Would you like to become a co-owner/steward of a private ecologically-oriented retreat on 86 acres of beautiful forest on a pristine mountain stream surrounded on three sides by Shenandoah National Park?
The property lies between two of Park’s premier hiking spots – Old Rag Mountain and White Oak Canyon. Founded in 1994 as a Limited Liability Company (LLC), this supportive, social community extends beyond the property to the metropolitan DC, MD and Central Virginia areas, where most members reside. We make decisions by consensus, guided by an Operating Agreement, a Contract and a set of Core Values.
Our Community Overview
Our mostly forested land is beautifully isolated with much of it bordering Shenandoah National Park. A clear, clean stream flows from a remote part of protected National Park land through the property, which has two fully equipped houses – a light-filled, renovated, large classic ‘Farm House’ and a master carpenter-built, cozy 3 bedroom ‘Cedar House’.
Both houses are fed by mountain well water and have all of the amenities: telephone, electricity, fully equipped kitchens, wood heat, large screened porches, and they are lovingly maintained. The Farm House has a satellite internet connection. An additional more rustic house, ‘The Shack’, has electricity but no running water, and is currently used for tool storage.
The Farm House is a renovated yet rustic home away from home, with all of the amenities needed for a comfortable stay. With five private bedrooms, including a large ‘bunk room’, modern kitchen, ample screened-in porch and cozy wood stove, this house is ideal for large groups as well as for a more private gathering.
The Cedar House is a master carpenter-built two story, three bedroom house with warm natural, local wood from ceiling to floors. It has a fully equipped kitchen, two comfortable bathrooms, a screened porch, and a streamside flagstone patio. Guests are lulled by sound of the creek's flowing waters. The house is a peaceful place to relax and also has a large lawn area for outdoor activities.
La Petite is a small passive solar house built and owned by two of our members with the understanding that it will belong to the group as a whole when they are no longer able to use it. Meanwhile, they live there about half the year and allow others to use it when they are not in town at their discretion.
La Petite is a small passive solar house built and owned by two of our members with the understanding that it will belong to the group as a whole when they are no longer able to use it. Meanwhile, they live there about half the year and allow others to use it when they are not in town at their discretion.
La Petite
Are you interested?
We're looking for new community members!
We're looking for two additional ecologically minded members to join and be part of our community to both care for this special place and to enjoy it. We're ready to answer questions and show it to people who are interested in being part of the community.
Members often visit on weekends, rarely during the week, and it's also a special place for retreats, reunions, for smaller gatherings of friends and family, or for an intimate weekend with a sweetie, or even for a meditative solo stay.
When multiple members are on ‘The Land’ at the same time, we often prepare food together, eat, hike and play and work together.
The property is a 90-minute drive from the DC Beltway (I-495), about 13 miles from Sperryville, VA and 40 miles from Charlottesville. (One member even biked there from DC!)
The property is home to black bear, bobcat, coyotes, deer, amphibians, snakes, wild turkey, a great variety of birds, insects and more! We care for and cherish the diversity of wildlife and flora and we have beautiful wildflowers and native plants both on the property and in the surrounding Park.
Shenandoah Retreat Photo Gallery
Lots of camping and tenting options are available for members and guests. You can pitch a tent in the open fields or strike a campsite in the woods or right next to the stream!
Lots of camping and tenting options are available for members and guests. You can pitch a tent in the open fields or strike a campsite in the woods or right next to the stream!
Camping Areas
Who We're Looking For:
Interested? Learn more about joining our community!