Holly Lodge Estate Yard, 8 Holly Lodge Gardens, London N6 6AA
The Holly Lodge Estate is a housing estate in Highgate, north London.
If you're a tourist visiting London and you're looking for an off-the-beaten-path experience, you might want to consider taking a trip to the Holly Lodge Estate Housing cooperative. Located in the heart of Highgate, this cooperative community is a unique example of a successful community-led housing initiative.
The Holly Lodge Estate Housing cooperative was formed in the 1970s as a response to the housing crisis in London at the time. The cooperative consists of 99 properties, ranging from one-bedroom flats to five-bedroom houses, and is entirely managed by its residents. The cooperative is committed to providing affordable housing, promoting sustainability, and creating a strong sense of community.
One of the most striking features of the Holly Lodge Estate is its architecture. The cooperative was designed by architects Walter Segal and John McKean, who were inspired by the idea of creating sustainable, low-cost homes that could be built by the residents themselves. The buildings are constructed using a modular system, which allows for flexibility and adaptability over time. The use of natural materials such as timber and clay also adds to the unique aesthetic of the estate.
The Holly Lodge Estate is also known for its commitment to sustainability. The cooperative has a number of environmentally-friendly initiatives, including a biomass boiler that provides heating and hot water, solar panels, and rainwater harvesting. The estate also has a community garden, where residents can grow their own fruits and vegetables.
Perhaps the most impressive aspect of the Holly Lodge Estate, however, is its strong sense of community. The cooperative has a number of shared facilities, including a community hall, laundry room, and bike shed. The estate also has a resident-led management committee, which oversees the day-to-day running of the cooperative. This strong sense of community is evident in the estate's regular events and activities, such as film nights, yoga classes, and communal meals.
Visitors to the Holly Lodge Estate are welcome to take a self-guided tour of the estate, which takes in the communal areas and some of the residents' gardens. The estate also holds regular open days, where visitors can meet some of the residents and learn more about the cooperative's history and ethos.
Overall, a visit to the Holly Lodge Estate is a unique and inspiring experience. Not only does it offer an insight into a successful community-led housing initiative, but it also showcases the power of sustainability and community spirit. So if you're looking for an alternative tourist destination in London, the Holly Lodge Estate Housing cooperative is well worth a visit.
| Wednesday | 8 am–6 pm |
|---|---|
| Thursday | 8 am–6 pm |
| Friday | 8 am–6 pm |
| Saturday | 9 am–1 pm |
| Sunday | Closed |
| Monday | 8 am–6 pm |
| Tuesday | 8 am–6 pm |
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