The Village on Sewanee Creek

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The Village on Sewanee Creek

Located in Tracy City, Tennessee, United States

Mission Statement
Self-sufficient, Free, Living the Love of Christ through Service

OUR MISSION is to be a self-sustaining community in harmony with nature and people.

Community Description
Sustainability at The Village on Sewanee Creek is at the intersection of creativity, personal liberty & accountability, love of nature and mutual caring. Private property ownership is valued as a key to accountable stewardship. We believe that people with the right values require little in the way of intrusive oversight. We tend to be conservative or libertarian in outlook, but welcome diversity of thought, background and skills.

We seek people with diverse skills and backgrounds for self-sufficient community life in an old-fashioned neighborhood with strong Christian values.

Located on the beautiful Cumberland Plateau of Tennessee, the property abounds with waterfalls, hemlock & harwdood forests, clear bluff views of the Sewanee gorge and wooded mountains. Recognized as one of the most bio-diverse areas in the US.

Why Tennessee?
• no income taxes,
• low property taxes,
• low cost of living,
• lush woodlands and rocky bluffs overlooking canyons and streams,
• a diverse culture, from “mountain folks” (who know how to live simply) to academia. (Nearby, Historical U. of the South -rich cultural heritage).

Villagers have diverse experience and enjoy working together and teaching each other how to be self-sufficient in:

Water: Rainwater collection systems encouraged. Such systems make us completely independent of municipal water although city water is also available.

Food: (A community garden is maintained with help from an organic gardening coach.) Lots are large enough to be food self-sufficient. Some raise chickens, cows, goats or other livestock and we all share or barter.

Energy: Solar PV, Wood gasification, micro-hydroelectric, other forms of sustainable energy practiced.

Healthy living: Use of local herbs, healthy diet.

Community: 50 of the 207 acres are a nature preserve. Hiking trails wander pristine woodlands past waterfalls to the secluded Sewanee Creek. A common area features breathtaking canyon and mountain views. Outdoor pavilions with barbecue pits welcome picnics. A natural rock amphitheater surrounds a stage and large screen where family movies are shown against the backdrop of a dark, starlit sky.

Located between Chattanooga and Nashville in a rural setting, with shopping, restaurants, etc., an easy 5 to 25 minutes away.

Perfect for a primary residence in a prepared community or a second-home safe haven. Home sites feature stunning bluff views, creeks, and magnificent waterfalls.

Check us out at the website listed above, see my blog at http://1stvillager.wordpress.com/ or email info@sewaneecreek.com.

Housing
Status: We have land we have developed on
Area: 207 acres
Current Residence Types: Single-family homes, Room(s) in a house or building, Tiny house, Lots to build on, All facilities are owned by individuals. Some are available for rent.
Current Number of Residences: 12
Planned number of residences: 35
Planned Residence Types: Single-family homes, Room(s) in a house or building, Tiny house, Lots to build on
Housing Provided: Purchase, Rental
Land owned by: Individual community member(s)
Additional Comments:
45 acre designated nature preserve + 2 acre commons with amphitheater, pavilions, community garden, etc.
Approximately 30-35 residences anticipated

Membership
Adult Members: 19
Child Members: 3
Percent Women: 41-49%
Percent Men: 51-60%
Percent Transgender: 0%
Visitors accepted: Yes
Visitor Process:
Contact Grant@SewaneeCreek.com or call (931) 442-1444
Open to new Members: Yes
Membership Process:
1. Email or phone inquiry
2. Phone interview
3. visit, tour, meet members
4. Select & purchase lot
Additional Comments:
The Golden Rule – Love, Service
Open to all religious views of people who practice the golden rule, desire to live in a harmonious community, and in harmony with nature.

Economics
Dues, Fees, or Shared Expenses: Yes
Regular Fee per Month: $25
Shared Income: None
Required Labor Contribution: Encouraged or suggested
Open to members with existing debt: Yes
Additional Comments:
Encourage debt-free living
Weekly + as needed work projects are voluntary. We rotate projects each week between Village families. Each Project sponsor organizes and manages the project and provides necessary materials. Participants provide labor and bring tools.
Land is independently owned by members
$300 annual Village Owners Association

Sustainability Practices
Energy Infrastructure: We use both systems.
Current renewable energy generation: 0%, or close to 0%
Energy sources: Solar, Hydro-Electric, Biomass
Planned renewable energy generation: 26-49%
Current food produced: Up to 25%
Planned food produced: Between 26-49%
Food produced locally: Up to 25%

Lifestyle
Common Facilities: Garden(s), Greenhouse(s), Library, Workshop, Outbuilding(s), Tractor & Farm Equipment, Stage or Auditorium, Fire pit, Waterfront access
Internet Available: Yes, individuals provide it
Internet Fast?: Yes, it’s fine.
Cell Phone Service: Good for some people.
Shared meals: About once a week
Dietary Practice: Omnivorous (plants and animals), Paleo (no grains, dairy, processed foods, or legumes), Local (food sourced within 150 miles), Organic (no pesticides or synthetic fertilizers), GMO Free (only non-genetically modified organisms), Vegetarian Only (no animal meat; dairy and eggs okay) – Please check this only if you are 100% Vegetarian, Mostly Vegetarian, Vegan Only (plants only, no animal products) – Please check this only if you are 100% Vegan., Mostly Vegan, Opportunivore (dumpster diving, nature harvesting, etc.), Raw or Mostly Raw, Kosher, Halal, Dairy-Free, Gluten-Free
Dietary Choice or Restrictions: No – people may eat however they wish.
Special Diets OK: Sometimes
Alcohol Use: Yes, used seldomly, or ceremoniously.
Tobacco Use: Yes, used seldomly, or ceremoniously.
Additional Diet Comments:
While alcohol and tobacco are permitted, they are Discouraged. No current members smoke. If any members drink it is discreet and unknown to others.
Common Spiritual Practice(s): Ecumenical (accepts all religions or spiritual practices), Eclectic (integrates multiple religious or spiritual beliefs), Christian, Protestant, Ananda Community, LDS, Daoist
Spiritual Practice Expected?: No
Education Style(s): Home Schooling, Private School off the property, Public Schooling, Up to each family or individual
Healthcare Options: Up to each family or individual

Source: https://www.ic.org/directory/the-village-on-sewanee-creek/
              https://sewaneecreek.com