Did you realize that right here in Virginia there exists a small community of 100 living in what can only be described as an eco-village? Twin Oaks Community in Louisa County is a highly unconventional village that places heavy emphasis on community, love, and protecting the land. Learn more about what life is like inside one of the most naturally beautiful and wonderfully eccentric places in Virginia:
Twin Oaks Community is located on 450-acres of gorgeous land in Louisa County.
Wikipedia
The community was founded in 1967 as an intentional community with the values of non-violence, equality, and connection to the land.
Twin Oaks/Facebook Photographed above, you’ll see the community as it appeared around 1970.
The farm has only 100 residents, who are able to live there free of cost in return for nearly 42 hours of domestic and income-producing work per week.
Joan/flickr All income earned from working is returned back to the community for upkeep, food, and healthcare, yet residents can earn “overtime” and vacation by working extra hours during the week.
Twin Oaks also features three community businesses known as Twin Oaks Tofu, Twin Oaks Book Indexing, and Twin Oaks Hammocks. Income from these businesses - approximately $2 million per year - is shared income.
Twin Oaks/Facebook
Residents of Twin Oaks aren’t allowed to have cars, but when someone needs to run an errand, a communal car can be loaned from the main office.
Joan/flickr
With solar paneling and attention to sustainability, Twin Oaks Community lives up to its standing as an ecovillage. In fact, all food is sourced directly from the farm itself.
Twin Oaks/Facebook
The art of hammock making is a popular activity, in addition to dancing, musicals, playing board games, discussing literature, and more.
Photo Credit
Despite the sense of community, strong work ethic, and peaceful way of life, the community is well-aware of the fact that it’s “Not Utopia Yet,” as listed on the welcome brochure.
Joan/flickr Twin Oaks maintains a population of 100 and, at any given time, there is a wait list of people interested in living there. Often times, an interested person must wait for someone to move out before he or she can join.
With such gorgeous gardens and a mindful way of life, it’s no wonder why this community draws interest from visitors across the country.
Joan/flickr
While this way of life isn’t for everyone, it’s fascinating to learn about such a wonderfully eccentric place in our very own state. If you’re interested in learning more about Twin Oaks, be sure to visit their website here.
Wikipedia
Twin Oaks/Facebook
Photographed above, you’ll see the community as it appeared around 1970.
Joan/flickr
All income earned from working is returned back to the community for upkeep, food, and healthcare, yet residents can earn “overtime” and vacation by working extra hours during the week.
Photo Credit
Twin Oaks maintains a population of 100 and, at any given time, there is a wait list of people interested in living there. Often times, an interested person must wait for someone to move out before he or she can join.
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