location
Between its oceans and seas, mountains and fertile plains, woodlands and vineyards, what land could better host a Light House than France?
Soon enough, there will be scenes here of an actual location, but until then let us describe it.
Here are the basics:
-
3 acres (1.2 hectares), preferably more than less. The parcel will be shared by three Light Houses that occupy no more than 1/6 of the total area. The rest will be used for growing food and natural habitat.
-
Located close enough to a village for convenience but not "too close for comfort".
-
Open views (no obstructing buildings or electrical lines), preferably a south-facing slope.
-
An existing ruin on the land would be ideal, as this may facilitate further construction and also serve as a shared building.
-
Located near water: a stream, a river, a lake, or the ocean.
-
Within 3 hrs of Paris by train (unless some paradise in the Pyrenees shows up to change that game)
Do you know of a parcel of land for sale that meets these requirements?
"Ecology, as the study of how living beings relate to their natural environment, is derived from the ancient Greek word oikos, meaning a dwelling place.
Let's rethink how to dwell...well."
an intentional community
We bring together people with a deep-seated aspiration to live harmoniously with nature and with others. Without losing our private space and personal freedom, we can create greater levels of solidarity with others. Our goals in creating a community are :
- to share resources and work together as stewards of common land,
- to grow healthy food on the land, and source most other food locally,
- to progressively meet our needs in energy, water, and waste disposal in the most environmentally responsible ways.
Light House communities are small, generally involving a core of no more than six owners. They include both permanent and part-time residents and even those who may rent the houses occasionally. All community members, regardless of how much time spent on the land, must also join the Cooperative. Full-time and part-time residents must agree to a Charter.
"A place of dwelling, where we can feel at home and at ease, goes beyond the four walls of our house.
Whether intentional or not, it involves relating to others."
The CO-OP
The Co-op owns or leases the land, and manages all resources and activities associated with it. Officially referred to in France as a Cooperative Company of Common Interests, our Co-Op is a legally-recognized profit-regulated company that brings together three or more distinct stakeholders.
In our case, these stakeholders include homeowners, the architect and builder, agricultural personnel, part-time tenants, and (potentially) the municipality. All of these stakeholders benefit from the activities of the Co-op, and therefore have a voice in its governance. Regardless of the capital invested, each stakeholder has the same number of votes.
Two-thirds of any profits generated by the Cooperative are held as reserves, to be invested in improvements or expansion. The other third is distributed as dividends to the stakeholders. Stakeholders may enter into the Cooperative or leave it at any time and without any legal formalities. The value of their investment is constant.
"We can choose to nurture relationships even through our economic transactions. Let's favor the employment of local artisans over mass production. Human craft should not be reduced to its economic function. "
shared resources
The list of shared resources will evolve over time depending on the Co-Op's investment capacity. Here is an initial list of smart to share resources, to be decided by the Co-Op:
-
Energy production (likely solar) to supplement the grid
-
Water reserves
-
Water recycling holding ponds (where allowed)
-
A common building with a meeting hall and extra bedrooms
-
Washing machine
-
Food & wine storage cellar
-
Dry toilets (auxiliary to those installed in each house)
-
Vegetable gardens
-
Greenhouse
-
Garden shed and tools
-
Compost areas
-
Bicycles
-
Electric vehicle
-
Household tools
-
Storage areas
-
Camping tents & gear
"Stop to consider the environmental impact of every single household buying devices that may only be used three hours per year. Is there not a better way?"
the role of a charter
Our community is open to all, regardless of creed, origins, or affiliations.
In order for such a community to thrive, a high level of respect and responsibility is required, towards oneself, towards others, and towards the land. This makes our community selective.
All members must understand and adhere to the principles set out in a charter.