Paul Chew

Coweeta Heritage Center/Talking Rock Farm has been dedicated to teaching and promoting sustainable living.  We are looking for individuals or families who want to be Co-founders of our community based on Voluntary Simplicity.  Coweeta has served the local community (Franklin, NC) for over 20 years and hosted many volunteers from all over the world.  The time is ripe for Coweeta to become a full-fledged Intentional Community with a clear Mission and Vision to be of service to  the world.

Here is an excerpt from our site on IC.org.  Contact me (Paul Chew) for more info.  

"Voluntary Simplicity" is based on the recognition that “very little is needed to live well” and that “abundance is a state of mind.” Living lower on the economic ladder allows us more time and freedom to pursue other life goals: community and social engagement, family time, artistic or intellectual projects, more fulfilling employment, political participation, sustainable living, spiritual exploration, and more. According to the Voluntary Collective, “The grounding assumption of Voluntary Simplicity is that all human beings have the potential to live meaningful, free, happy and infinitely diverse lives while consuming no more than an equitable share of (the world’s) resources.” We affirm the need for a work/life balance, the right to a healthy environment and healthy food, and healthy community relationships supporting a diverse population. It is our responsibility as engineers of a new generation to make the changes that we want to see happen and pass this on to the next generations. We can’t wait for someone else to do this important work. Voluntary Simplicity is a quiet revolution that can change the world. As one person said, “we must be poets of our own lives and of a new generation.”

We hope you will join us here at Coweeta or elsewhere on your journey to a healthier and more sustainable future!

Hi Drew,  I just saw your post.  As a member, you are part of the community which owns the infrastructure (land, buildings, etc). Myembers have access to the whole property, not just a slice as you mentioned.  I think there are some advantages to this: c,ontrol of the land/infrastructure stays with the community; the community helps you build a house (shared resources you may not have: timber, saw mill, kiln for drying lumber, heavy equipment, etc),  and at least for me, I know I can't take it with me, so what is the point of ownership.  Members must be in good standing to remain in the community (more on that if you are  interested.  Paul

Ps I would be happy to talk with you more about this if you like.

Coweeta could use a carpenter!  Lots of building projects that could use your help (and interest).  You can contact me at 828-342-2137 or email at coweeta@gmail.com.  You would be welcome to visit, come and stay as well.  paul

I have hosted volunteers on my farm for 20 years.  This has been a learning experience for me (LOL, I'm still learning).  I feel it  is time to establish a permanent community on the property (off-grid, organic, natural). It takes a community to host volunteers.  I can't do it alone anymore.  So, I'm looking for those folks who have the vision, determination, to help create a caring community that protects the land and helps heal each other.  I have been reaching out for some time and wonder where the folks are who want to be part of starting up a community?  I'm just curious.  Coweeta is located in the mountains of Western North Carolina in a small valley (no power and little development).  It was home to Native Americans and early settlers.  I lived for 18 years in the last of the log cabins built here in the early 1800s.  I'm now building an earth-bermed housed with solar.  A 1/4 acre raised-bed garden is well established (tons of leaf compost every year).  A saw mill and white pine stand provide plenty of lumber for building. I'm currently working on a wood-fired kiln for drying lumber.  A hydro system with solar added on provides power for the farm.   A few trailers provide temporary housing for folks.  So, if you are looking for a home, please ck out my host site here on ic.org (Coweeta Heritage Center/Talking Rock Farm).  Also, www.coweetaheritagecenter.com and www.facebook.com/coweetaheritagecenter

I wanted to add a little more info about Coweeta and its vision and mission:

A little about Coweeta Heritage Center

Voluntary Simplicity is based on the idea that there is plenty for everyone if resources are shared equitably, and that just enough is plenty.

Coweeta Heritage Center and Talking Rock Farm have been based on this idea since conception. Over the years, CHC/Talking Rock Farm has provided opportunities for folks to come to live and learn about sustainable living, living close to the land, and enjoying the beauty and bounty of the land while sharing it with others.

Voluntary simplicity is based on the belief that everyone has enough to exist if the resources are shared fairly. Voluntary simplicity describes how we can live simply so that others can simply live.

Voluntary Simplicity is a recognition that nature provides us with valuable services and resources that we can use to enrich our lives. Utilizing local resources, appropriate technology, and working cooperatively, we can discover creative ways to meet our needs as directly and simply as possible. We can learn to live lightly on the land and enjoy the Earth’s bounty.  

Blessed be!

paul chew

Hi Abbey,  You can email me at coweeta@gmail.com.  Thanks for getting in touch!

Coweeta Heritage Center/Talking Rock Farm has openings for folks interested in living off grid in the mountains of Western North Carolina.  Near the town of Franklin, NC.  Great opportunity to help form and start up an Intentional Community in the beauty of semi-tropical rainforest.  Much work has been done on the property over the past 20 years I have lived here (garden, good roads, off-grid power system, pond, building sites, etc).  I have hosted many dozens of folks (woofers and interns), and now want to establish a viable community to protect the land for the future.  The property is 32 acres with a stream on one side, and many springs.  Power (there is no power in this valley ) is supplied by hydro and solar.  There is temporary housing while you build a house from timber on the property (sawmill).  Located just 4 miles from a major highway and 10 mile to town with many amenities.  The property would lend itself as a retreat/healing center for an income stream.  A beyond organic garden/farm (1/4 acre) is well established, and I sell produce to the local community.  I'm also a spoon maker in case someone wants to learn a trade (I sell all the spoons I can make).  Eventually, the land will be put in a trust when there are other full-time members.  One year provisional membership required before permanent status (voting rights etc.).  Coweeta is a drug, alcohol, and tobacco free environment for the benefit of the land and people.  Please contact me for more info.  Paul Chew

Coweeta@gmail.com: seeking others to help start up an Intentional community.  See posts here.

Eric,  my  email is www.coweeta@gmail.com

Hi A. Smith,  Coweeta Heritage Center/Talking Rock Farm is looking for folks to help start up an Intentional community.  The land is off grid, private, surrounded by nature.  Just 4 miles from the nearest highway, but you might feel you are somewhere in paradise.  Coweeta has a well-established organic raised bed garden, pond for trout (none right now), sawmill and timber to build with, and so much more.  Just looking for the right folks to make a commitment to building community.  Coweeta is a drug, alcohol  and tobacco free environment. Coweeta, nestled in the woods of the Nantahalla Mountains, would be the perfect place for a retreat/healing center.  Please see my post here under  intentional community.