Sanctuary Two* is a future retreat center on 15 acres, off-the-grid, and bordering thousands of acres of state forest. its natural features are a ridge to the north, providing shelter from winter winds, and a “bench” of several acres, running east to west, which provides great solar access. it has a year-round spring, coming straight out of Halcott Mountain on the property.

The unusual structures envisioned for the place will further define it as a retreat center, and will also serve as a course in alternative construction. currently planned are a woodland tower for a community center, sliding greenhouse, cabins based on ancient stone circles, luxury tent sites, sauna, a tent pavilion, and a small meadow surrounded by suspended tree houses. the meadow also serves as a venue for open-air dances and concerts.

Retreat programs may include yoga, writing, painting, and other creative pursuits, nature awareness programs, disaster preparedness, off-the-grid living, hiking and backpacking, and alternative building techniques. the programs are primarily envisioned as three season work, though some hardy folks might be attracted to getting a pair of snowshoes with their cabin rental.

The staff that runs the place also lives there, and owns the land as a community, or partnership. they function as a worker cooperative (think Tribe), and profits are shared between workers and investors. dwellings are individually owned, and community affairs are governed by consensus. cottage industries are encouraged, especially anything that helps the community get local and off the transportation grid. food is obvious. some cabins or camping sites may be developed, owned, or operated by the person(s) living next to it, as one of their individual profit centers. they may even become time-shares.

The intent of all this is to establish a permanent, sustainable habitation for a small tribe of humans, living simply with High Purpose, which includes the capacity to provide for double or triple their number in times of great stress.

*Sanctuary One is always inside your own head. it’s the sum of your belief system, attitudes, and acquired skills in meeting adversity. life is all about dealing with Plan B.