To most people dolls houses are designed for the amusement of children or collectors, and serve no real purpose other than to keep one occupied; or, in the case of children, out of mischief. However, just a little research into the history of the dolls house reveals a far more interesting background than one might imagine.

It was the 16th century however, which saw the introduction of dolls houses for entertainment purposes. Known as 'baby houses', the models were cabinet display cases made up of different rooms, which were decorated with such things as miniature household items. The design and architecture would have been painstakingly created and they were intended for the sole purpose of adults.

It was mainly the wealthy who owned them, since in those days, the building of a dolls house would have been commissioned by specialist craftsmen. Especially favoured by the mistresses of rich households, guests would bring small presents, such as dolls house dolls, wooden dolls house furniture or accessories, as a thank you for their hospitality.

As time passed, however, the function of the houses changed. Interestingly, they became educational aids for young girls, in order to teach them about the function of a household and to learn domestic skills.

Nowadays, dolls houses are a great gift for children and collectors alike. Their design has advanced a long way since their inception and it is possible to buy them in a range of different options, for example wooden dolls houses, and for a variety of purposes.

Many collectors relish the opportunity to recreate past eras or present events, often opting to build the dolls house themselves. There are also a large number of museums and shops dedicated to the art of dolls houses and their history, which just goes to prove the popularity among the older generations.

However, it is said that dolls houses are a great way to help children develop social skills and confidence at an early age, and it can be argued that the passion many collectors develop for dolls houses stems from early childhood memories of playing with them.