Happy Homes

A distinctive housing phenomenon for over 160 years, the Edinburgh 'Colonies' have a remarkable history. Locals recognise them instantly. With imaginative design and build, the homes included gardens, kitchens, and a front door in stark contrast to the multi-storey living of the Old Town. Where exactly are the 'Colonies'? Why have they proved to be so appealing as a housing type? Why have there been no demolitions? How were women involved in the Edinburgh Cooperative Building Company? Why, ultimately, did the company fail? These are a few of the issues raised in 'Happy Homes', a significantly revised and expanded version of the author's 'Edinburgh's Colonies' (2011) and based on a considerable amount of new research.