Banister

Communal stairwells aren't perhaps the most inspiring things.

I live in an Edinburgh tenement which dates from the mid to late 19th century. I find something superiorly appealing about these period properties, compared to new builds that seem to offer functionality over anything aesthetically pleasing. Generously proportioned rooms, high ceilings, cornicing, bay windows...

Downsides? Draughty windows in winter.

That and lazy neighbours who make zero effort to keep the stairwell clean - signing up to the council's stair cleaning service is just too much effort for some people...(!)