Page 12 - C.A.L.L. #45 - Summer 2019

as car pooling, collective laundry facilities and, in some cases, are self
sufficient.

At Old Hall in rural Suffolk, the community of over 40 adults manages more
than 70 acres of land, and has its own cows, chickens, sheep, pigs, bees and
vegetable gardens. All meals are eaten communally and a large proportion of
their food is grown or produced on site.

3. It’s good for well-being

There is evidence that communal living, and in particular eating regularly with
others, can enhance well-being and may reduce feelings of loneliness, too.

Some communities – such as the Older
Womens Co-Housing project in north
London – have been set up specifically
as an alternative to living alone. Maria
Brenton, a longstanding spokesperson
for the London project, and advocate
for senior co-housing, has carried out

extensive research into the well-being
aspects of community living and
suggests that co-housing has the
potential to “keep older people active, Thundercliffe Grange
healthy and engaged, and reduces demand
for health and social care services” .

Custom built co-housing projects like the one in north London often favour
community interaction, and have this factor built into the very design of the
site. For example, the homes at Lancaster Cohousing all face a shared
pedestrian path, increasing social interactions and the feeling of community.

4. Communities aspire to be inclusive

Although they are well populated with graduates and even university lecturers,
many intentional communities consider inclusivity to be a key principle, and work
hard to be affordable to a diverse range of members. The ownership model
behind LILAC, a community of eco-built houses in Leeds was designed to enable
those on lower incomes to afford to join. Chapel Town Cohousing, also in Leeds,

meanwhile. has a membership policy which allocates spaces to disabled people,
people from minority ethnic groups or individuals who identify as LGBTQ.

If you are considering an alternative way of living, you are not alone. In fact,
you will be in very good company.