Twin Oaks Community in Virginia

[sidepasser]

Here is a website I happened upon today - looks like it might be appealing to those who want community living or are interested in starting a homesteading type community.

http://www.twinoaks.org/index.html

It has been in existence since 1967 and so has been long established. Tours are offered as well but you must book a tour by letter.

Very interesting place and one I hope to be able to visit as their gardens are WOW.

[highlands]

Twin Oaks is a fascinating place and history. A lot has been written about it. Anyone considering creating or joining an intentional community should very carefully study Twin Oaks, Sunflower and other similar communities.

[Ken Scharabok]

At Twin Oaks, and the one in MO (Fair Winds, Far Winds?), you work as directed X number of hours a day. Both have a primary income of woven rope hammacks. The one in MO also does nut butters. You aren't paid, but the community sees to basic needs, including personal supplies. Community, buffet style, dining.

At the one in MO (it was featured in NG a couple of years ago) you essentially turn over all of your worldly possessions, including vehicles, to them.

Twin Oaks has some wierd (at least to me) policies. For example if you approach someone on a trail you are not allow to even acknowledge them unless the individual clearly indicates they want contact.

I know someone who approached the one in MO several times over several years without a reply. He suspected he was too old for their needs.

Personally I wouldn't fit in as I'm too independent.