Knebworth House - United Kingdom

Castle de Haar - The Netherlands

Château de Villandry - France

Lowenburg Castle - Germany

Brissac Castle - France

Vouzeron Castle - France

Tanzanite

The Tanzanite castle would be exotic and filled with intricate details, such as domed roofs, archways, and extensive mosaics. The castle would feature courtyards with fountains, lush gardens, and reflective pools, creating a tranquil and mystic vibe. Interiors would be lavish, with patterned tile work, vibrant colors, and plush furnishings.

Some examples could be:

La Sagrada Familia - Spain

Alhambra - Spain

Golestan Palace - Iran

Ali Qapu Palace - Iran

Topkapi Palace - Turkey

Alcázar de Sevilla - Spain

Taj Mahal - India

Shrine of Hazrat Ali - Irak

Kogyoku

The Kogyoku castle would have traditional Japanese architecture, with wooden structures, curved tiled roofs, and wide, open spaces for viewing nature. The castle would be surrounded by gardens with koi ponds and sakura trees. Interiors would feature shoji screens, tatami mats, and simple but elegant furnishings.

Some examples could be:

Himeji Castle - Japan

Matsumoto Castle - Japan

Shuri Castle - Japan

Nijo Castle - Japan

Osaka Castle - Japan

Katsuyama Castle - Japan

Nagoya Castle - Japan

Kinkakuji Castle - Japan

Achroite

The Achroite castle would be a blend of Scandinavian minimalism and rugged fortification, built with stone and wood. It would sit atop a hill or near a lake, with a natural and slightly harsh look. The design would be simple, with a focus on functionality and integration with the landscape, including large fireplaces and wood-paneled rooms for warmth.

Some examples could be:

Neuschwanstein Castle - Germany

Château de Ferreries - France

Château de Boismorand - France

Château de Vigny - France

Château d'Haroué - France

Hallgrimskrikja Cathedral - Iceland

Bojnice Castle - Slovakia

Pierrefonds Castle - France

And that’s everything for now! I’m planning to continue this exploration with possible traditional dances, music, customs, fashion, food, and festivities each kingdom might have. What do you think? What would you like to explore next?

See you on the next post my dears!!!!! XOXO

[adventuresofalgy]

People I'd Like to Know: Tumblr Tag Game

Algy was tagged by his friend @edinburgh-by-the-sea in Scotland's beautiful capital city, whom he thanks very kindly for choosing him. Algy wasn't sure whether his friend really wanted to know about his own fluffy bird tastes or those of his assistant, so he has answered for both 😀

Algy's current obsession: finding his way home in time for Christmas 🎄 His assistant's current obsession: maintaining health and finding time and energy to produce exciting new work for Algy's assistants' new collaborative tumblr blog @novelties-and-notions in addition to assisting Algy with his adventures every single day…

Algy is looking forward to: Christmas, Hogmanay (a tumblr party?), and his 13th tumblr birthday on 13th March 2025 (definitely a tumblr party!) Double 13! 🎄🎉🎁 His assistant is looking forward to: all kinds of new adventures in creativity

Last book Algy read: The Oxford Book of English Verse. As many of Algy's followers will know, Algy loves good poetry and has his own Algy-sized collection of volumes of verse. Last books Algy's assistant read (re-read): The Magic Mountain by Thomas Mann, in translation, and Joy in the Morning by P G Wodehouse.

Algy's assistant is sometimes asked for reading recommendations. She spent much time on her own when young, and therefore started reading, and learned to love books, at a precociously early age… there was nothing else to do! Significant influences which persist to this day include, roughly IN THE ORDER ORIGINALLY READ from early childhood: Beatrix Potter and the Winnie the Pooh stories; many classic collections of fairytales (esp. collected by Andrew Lang and the Brothers Grimm) and the works of Hans Christian Anderson; The Wind in the Willows; fairytale/fantasy works by George MacDonald; Peter Pan; the Dr. Dolittle stories by Hugh Lofting; Lewis Carroll; The Cuckoo Clock by Mrs Molesworth; The Secret Garden and The Little Princess by Frances Hodgson Burnett; works by Rudyard Kipling; C S Lewis; J R R Tolkien (first read at the age of 9 but only occasionally since); P G Wodehouse (20th century master of the use of English and of humour – a lifelong indulgence in reading); Charles Dickens (his descriptive powers have rarely if ever been equalled); Arthurian Romances; and all works by Jane Austen, Henry James, Thomas Mann, Kurt Vonnegut, Joseph Heller and – beyond fiction – Ludwig Wittgenstein. And of course Shakespeare, who inevitably has some influence on anyone who has ever studied English, plus many, many other more forgettable writers in various genres.

Although many of the titles above were written as fiction for children, she has continued to re-read those works over the years, as may be evident in Algy's adventures 😀

And for those who have asked for reading recommendations, especially those folk of an older generation who have not yet had the opportunity to read very much – and also for aspiring writers – she would say that if you have not yet read much literature, but wish to, then don't waste precious time on lesser authors but read the very best stuff first 😊

(And anyone who wishes to "be a writer", in no matter what kind of genre or style, is advised to first of all master the use of language – and the best way to do that is by reading past masters extensively. Like any other highly skilled activity, if you want to mess around with it and make it jump through hoops, you have to thoroughly master the basic skill set first.)

Last song Algy listened to: When the red, red robin comes bob, bob, bobbin' along 😀

Last movie Algy watched: Mary Poppins (the original 1964 movie) Algy is fascinated by the incredible animation with live action sequence, and by the remarkable Dick van Dyke, who has just celebrated his 99th birthday! Last movies Algy's assistant watched: W C Fields' International House and the Marx Brothers The Cocoanuts… Why a duck? 🤣

Last TV show: Algy and his assistant NEVER watch televsion, though they do watch movies. They have better things to do with their time than watch TV 😀 Algy's assistant's family didn't have a television until she was about 10 years old, and much of her adult life has been spent without television too.

Sweet/spicy/savory: Not really. 🌰🍏🍉🥦🍓🧀🥕🍚🍅🥛🥒🍞

Favourite colour: Green and yellow and orange 💚🧡💛😀

Last thing we googled: Google Translate – for help with communication with tumblr friends who don't speak English ☺️ And Google Maps to find out where is where, as Algy has followers all over the world. His grasp of geography is fluffy, and his assistant's is not much better!

Relationship status: Algy is of course in a fluffy relationship with his rather incompetent assistant, who is permanently united with her lifelong partner and spouse.

Tagging: Algy understands that he is supposed to tag friends to prompt them to play too, but he suspects that the folk he would most like to know about might feel too shy or unduly pressured to do this. So he invites ALL his friends to play this game, and leaves it up to them. He would love to know more about you 😍

[scotianostra]

On December 18th 1780 the Society of Antiquaries was founded.

The purpose of the Society is set out in the Royal Charter: “…to investigate both antiquities and natural and civil history in general, with the intention that the talents of mankind should be cultivated and that the study of natural and useful sciences should be promoted.

The original members began to donate material to the Society from its inception, and in 1781 it bought a property so that the donations it received could be properly deposited. The Antiquarian Society Hall appears on the Alexander Kincaid A Plan of the City and Suburbs of Edinburgh in 1784, located off the Cowgate and behind Parliament Close off the Royal Mile (then Lawnmarket). After several moves, the Society rented accommodation in the Institution for the Encouragement of the Fine Arts (later the Royal Institution) at the foot of The Mound in 1826 (now the Royal Scottish Academy). A detailed account of the history of the Museum was written by RBK Stevenson, former Keeper of the National Museum of Antiquities of Scotland and President of the Society, in The Scottish Antiquarian Tradition, edited by A S Bell and published to mark the bicentenary of the Society and its Museum in 1981

In 1841 there were over 4,000 visitors, including the Queen and Prince Albert, to the Society Museum to view the thousands of objects collected over the previous 60 years. By 1850 free admission to this collection was attracting 17,000 visitors per year, which led in turn to the accelerated expansion of the collection as donations flowed in, and to the publication of a 150 page catalogue.

In November 1851 the signing of a Deed of Conveyance with the Board of Manufactures on behalf of Parliament made the Society collections National Property in return for fit and proper accommodation at all times, for the preservation and exhibition of the collection, and also for the Society’s meetings, free of all expense to them. By this time the collections were housed in 24 George Street, they then moved back to the mound before sharing The National Portrait Gallery for a time.

In 1861 construction of the Industrial Museum of Scotland began, with Prince Albert laying the foundation stone. In 1866, renamed the Edinburgh Museum of Science and Art, the eastern end and the Grand Gallery were opened by Prince Alfred. In 1888 the building was finished and in 1904 the institution was renamed the Royal Scottish Museum.

There have been many extensions to the building over the years to accommodate the growing collections, the latest was finished in 2011, giving us the splendid new building adjoined to the old one, they also opened up the basement as a shop and cafeteria, the Society still functions today. the museum is one of the most popular tourist attractions in Scotland and in 2019 approximately 2.2 million visitors passed through it’s doors, the way things are going it will be a while before we see anything like these numbers again.

[sunwarmed-ash]

Ah Fuck it, Friday

Alright I made the executive decision that Love bites, but so do I will be getting the Sinful Sunday slot this week! BUT I've also been working on alot of older wips this week. Like Silence isn't golden for example!

Here's a little sneak preview of the next chapter! It's not enough for me to make it a standalone chapter yet but I know this one has a few very dedicated and sweet fans 💚 this is for yall!!! thanks for sticking with it!

TW's: kidnapping/torture mention

Fanom: Harry Potter- Post HBP, Drarry, first person POV, heavy angst fic

Finally, FINALLY we have a lead.  Ron, Hermione, Dobby, and I burst through the doors of the Edinburgh flat without feeling the wrath of any of the spells that hurt Dobby.  “That cannot be a good sign,” I sigh irritability as the four of us split off in the small flat for any clues we can find.  There isn't much, this place has been scrubbed clean, metaphorically and literally with magic. And that’s more suspicious than if they had just left it.  There has to be something else here. Something to help us.  “This is the room I found him in,” Dobby says, pointing to a room I hadn’t initially seen. Once inside, I realize its barely a few cubic meters bigger than the bedroom I grew up in. The only difference is this one has a bathroom.  It's also the only thing in the house that still has remnants of any proof of life.  When they fled, Snape scrubbed any proof of himself from the premises. The same extension did not apply to Draco. All of his things were still here. Clothes, books, empty potion bottles, small trinkets stashed behind the bed for safe keeping. Things Draco treasured enough to keep around and Snape made sure they leave behind.   My hatred for Snape grew stronger the longer I looked over the room. It didn't take a master aurour to piece together some of the atrocities that went on in this room based solely on the state of things. If I wasn’t so desperate to preserve the scene in efforts to find Draco faster, I would have blown the room apart.  

Azkaban

Snape slinks through the prison easily and without attracting any attention. It’s a true testament to how snake-like the slytherin truly is. Moving silently and efficiency through the shadows had started as a defence against school bullies but now serves him in the real world, hiding from forces much, much stronger.  “Lucius?” The hollowed out shell of a man blinks up from his cell, his pale, empty eyes growing wide when he sees the other man’s face.  “Severus!” “Silence!” Snape bites, because his invisibility only extends so far. If Lucius screams his attendance it doesn't matter how fast he moved past the guards.  “Yes, sorry, sorry my friend, it's just- so good to see you! You don’t know what it's like here.” “I've been working on your case,” Snape maneuvers past pleasantries onto the task at hand. “Crafting alibis. It hasn't been easy.” “And my son, how, how is he?” Lucius asks, face obviously fighting to will down tears that wish to spill.  Severus doesn't blink when he lies.   “He’s dead.” “W-What?” “Slain, by Harry Potter. I tried to keep Draco hidden. But you know him, his disobedience has never been able to be reigned. He snuck out, and was executed.” “Draco- Draco is-”  Snape grabs Lucius’ hand through the bars.  “Yes, but you are not, Lucius. We don’t have time to grieve, every minute we wait, is another day closer to your execution.” “You're right, you're right,” Lucius sniffles, squeezing Snape’s hand before breaking away to wipe away his tears. “Thank you my friend, I don't know where I’d be without you.”

Edinburgh flat

I'm still not sure what pulls me in the direction of this evidence, whether it's my intuition or something magical but im both infinitely grateful and horrified to have followed this instinct to fruition.  The notebook I found was buried under a magical spell ive never seen before. Thankfully, brilliant Hermione has, and after a moment, the chest is unlocking, revealing a single book. Theres no outside descriptors, and the magic glamour on it is making it look older than it is. Another disguise to shroud its contents.  The bad feeling grows stronger as I leaf through the parchment pages.  - I’m barely through week two of Draco’s retellings of his torturous days in Snape’s care before my guts are spilling all over the floor of the flat.  “Oy! Gross Harry!” Ron scolds, which is fair, I nearly hit him with it.  “Are you alright?” Hermione asks, rushing to my side.  I drop the book and shake my head. I can't look at it any more. I know I need to. To help find Draco. But I can’t right now.  “What is that?” Ron asks and I can't make my mouth move.  He moves to pick up the book and I snap. “DON’T FUCKING TOUCH THAT!” Ron’s hands go up in reflexive surrender, “Whoa! Hell Harry! Okay!” “Harry,” Hermione asks again, her own fear and concern growing stronger, “what is it?” I close my eyes and exhale.  “It's so much worse than we thought…”

See you sunday! 😘

[aimeedaisies]

The Princess Royal’s Official Engagements in December 2024

03/12 With Sir Tim Attended a state banquet at Buckingham Palace for the Emir of Qatar Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani. 🇶🇦🍽️👑

04/12 On behalf of The King, held an Investiture at Windsor Castle. 🎖️

05/12 As Royal Patron of the National Coastwatch Institution, visited Shoreham Station followed by a Reception at Shoreham Sailing Club in Shoreham-by-Sea. 🧭

Visited Rolls-Royce Motor Cars Limited’s manufacturing facility in Westhampnett. 🚗🇬🇧

Opened the Bagging Shed Project at Amberley Museum and Heritage Centre. 🚎

06/12 Visited Crane Process Flow Technologies Limited’s new building in Cwmbran. 🏗️

Opened the new engineering extension at Safran Seats GB, Kestrel House in Cwmbran. 💺

As Patron of the British Association of Plastic, Reconstructive and Aesthetic Surgeons, attended the Annual Congress at the International Convention Centre Wales in Newport. 🧑‍⚕️

11/12 As Patron of Shaftesbury, visited Netteswell Rectory in Harlow. 🏡

Visited Brightlingsea Museum. 🏛️

As Colonel-in-Chief of the Intelligence Corps, visited 1 Military Intelligence Battalion at Merville Barracks in Colchester. 🫡

As President of Racing Welfare, attended a Carol Concert at Tattersalls in Newmarket. 🎶🎄

As President of Racing Welfare, attended a Dinner at the Jockey Club Rooms in Newmarket. 🍽️

12/12 Visited the Quadram Institute’s Science, Food and Health Research Facility in Norwich. 🧬🍎🩺

As President of Racing Welfare, attended a Beneficiaries Christmas Luncheon at Newmarket Racecourse. 🎄🥪

The King and Queen Gave a Reception at Windsor Castle for recently retired and appointed Lords Lieutenant alongside the King and Queen, the Duchess of Edinburgh and the Duke and Duchess of Gloucester. 🥂

13/12 As Colonel-in-Chief of The Royal Logistic Corps, visited 29 Regiment at the Duke of Gloucester Barracks in South Cerney. 🫡

17/12 As Colonel-in-Chief of the Intelligence Corps, visited the Joint Cyber and Electromagnetic Activities Group Headquarters and Joint Service Signal Unit Digby at RAF Digby in Lincolnshire. ⚡️🫡

18/12 On behalf of The King, held an Investiture at Buckingham Palace. 🎖️

Attended the London International Horse Show at ExCel London. 🐎🏆

18/12 unofficial With Sir Tim Attended the annual Christmas lunch at Buckingham Palace 🎄🍽️

25/12 unofficial With Sir Tim Attended the Christmas morning service at St Mary Magdalene Church ⛪️🎄

29/12 unofficial With Sir Tim Attended the Sunday morning service at St Mary Magdalene Church ⛪️

Total official engagements for Anne in December: 23

✨ 2024 total: 437 ✨

Total official engagements accompanied/represented by Tim in December: 1

✨ 2024 total: 95 ✨

FYI - due to certain royal family members being off ill/in recovery I haven't been posting everyone's engagement counts out of respect, I have continued to count them and I have released the totals since it is now end of the year.

[rationalistarchitecture]

Neil Middleton Architects

Cluny Gardens House Extension, Edinburgh, 2023

The existing house had a small extension to the rear but due to the significant change in level there was no connection between the garden and the interior space.

The main idea for the project was to drop the dining/living space down towards a new external terrace. This created a direct and meaningful connection between the garden and an enlarged family living space.

Upstairs a new family bathroom and a generous additional double bedroom replace a small single bedroom.

Externally, the extension is in white roughcast render, with a textured finish - this creates a distinct but related character to the existing house.  The brick basecourse aligns with the ground floor level of the existing building providing a hint of the level change internally. The roof is pitched to tie in with the geometry of the existing building whilst avoiding the existing rooflights.

Photography by Tom Manley

[liminalmemories21]

Happy nice ask week! What's your favorite museum you've visited? Or top five if you can't pick.

Oh we are definitely doing a top 5 here, no way I could pick just one.  And, I am not counting anything that might be considered a site vs a museum (so, none of the Gaudi houses, or the Alcazar in Sevilla, or the Newport Mansions, and definitely no religious sites or castles).

1 - The Musee d'Orsay in Paris, because not only is it dedicated to a period of art I particularly like, but also the museum itself is gorgeous - they reimagined the old Gare d'Orsay and turned the train station into a museum.

2 - The Royal Scottish Academy in Edinburgh - partly because I did my Junior Year Abroad in Edinburgh and the museum was near the Divinity School library and I used to like to stop by in between classes and research and just pick a painting to look at for 15-20 minutes and destress.  But, also because it has one of my favorite deeply random paintings - Portrait of a Young Woman as St. Agatha with her breasts just hanging out on a plate (because St Agatha's martrydom involved having her breasts cut off, so they became her symbol) and sometimes the Renaissance was just weird.

3 - The Bata Shoe Museum in Toronto.  It is fairly small, and has a very niche subject matter.  But, the museum is in the shape of a shoe box (form meets function!).  And, as an example of stellar exhibit design it's hard to beat.  Also - shoes!

4 - The V&A in London, both because the collection is amazing, but also because they are always doing interesting exhibits on the history of fashion and textile.  Also, if you go, be sure to stay for lunch in the cafe - the food's pretty good, but you're really there for the architecture.

5 - The Isabella Stewart Gardner in Boston - look I get why they put an extension on the museum, and moved the entrance, but I'm not going to stop being bitter about it any time soon. You used to come in this dark corridor and then you'd suddenly emerge into the courtyard and it was spectacular.  TK's opinion on the ISG in Knave2 is very much my love affair with the ISG.

thank you for the ask!

[stephensmithuk]

The Red-Headed League

This is the second published short story, after "A Scandal in Bohemia"

A massive slam on tradesmen from out of nowhere!

Arthur Conan Doyle was himself an on-and-off Freemason, but only got as far as the third degree. Being involved in the movement seems to have been common in middle and high society, with no less than the Prince of Wales (later Edward VII) as Grand Master at the time of publication. The current Grand Master is Prince Edward, Duke of Kent, first cousin once removed to the King and 40th in line to the throne.

Fleet Street is a London street that was - and still is - synonymous with the newspaper industry, although they have all gone from the area now. It's also associated with Sweeney Todd.

With around 4.2 million people living within the then-boundaries of London at the time, there would have been quite a few redheaded men.

Snuff is snorting tobacco. It was used in the House of Commons as smoking has been banned in there since 1693 (the place was dimly lit enough until the TV cameras went in without cigarette smoke making it worse!) and the boxes for it remain, but it is little used now. However, you can still buy it without paying tobacco taxes.

A gold sovereign was a gold coin with a nominal value of £1; today, partly because the gold content, it is worth far more than that. The Royal Mint still make them and are now selling Charles III ones. It was common for gentlemen to have one on a watch-chain; Jabez Wilson has a Chinese equivalent instead.

The Encyclopedia Brittanica at this point was 25 volumes long.

Aldersgate Underground station is now called Barbican and is on the Hammersmith & City, Circle and Metropolitan Lines, also being an "open-air" station. It contains some disused tracks that were used by Thameslink services until 2009, when the branch line from Farringdon to Moorgate was shut due to platform extensions at the former severing the line.

A good part of the Aldersgate area was destroyed in the Second World War, resulting in the construction of the Barbican Estate and associated arts centre. The brutalist construction of both has resulted in it becoming a popular location for filmmakers; it has recently played Coruscant in Andor.

St. James's Hall was a concert hall in Regent Street; it was the principal venue for concerts in the city at the time until the 1900s, when it was supplanted by Queen's Hall, closed, and demolished.

Royal Dukes trump regular Dukes; the titles are given to members of the royal family, generally either when they turn 21 or when they marry. The title enables the hold to call themselves a Prince if not already one. Historically they were hereditary but ceased being royal once passing beyond the grandsons of a monarch, so the Duke of Kent's son, George Windsor, will not be a prince once he inherits the dukedom. The recent fourth creation of Duke of Edinburgh for the other Prince Edward is lifetime only though.

Napoleons were French gold coins with a nominal value of 20 francs. While the nickname comes from Bonaparte, they were minted under successor governments (the Third Republic by this time) until 1914 and remain collector's items.

[rockislandadultreads]

Read-Alike Friday: The Poisoner’s Ring by Kelley Armstrong 

A Murder in Time by Julie McElwain

Beautiful and brilliant, Kendra Donovan is a rising star at the FBI. Yet her path to professional success hits a speed bump during a disastrous raid where half her team is murdered, a mole in the FBI is uncovered and she herself is severely wounded. As soon as she recovers, she goes rogue and travels to England to assassinate the man responsible for the deaths of her teammates.

While fleeing from an unexpected assassin herself, Kendra escapes into a stairwell that promises sanctuary but when she stumbles out again, she is in the same place - Aldrich Castle - but in a different time: 1815, to be exact.

Mistaken for a lady's maid hired to help with weekend guests, Kendra is forced to quickly adapt to the time period until she can figure out how she got there; and, more importantly, how to get back home. However, after the body of a girl is found on the extensive grounds of the county estate, she starts to feel there's some purpose to her bizarre circumstances. Stripped of her twenty-first century tools, Kendra must use her wits alone in order to unmask a cunning madman.

This is the first volume in the “Kendra Donovan” series.

The Strings of Murder by Oscar de Muriel

1888: a violinist is brutally murdered in his Edinburgh home. Fearing a national panic over a copycat Jack the Ripper, Scotland Yard send Inspector Ian Frey. Frey reports to Detective "Nine-Nails" McGray, local legend and exact opposite of the foppish English Inspector. McGray’s tragic past has driven him to superstition, but even Frey must admit that this case seems beyond belief...

There was no way in or out of the locked music studio. And there are black magic symbols on the floor. The dead man’s maid swears there were three musicians playing before the murder. And the suspects all talk of a cursed violin once played by the Devil himself. Inspector Frey has always been a man of reason—but the longer this investigation goes on, the more his grasp on reason seems to be slipping...

This is the first volume in the “Frey & McGray” series.

The Map of Time by Félix J. Palma

This rollicking page-turner with a cast of real and imagined literary characters and cunning intertwined plots stars a skeptical H.G. Wells as a time-traveling investigator.

Characters real and imaginary come vividly to life in this whimsical triple play of intertwined plots, in which a skeptical H. G. Wells is called upon to investigate purported incidents of time travel and to save lives and literary classics, including Dracula and The Time Machine, from being wiped from existence.

What happens if we change history?

This is the first volume in the “Trilogía Victoriana” series.

The House on Vesper Sands by Paraic O’Donnell

London, 1893: high up in a house on a dark, snowy night, a lone seamstress stands by a window. So begins the swirling, serpentine world of Paraic O’Donnell’s Victorian-inspired mystery, the story of a city cloaked in shadow, but burning with questions: why does the seamstress jump from the window? Why is a cryptic message stitched into her skin? And how is she connected to a rash of missing girls, all of whom seem to have disappeared under similar circumstances?

On the case is Inspector Cutter, a detective as sharp and committed to his work as he is wryly hilarious. Gideon Bliss, a Cambridge dropout in love with one of the missing girls, stumbles into a role as Cutter’s sidekick. And clever young journalist Octavia Hillingdon sees the case as a chance to tell a story that matters—despite her employer’s preference that she stick to a women’s society column. As Inspector Cutter peels back the mystery layer by layer, he leads them all, at last, to the secrets that lie hidden at the house on Vesper Sands.

[pers-books]

HAMPSTEAD DOWNSTAIRS / CELIA ATKIN PRESENT OCTOPOLIS BY MAREK HORN DIRECTED BY ED MADDEN 15 SEP - 28 OCT 2023 "There were three people in my marriage, Dr Giscard… Three people and twelve legs." Professor George Grey is a brilliant behavioural biologist who, alongside her recently deceased husband, became world-renowned for her pioneering research into octopus intelligence. Mainly the intelligence of one particular octopus, in fact: Frances, who still resides in a large, purpose-built tank in George’s campus accommodation. Into this house of grief walks Harry, an ambitious anthropologist, despatched by the university with permission to test his breath-taking new theory on Frances. The nature of his assignment is shocking to George, and threatens to tear her world apart in more ways than one. Marek Horn’s plays include Wild Swimming (Edinburgh Fringe and Bristol Old Vic) and Yellowfin (Southwark Playhouse). Octopolis is directed by Ed Madden and is his second collaboration with Marek. Ed’s credits include Yellowfin (Southwark Playhouse), A Table Tennis Play (Edinburgh Fringe) and the original production of Lemons Lemons Lemons Lemons Lemons. Ewan Miller plays Harry. Ewan made his London stage debut in 2022 in Much Ado About Nothing (National Theatre) and other theatre credits include The Comedy of Errors and A Christmas Carol (Citizens Theatre). Recent screen credits include ITV's Crime. Jemma Redgrave plays Professor George Gray. Previous theatre credits include Farewell To The Theatre (Hampstead Theatre); Mood Music (Old Vic); An Ideal Husband and The Cherry Orchard (Chichester Festival Theatre). Her extensive TV credits include Silent Witness; Grantchester; Holby City; Doctor Who and her film credits include Howard’s End and Love and Friendship.

*brb screaming*

Jemma's gonna be on stage again and I cannot go!!! *cries*

Also, shades of Blue Murder, was it, with the bloody shark in a tank?

[scotianostra]

Happy 92nd Birthday veteran Scottish actress Phyllida Law, born on May *8th 1932 in Glasgow.

Wiki has 8th July on the first line of their page on Phyllida, but on the side panel has May 8th, so who knows!?

There is very little about her early life except she was born in Glasgow, the daughter of Megsie “Meg” and William Law, a journalist. She said once of he Glasgow upbringing “When you grow up in Glasgow with a Glaswegian granny, you’re taught that pride is a wicked thing. I still feel a bit like that.“ Phyllida grew up in Glasgow’s west end, just off Great Western Road, but war broke out when she was just seven and she found herself evacuated to places such as Lenzie, in Dunbartonshire, and Skelmorlie, Ayrshire.

That gave her a love for the Scots countryside which means she now splits her life between her home in London and a family cottage in Argyll. Phyllida would fit in well with the Scottish & Proud ethos, in an interview she says:

“I’m passionate about my Scots heritage. How could I not be? I can’t live without it. There’s no way I could live without those hills and it’s got to be the west coast. “I sometimes travel to Edinburgh then go up to Pittenweem or somewhere and I think to myself, ‘This isn’t Scotland.’ It’s a wonderful coastline but it’s not Scotland for me.

“When my parents lived in Glasgow they were always looking for a cottage to which they could retire. They found one in Ardentinney, so I visit that a lot.

She joined the Bristol Old Vic in 1952, from what I can gather she was first in the wardrobe department, the first pic shows her standing, from a 1952 photo. Heron screen acting credits start in 1958 and are very extensive, the pick of them are Dixon of Dock Green and a stint as the storyteller in the great children’s show Jackanory in the 60’s. It must have been during her time in the BBC’s children’s TV department she met her husband to be The Magic Roundabout narrator Eric Thompson, She has previously stated that the character of Ermintrude the cow was modelled on her.

Angels in the 70’s and of course Taggart in the 80’s as well Thomson, the variety series hosted by actress Emma Thompson in 1988, Emma just happens to be her daughter. Heartbeat, Hamish Macbeth and Dangerfield in the 90’s, Waking the dead and Doctors in the noughties has kept her busy, now in her 86th year she has still been appearing on the small screen, in The Other Wife and New Tricks during the past 8 years. Film roles include She is known for her work on Much Ado About Nothing , The Time Machine and The Winter Guest.

Phyllida spends most of her time in Argyll in a house she shares with her daughter Emma. who is spending more time looking after her mother, as she was diagnosed with Parkinson's Disease in 2915.

Phyllida constantly needs the support of a wheelchair and even assistance when washing due to the effect the condition is having on her.

Due to the progressive nature of the condition, symptoms tend to gradually worsen over time. It is common for individuals to struggle both with walking and talking at the height of the condition.

Phyllida herself spoke about the burdens of looking after an infirm parent, she looked after her mother, Meg who suffered with Alzheimer’s disease. Mego died in 1994 aged 93 after almost 20 years of being cared for by Ms Law at her mother's home in the village of Ardentinny on the west coast, near Dunoon.

Emma said of her mother “Mum is quite lame so it's a case of taking her out in a wheelchair, and making sure she takes her medication. The meds are amazing."

[philomelia]

last post before i disappear to edinburgh for a week BUT if i was gonna make a cassie’s narrative-centric multimuse, the characters i’d include are under the cut:

cora rike, a tv psychic who was taken off the air after one too many mistakes in missing persons cases. she settled down with a man she only half - loved and spent ten years as a housewife and a mother before she decded she couldn’t take it anymore. she takes her family all around the world, acting as a home renovator who also doubles as a supernatural expert, clearing away the bad vibes of the house as she redecorates it.

andrew rike, cassie’s father. he is a sad, bumbling man who used to be the atypical man of the house before his life was uprooted. he is desperate to please his wife, though he feels a distance between them and his daughters. 

athena rike, the eldest of the rike siblings. burnout, stoner, lesbian. athena leaves after a messy, blown out argument with her mother and only returns home at christmas. she’s cassie’s favourite sister, mostly by virtue of never being there. she was once the owner of cassie’s van and is responsible for most of the decoration. athena can communicate with ghosts and channel them in her own body; she treats this as an accessory rather than a burden.

cleo rike, second oldest sister and complete neurotic mess. cassie’s least favourite sister. cleo is the most violent of the sisters and the more likely to cause trouble for trouble’s sake. she can see the future, but refuses to tell anyone anything because she thinks that’s messing with the natural order. she is very straight - laced in all regards except she will throw a fucking PUNCH if the situation requires it. cleo is seen to be their mother’s favourite, which is not true. athena is her mother’s favourite. cleo is tolerated. 

clotho rike, dead before the narrative even really begins. clotho is bright and kind in every sense, though she is often twitchy. clotho often sleep walks and has rather muddy visions. she can read tarot, but she doesn’t have the showmanship that cassie has with them. she makes quick friends with people, though she worries about never having long term connections. at 15, she leads a group of people into the new house her mother is taking care of and watches them slowly getting killed, dying at the end of the story. 

barnaby isaacs, the priest that becomes obsessed with cassie after her possession. he thinks he cure her and expands all of his energy on it, taking his time to research world - eater’s extensive past and its motivations. he becomes so devoted in his story that he undergoes a false possession. while he believes himself to be possessed and begins to dine on flesh because of it, cassie decides to believe she isn’t possessed. he indulges where cassie abstains.

world - eater, HER DEMON LETS GIVE IT UP FOR HER DEMON PARASITE BABY LOVER BEST FRIEND.

an assortment of all the strange and wonderful supernatural creatures that cassie has encountered. i’ve been wanting to rp a huli jing for so long... this will be my opportunity.

[wolfpants]

Hello hello!

Dear wolfie, my sister gifted me a trip to edinburgh next year for my birthday and i'm so excited! (it's a bit of an early gift because we have to organize basically everything but she knew i've been wanting to go and she thought i might just pack a bag and leave, that's how bad i want to go, so she had to tell me)

One of the first thoughts i had was you lmao i was like oh i have to ask them if there's a couple of places i should definitely see and things to do, obviously the classic places yes but maybe there's something i'm missing (i really don't want that to sound like i'm looking for a tour guide so sorry if it's weird)

Anyway, thank you for sharing your writing you are absolutely one of my favorite authors out here xx

Lovely anon, I am so sorry it's taken me so long to get to this for you.

And hurrah! What a lovely gift! I hope you enjoy Scotland while you're here! I mean, I know I'm biased but, it's wonderful.

As for things to do in and around Edinburgh, here's a list of my favourites:

The Botanics - plants and trees! Wide open spaces! A really lovely cafe! And just beside it, one of my favourite areas in Edinburgh...

... Dean Village! This is a protected area of Edinburgh and host to historic and untouched buildings dating back to the 19th Century! The water of Leith also runs through it, and if you follow that you can get to Stockbridge, which is a really nice part of town for cafes, boutique shopping, and just wandering around. The farmers market on Saturdays is brilliant too. Also has some nice charity shops and the Oxfam bookshop which is amazing for vintage volumes and coffee table books. Rare Birds and Golden Hare are also two very good bookshops in the area.

Leith is a cool place to check out if you're into beer/brewing (Campervan is worth a look at), and there is some good shopping up that way too and a nice walk along the Shore.

On the other side of town you have the Old Town and St Giles Cathedral which hosts lots of classical concerts and recitals if that's your thing, and I highly recommend booking a ghost walking tour while you're here. They're cheesy, but really fun and a must for first time visitors. Also, my favourite place in all of the city is Edinburgh Castle. It's expensive, but well worth it if you're a history buff. If you don't want to do the tour though, you don't have to pay to visit the platform.

Little gems around the city: Mary's Milk Bar (best ice cream ever), Dragonfly (amazing cocktails), Wings (for chicken wings and nuggets and about a million different sauces), Armstrongs (a few outlets - second hand/vintage), Paradise Palms (queer-friendly bar with amazing veggie and vegan food and fantastic music), The Salt Horse (cozy brewery shop/pub with great scran), the Cameo cinema (old school cinema up in a really cute area of town where you can also grab an amazing breakfast at Tree House).

This list isn't extensive but these are just a few things I love!

If you fancy a day trip outside of Edinburgh, I'd suggest hopping on the train (or bus) to: Linlinthgow, South Queensferry, Crail, North Berwick. I'm a sea lover and live on the coast myself so I'm a bit biased!

Have fun while you're here!!!!