I'm so sorry for your loss. I am glad he made some provision for you in his will even if it wasn't one of the homes you shared.
Have you asked his children if either would be willing to rent a property to you?
I am guessing they want to either sell the properties or make use of them for their own families which is understandable in this situation and I do think a year is kind. Maybe renting would appeal to them so that the property remains an investment.
Re painting metal bistro garden set
Army horses loose on London streets
To go through chemo therapy or choose not to?