Cockenzie House and Gardens is a relatively new charity set up in 2013, currently at an early and critical stage of its development, with the specific purpose of purchasing this unique listed 17th Jacobean Manager's House and its Gardens for community ownership and developing a sustainable hub of art, community engagement, crafts and social entrepreneurship.
With little money, a lot of resuse and upcycling and over 5,000 volunteer hours, we started up and have now developed four areas of operation with proven market demand, and a unique and eclectic community of social entrepreneurs. We must now focus on purchase and sustaining our operations.
We offer 'space' for community use, as Cockenzie and Port Seton grows. Our four areas of operation are:
1. The Caddell Tea Room, small and modest, used by locals, local groups, and a destination for people and our 400 registered 'friends' from further afield, looking for something different.
2. Up to 35 studios and office space, currently 60% occupied by artists, therapists and small businesses - where individuals start on their path to success
3. Exhibition and events space, available for functions and used by local artists as well as for the events we organise ourselves, such as 'Write by the Shore' our first Book Festival
4. Some self catering accommodation
