The PCSD consists of ten sites or "holdings"* (defined below) that are divided into three clusters along the Dharma Path. Seven of the ten holdings are now owned. These holdings consist of five completed cabins, one pre-existing cabin, and one cabin under construction this winter 2006. One member of the community resides full-time. It is possible for two or more people to co-own one holding, sharing costs and use of the cabin, as in time sharing. Future plans include a small community building.
All cabins have full bathrooms, propane heat, electricity and phone lines. The same building plan is used for all cabins, with individual modification inside. Square footage is 350 on the ground floor and 175 square feet in the loft -- which is high enough to stand in -- a total of 525 square feet. Most recent estimates for construction are $50,000-$60,000 per cabin.
- * A holding is the term used to designate what the
community offers upon joining. Owners of a holding will own
a 6.9% interest in a Limited Liability Company (LLC), which
in turn will own a 72.5 acre tract of land. The LLC interest
entitles the holder to build on a designated site. Terms of
the LLC are spelled out in a document available for
interested persons to read.
The cost of buying an interest in the LLC totals about $36,000:
the cost of the land is $15,000 and
infrastructure costs are estimated at about $21,000 per holding.
Infrastructure costs include upgrading
and widening the Dharma Path; drilling two wells; burying
water, septic, electric and phone lines; installing septic
fields and fire reservoirs; creating a parking lot, and
building a community building for meditation, office and laundry.
The invitation to join this community is extended to persons who have a long-term commitment to meditation and spiritual practice and who desire living simply and quietly in community either part-time or full-time, in a rural retreat environment. If you are interested in learning more about this community, please contact Corinne Rovetti at crovett@aol.com or call at 865/573-0945 to inquire about coming to our next meeting or to get additional information.
Sincerely,
The Practice Community at Southern Dharma 2005/2006