Village Hearth Cohousing members, gathered for a sing-along during a social event.

The Village Hearth Cohousing development team is delighted to announce that construction is well underway at this exceptional 55+ community in which residents will have a unique opportunity to live independently while aging-in-place within a caring and mutually supportive group of neighbors. According to The Cohousing Association of the United States, “Cohousing communities are intentional, collaborative neighborhoods created with a little ingenuity.” Village Hearth Cohousing will be true to this statement and more, says Founding Member Pat McAulay. “Village Hearth Cohousing will bring together LGBTs, straight friends and allies with the intention of aging gracefully and sustainably as ‘good neighbors,’ balancing private cottage living with social opportunities and community support.” Intrigued? Read on!

Village Hearth Cohousing is located on 15 picturesque acres off Infinity Road in northern Durham. Just 20 minutes from Downtown, the community will consist of 28 single-story homes clustered on one end of the property, with over 10 acres set aside for natural open spaces, gardens, and outdoor activities. Well thought-out community amenities will be provided in abundance, with a common house topping the list. The common house will feature a gourmet kitchen, a large dining/meeting room, an office, a laundry room, an exercise room, a sitting/game room, and a sewing/craft room, offering numerous options for fun-filled interaction amongst residents and guests. Proposed additional amenities are a fitness trail, a dog park, a storage shed for bikes, kayaks, and the like, an art studio, and a workshop. The ability to enjoy life at its finest will be but footsteps from each resident’s front door. As if all of this isn’t enough, smart principles of Universal Design will be employed throughout the community to ensure that the neighborhood is accessible to one and all.

The concept of Village Hearth Cohousing was initially conceived by McAulay and her wife, Margaret Roesch. Under the guidance of their Development Consultant, Katie McCamant, President of CoHousing Solutions, a “dream team” of development professionals jumped on board to bring Village Hearth Cohousing to life. They include the premier architect of Cohousing, Chuck Durrett of McCamant & Durrett Architects; Developer Lou Goetz of Park City Developments, Inc.; and Resolute Building Company. A principle tenet of cohousing is that future residents actively participate in the design and governance of the neighborhood. Once the community is complete, the residents, through the HOA, will oversee ongoing operations and amenity development.

Large, welcoming front porches designed for sharing good conversation, a cup of coffee, or a glass of wine will greet owners and guests upon arrival, with secluded backyards allowing owners a choice for additional social interaction or quiet privacy. Each home will feature condo-styled/one-level living, with utilities and all exterior and common area maintenance included in resident home owner fees. One– and two-bedroom homes are well underway in seven buildings of four homes each, with 24 of the 28 homes sold. This obviously leaves only four opportunities remaining in this amazing community!

Perhaps future resident Very Rev Christopher+ Ross summarizes the community best: “Village Hearth Cohousing will embrace us as we age in the unique way that a cohousing community is designed to do.” Want to learn more? Additional info on Village Hearth Cohousing may be obtained in myriad ways: Check the Village Hearth Cohousing website for upcoming dates for their “Meet and Greet”  and “Happy Hour” events; contact Founding Member Margaret Roesch at 561-714-8009; or contact Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices York Simpson Underwood Broker Sally Clark at 919-270-7558. Whatever method you choose to investigate, rest assured that the Village Hearth Cohousing team welcomes your research. Learn more about this special community today, while opportunities still exist.