Rare, long-term space available in housing co-op

* 1st important note *

Please be sure to read ALL the information below before sending a message. We receive a lot of enquiries about living here, and individuals that have clearly not read all the details will not get a reply. Thank you for your understanding :)

** 2nd important note **

This process will take time. if you are in urgent need of a place to live and are on a set schedule or timeline, this may not be the place for you. The available date that is mentioned is a guideline only, the final move in date could be much later. Please consider if this suits you before applying!

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Hi there!

We are Bath Street Co-op, a small housing co-operative in Portobello. We are currently 4 people who are looking for our 5th potential member.

This house has no human owner, and it is not for profit. Technically, the building is an entity that owns itself, we are merely the guardians and caretakers of this space and land. It is set up non-hierarchically and all house decisions are made by consensus. All members and potential members are involved in the co-op processes, such as house repairs, garden upkeep, work days, monthly meetings, community events and gatherings.

ABOUT THE ROOM:

One of our mezzanine rooms has become available. It is a small but cozy room with a tall skylight and storage space in the stairs that lead to the bed, along with additional square shelves (see pics). It includes a comfy chair that folds out as a single bed, along with a double mattress which is at the mezzanine level. This bedroom is on the 1st floor (up the stairs) along with 3 other bedrooms and a bathroom/toilet.

ABOUT THE CO-OP:

On the ground floor we have a large kitchen, a front room/lounge space, a music room and a lovely garden where we enjoy growing fresh vegetables and fruits, laying in the sun, moon-gazing and having fires together. The co-op is situated 2 minutes’ walk from Portobello beach, and just across the street from the bus-stop that heads into town. Scotmid is also just across the street, and Aldi and Sainsbury’s are within 10 minutes’ walking distance.

ABOUT THE MEMBERS:

We are musicians, aspiring musicians, artists, dancers and creatives. We work in crisis, mental health, hospitality, entertainment and charity. We are in our 20’s, 30’s and 40’s, three women and one man, and all come from different places.

ABOUT THE PROCESS:

The first step in the process is to write a letter of introduction: Tell us about yourself - we encourage you to really let yourself shine through in your letter, and please answer the following!

1)Who are you?

2)What draws you to co-op living and to this co-op in particular?

3)What skills and/or qualities do you have to offer the co-op?

4)Do you have any experience living communally?

Following your letter of interest, those who are shortlisted will be invited for a casual house viewing. We will try to have as many of us present for this as possible, but there may be only one or two of us depending on schedules and availability. The main purpose of this stage is for you to view the room and the house, and get a bit of feel for the place.

The next stage is a more formal interview and shared meal with all members. This is an opportunity for you to interview us too! Living in a co-operative can be quite different from a regular flat share, we are more involved with each other and with the house.
The secret code word is treecabbage, please use this in your reply to us so that we know you read this far! :) - The rent may be ‘cheaper’ than other places, but there is more work involved as we are also managing the house.

After the shared meal, if both parties wish to move forward, the final stage of the process is a 6-month probationary period. During this time, you are encouraged to be involved in the house and processes, to build relationships with all of us, and to live your life as your usual, wonderful self. Following a successful probationary period, you will be invited to become a full and official member of the co-op.

We understand that this is quite a long and involved process, hence the importance of considering if this really is something you wish to enter into. If the above hasn’t put you off, please reach out with your statement of interest, we would love to hear from you!