The house is quieter than most people expect. There is no road on this side, so at night what you hear is not traffic. The floor gives a small sound when the temperature drops, the way old wood does. Outside, something moves in the garden now and then. Birds start before the light does, earlier than anyone plans to wake. Guests often mention it at breakfast, usually as a surprise. They came to stay in the building and remember the quiet. It takes a night to get used to. Most people sleep longer here than they meant to.