Description:

Putney Commons (www.putneycommonsvt.com) is a small, owner developed, friendly intentional community located in Putney, Vermont. Six homes were completed in 2009, and a seventh was built in 2014. The final two building sites are currently available for single-story homes of up to 1100 square feet. The sites are surrounded by field, garden, hills and woods. We are currently a community of nine people and are open to families and individuals of all ages. We share a vision for being good stewards of the land and supporting one another in living greener and healthier lifestyles. The six original houses are built in two clusters of three semi-detached homes. They are single-story, on slabs, have no attics, are super-insulated and boast a Five Plus Star Energy rating. They range from 1100 to 1475 sq. ft. and are clustered on the north end of a 3.5 acre field. Each has a garage with a small storage unit. The seventh home stands alone. Interior designs vary greatly, based on owner-designed preferences. Four houses have photo voltaic panels; one household has a subscription to a local solar farm.The two remaining members will finance the building of their own homes. These must be single story, on slab, with a footprint up to1100 sq. ft., meet 5-Star Plus energy standards, and be aesthetically compatible with the other homes. All community members participate in reviewing and approving final designs. Members meet monthly to discuss business and living concerns. We make decisions by consensus. We have no common house and eat independently, but we enjoy sharing pot luck dinners and occasional work days. Our $200 monthly owner�s association fee covers mowing, plowing, sanding, trash, insurance, land maintenance and a reserve fund. Legally we are a condominium association, owning the land in common and individually owning our homes from the inside walls in. The Association is responsible for the exteriors of buildings. For example, when the exteriors need re-staining, the reserve fund will be tapped to do the work. Our 11.5 acres of land are secluded and private; they include fields, woodlands, vegetable garden, and walking trails. Amazingly, we are also right in Putney village, across the street from the post office and behind the first row of houses. We are within easy walking distance of a yoga center, senior exercises/art classes/monthly senior lunches at the Putney Community Cares barn, medical offices, post office, bank, library, food coop, general store, gas station/auto repair, as well as rich cultural institutions. (See iputney.com, nextstage.com,sandglasstheatre.com, yellowbarn.org, putneycrafttour.com> transitionputney.com.) Our nearest neighbor is the Putney Community Center, which houses a nursery school, foodshelf, zumba classes and dog training. A seasonal farmer�s market is within walking distance, and eight restaurants /eateries are within half a mile. Nearby, the Connecticut River and Putney Mountain offer hikers, bikers, rowers, kayakers, and swimmers many opportunities for enjoyment. Putney has three private schools and Landmark College, as well as a strong public elementary school. Many community-based events are held throughout the year, including a village-wide community supper the second Friday of each month except December and August. We are located ten miles north of Brattleboro just half a mile from I-91, exit 4. Interested? Contact us by email or phone and then plan to meet with us.