Our community is full and not open to the public at this time. We invite you to learn about us through the description below. Stay in the loop about when we have opportunities to visit or join by signing-up to our email list through our website.
If you would like to visit, we are one of the stops on the we are one of the stops on the annual Vermont Ecovillage Tour, which you can learn more about here: https://www.ecovillagetours.com/
We are a multi-generational community nestled into the wooded hills of Cabot, Vermont. Our community began in 2011 and today consists of 8 households on 14 acres. We are situated at the headwaters of the Winooski River, hence our name.
Most households have built their homes here using natural or sustainable building techniques. Homes are clustered near each other to allow for greater shared open space. The design of our community is loosely based on permaculture principles.
Households own the land around their home and we collectively own common areas, which includes a: bountiful garden, earthship greenhouse & hoop house, wood-fired hot tub & sauna, orchard & meadow
We share our home with goats, chickens, bees, dogs, cats, and many woodland critters. Our community is well connected with neighboring homesteads and the village of Cabot (within walking distance from our land).
We make decisions together during a monthly business meeting. Everyone pitches in to help with projects and contributes a monthly due to maintain our shared infrastructure and land. Most of us have jobs in the area or work remotely from home. Although not an income-sharing community, we do much informal sharing of tools and resources.
We enjoy caring for our land, having fun together, and co-creating a supportive environment for the young ones in our community to grow up in. We have lots of gatherings — birthday parties, summer games, winter sledding, and fireside chats.
Headwaters aims to be a nurturing community for the individuals and families who live here. We strive to grow a lot of our own food, live close to nature, and enjoy each other’s company.
While we do not currently have openings for new members, if we did have an opening, the process would be to visit and come to work days. Then if someone is still interested, they start attending our monthly meetings on a regular basis. There is an application process, and after some time spent attending meetings, visitors can submit an application that will be considered by the group. To build a home there, you would buy a home site and agree to pay monthly condo fees for shared facilities.
Unfortunately, we are not open to public visitors at this time. However, if you would like to visit, we are one of the stops on the annual Vermont Ecovillage Tour that you can learn more about at https://www.ecovillagetours.com/
A few people (not elected by the broader community) make the major decisions.
Generally seek agreement, but have backup methods when consensus isn’t reached.
Power and responsibility are shared relatively equally among members.
Everyone who is a resident is part of the governing, and has an equal voice in decisions for Headwaters.
Members maintain separate personal finances with minimal sharing.
Join fee: $25
Regular fees: $150
Labor: Encouraged or suggested (0 hrs/week)
Members with pre-existing debt: allowed
Garden(s), Greenhouse(s), Vehicle Share, Outbuilding(s), Swimming pond or pool, Hot tub or hot springs, Large Scale Kitchen, Tractor & Farm Equipment, Stage or Auditorium, Fire pit, Swingsets & play areas, Internet
Countryside locations with significant distance from urban centers.
Private homes with shared common facilities, designed for neighborly
interaction while maintaining independence.
Integrated communities designed around ecological principles with sustainable living practices.
A residential project: people live here as their primary home.
An institution, business, network, or project that isn’t a residence (e.g. a learning center, farm, or network with no one living there full-time).
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