Rustic Haven Cohousing Community Information

Intent Statement

At Rustic Haven, we are a diverse and intergenerational community committed to creating a connected, sustainable, and inclusive way of living. Rooted in mutual respect, collaboration, and environmental stewardship, we seek to build a neighborhood where each person is valued, heard, and supported.

We are guided by the principals of intentional living-sharing resources, fostering deep relationships, and designing our physical and social spaces to promote wellbeing, creativity, and resilience. Nestled in a natural setting, Rustic Haven blends the simplicity of rural life with the strength of collective care.

Together, we strive to:

Cultivate a sense of belonging through open communication, active participation, and shared responsibility.
Embrace sensibly sized homes and community common spaces.
Embrace diversity in all forms- welcoming people of different ages, backgrounds, beliefs, and life paths.
Foster a culture of learning, play, and celebration that nourishes both individuals and the whole community.

Rustic Haven is more than a place to live-it’s a way to live intentionally, in harmony with each other.

Participation Expectations at Rustic Haven Cohousing Community

At Rustic Haven, we believe that shared effort is the foundation of a thriving and resilient community. Each member’s participation helps shape the quality of life we enjoy together. By each member contributing we are able to live within this little slice of paradise located within the town limits of Buena Vista while keeping the community thriving but keeping the HOA dues manageable. While we honor individual circumstances and abilities, we ask all members to contribute actively in the following ways:

1: Community Meetings

Attend regular community meetings to stay informed, share input, and help shape decisions.
Participate in consensus or chosen decision-making processes with openness and respect.

2: Work Contributions

As a new and growing community, our work contributions will naturally evolve as we flourish and expand. At this early stage, we kindly ask each member to contribute approximately 2 hours per week, if possible. We anticipate that as the community grows and more members join in, the need for individual work contributions will gradually decrease.

Contribute time and energy to maintenance, beautifications, and stewardship of shared spaces (e.g. gardens, pathways, common house).
Participate in rotating responsibilities such as cleaning shared spaces, supporting communal projects, organizing or cooking.

3: Committee Involvement

Join or support at least one committee or working group based on your interests and skills (e.g. land stewardship, welcoming new members, events, governance).
Help with occasional tasks that arise within the group’s evolving needs.

4: Community Culture

Engage in building a culture of kindness, accountability, and open communication.
Be willing to address and resolve conflicts constructively, ideally through community supported processes.

5: Event and Social Life

Participate in community meals, celebrations, and events, when possible, to strengthen social bonds.
Offer support to neighbors in times of need and receive support in turn.

We recognize that each person’s capacity varies, and we are committed to ensuring that participation is both meaningful and sustainable. Our goal is not perfection, but a spirit of shared responsibility, trust, and contribution.

HOA Dues at Rustic Haven Cohousing Community

To support the shared spaces, infrastructure, and values of the community, all members contribute to the monthly Homeowners Association (HOA) dues. These dues are essential to sustaining the collective needs and long-term health of Rustic Haven.

Purpose of HOA Dues

Maintenance and repair of common areas (e.g. pathways, gardens, parking, shared buildings).
Utilities for shared spaces (e.g., electricity, water, gas for the Common House).
Landscaping, waste removal, snow removal, wi-fi, and other essential services.
Insurance for common property.
Reserve funds for long-term repairs and capital improvements.
Community programs, gatherings, and administrative costs.

Dues Structure

The association will be billed for all water and sewer usage on the entire property and then each individual unit will have sub-metered water and sewer service. These charges will appear on your monthly HOA bill in addition to your regular HOA dues. The water and sewer fees are based on the actual usage recorded for your unit. Natural gas and electricity (if applicable) will be billed directly from the utility provider to each individual unit and paid directly to that provider.

Monthly Dues Amount: $260.00 (estimated) per unit plus water and sewer used
Due Date: Dues are payable by the 5^th of each month via online portal

Accountability & Transparency

The HOA budget is reviewed and approved annually by the community.
Members receive regular financial updates.
All expenditures are made with transparency, and input is welcomed through community meetings and finance committees.

We view dues not just as a financial obligation, but as a shared investment in the care, beauty, and sustainability of our home together.

FAQ

Q: What is a cohousing community?
A: Cohousing is a type of intentional community where residents collaboratively plan, design, and manage their living space, emphasizing social interaction and shared resources. It combines private residences with extensive common facilities like a common house, additional shared kitchen, and recreational spaces; fostering a strong sense of community and mutual support.

Q: How much are the condo association dues per month?
A: We estimate they will be around $260 / month which will include common area maintenance, trash, internet, admin fees, common area insurance, clubhouse maintenance, laundry, and more…

Q: Can I rent out my unit for short-term stays (less than 30 days)?
A: No. Only long-term rentals of 30 days or more are allowed. Additionally, all renters and owners must complete a membership application, which includes a background check. This application must be approved before any lease is signed.

Q: Are pets allowed?
A: Yes!

Q: Who can purchase a unit?
A: Anyone is eligible to purchase a unit; however, ownership is limited to one unit per person or entity. A membership application with a background check must be submitted along with any reservation or purchase offer.

Q: Are these units income restricted?
A: No

Q: Who is responsible for exterior maintenance?
A: The homeowner is responsible for interior and exterior maintenance and repairs for their unit as well as homeowners insurance. The HOA is responsible for all common elements.

Q: Are kids allowed?
A: Yes! Kids are welcome and a vital part of a cohousing community. The property features a play area for kids.

Q: Are there architectural restrictions?
A: Yes. Architectural restrictions are in place to preserve the cohesive and quaint cabin feel of the property. Exterior colors and finishes are specifically dictated to ensure consistency throughout the community.

Community Docs

– Please check back later once the community docs are finished and posted to the site –