Nestled above the pristine waters of Kootenay Lake sits 26 acres of paradise. Hiking and cross country skiing out your back door. A quick bike ride to the artsy historic town of Nelson, British Columbia. A short drive to some of the deepest powder on the planet at Whitewater Resort. Climbing, back packing, sailing, kayaking, and world renowned mountain biking minutes in any direction.

The modern theory of cohousing originated in Denmark in the 1970s among groups of families who were dissatisfied with their existing housing. The publication of a newspaper article titled “Children Should Have 100 Parents” prompted a group of 50 families to develop the first cohousing project. Cohousing has since won the support of the Danish government and financial institutions. Banks are particularly attracted to cohousing because most units are pre-sold long before construction is completed.
There are over 1,500 cohousing developments in Northern Europe. Developments have been built and are garnering praise from homeowners, governments and financial institutions in Australia, New Zealand and the UK. In North America, over 100 hundred cohousing developments have been completed over the past two decades, with 100 more developments in various stages of planning or construction.
Legal tenure is typically Strata Title. Cohousing groups are based in democratic principles that espouse no ideology other than the desire for a more practical, environmentally responsible and social home environment. Cohousing combines personal privacy with the benefits of living in a community where people know and interact with their neighbours.
Nelson Cohousing (www.nelsoncohousing.com) began with a small group of Nelson residents deciding to pursue their dream of an ecological residential community with a focus on food self-sufficiency. An intensive search for a suitable site began in 2011. Over the next couple of years, Nelson Cohousing grew membership, built group cohesiveness, and clarified shared vision.
After spending one and a half year’s considering 65 potential properties within a 15-minute drive of Nelson, the development group purchased a beautiful 26-acre parcel above the west arm of Kootenay Lake at the end of Heddle Road in February 2013. The south facing land has spectacular views of Kootenay Lake and the City of Nelson. It is bordered on the west by Duhamel Creek and 103 acres of open land. Crown land lies to the north and east. To the south-west are the residential lots along Heddle Road.

The Nelson Cohousing development is comprised of 12 highly efficient and eco-friendly duplex units. The 24 homes range in size from 850 sf two-bedroom units to 1,500 sf three-bedroom units. Half of the homes will have basements that will add an additional 500 sf to 700 sf of partially finished space. The development includes a 2,300 sf common house that is centrally located. This 2-story building is designed to accommodate large gatherings and expanded functions. It includes a commercial grade kitchen, walk-in freezer, two guest units, dining/living areas, exercise space, music room, workshop space, storage, and a children’s play area. A large patio with outdoor seating and barbeque affords sweeping views of Kootenay Lake and Nelson.
Other assets anticipated within the project budget include a sauna, community workshop, greenhouse, meditation/yoga building, chicken coop, garden shed, bicycle sheds, truck, tractor, deer fencing, irrigation, paved parking and driveway.

A small city with a big personality, Nelson (population 9,804) is situated on the West Arm of Kootenay Lake in the heart of the Selkirk Mountains.

People come here for the alpine skiing, nordic skiing, cat-skiing, mountain biking, hiking, boating, rafting and golf, and for the most active arts and culture scene in the Kootenay Rockies.

Home to an eclectic mix of old Nelson families and urban refugees, this vibrant Victorian town also boasts hundreds of well-preserved heritage buildings, a crazy number of good restaurants, bustling coffee shops, retail stores, and no shortage of sidewalk cafes.

Downtown is inviting, compact, walkable, and packed with unique, boutique style stores that reflect the diversity of the community. Within just a few blocks, find everything from natural foods to high-quality clothing, with a whole lot of outdoor gear in between.

As of April 1, 2014 6 homes are just completing lock-up with interior finishing to start soon.

6 more homes are under construction in this exciting new Nelson and Kootenay Lake Area real estate development.

All 24 homes and the 5,000 square foot common house will be ready for move-in between December 2014 and April 2015.

Only 3 homes remain available. Visit our website to learn more about cohousing and to see if our philosophy, property and Nelson are a good fit for you.

You can also read the interesting backgrounds and biographies of your 21 neighbour families.