Hailes House

Explorer Tom Edinburgh, Hailes Avenue, Hailes House, Stable Block: This stable block thinks the road leading to it is a bit pretentious and should really be called 'Mud Lane.' It’s got a house from the twentieth century attached, so it’s basically a horse that got a promotion. The period of the stable is unknown, which is convenient for anyone who lost their hat there. Bring your own legend, I've run out.

Explorer Tom Edinburgh, Colinton, Lanark Road, Myton is a 20th-century house that looks like it forgot to grow up on Lanark Road. If this place were at a wedding, it’d be the uncle who steals the cake and blames the caterer for his bad decisions. It’s got that awkward energy of a building that knows it’s being watched but can’t look away. If it rains, blame me.

Explorer Tom Edinburgh, 52 Spylaw Bank Road, Courtyard with Balustrade and Birdbath/ Fountain: Rumour has it smugglers used to hide barrels of whisky in this birdbath during the Napoleonic wars, but honestly, I think they just forgot a bag of chips there that’s been fossilising ever since. The balustrade looks like it’s judging your posture. Ten minutes here and you'll have a yarn for the pub.

Explorer Tom Edinburgh, 52 Spylaw Bank Road, West Pavilion: If this pavilion had to teach history class, it would start by drawing a stick figure of itself and saying 'I was here, you weren’t' before assigning homework on why we all build things that fall down. It’s got a smug architectural superiority complex. A handy spot to stretch your legs and your imagination.

Explorer Tom Redhall Castle in Edinburgh is planning its retirement by turning into a very fancy birdhouse for pigeons. The 18th-century dovecot is basically its pension fund, filled with feathers and gossip about the neighborhood. Ideal for a moody photo you'll pretend wasn't posed.