Sacred Mountain Sanctuary Community

The SMS residential community is situated on 41 acres of land adjacent to The Learning Village. Although it operates as a separate entity, the community's activities are interwoven with the broader SMS vision. Many residents are teachers or staff at The Learning Village, have children participating in its programs, or are engaged in conservation activities, equine and animal programs, biodynamic agriculture, or other SMS cottage industries.

SMS residents honor and listen deeply to the land when designing and creating their homes. The materials and methods used incorporate holistic design, energy efficiency, passive and active solar design, and eco-friendly materials, all while adhering to North Carolina state and Buncombe County building codes. The community comprises 14 homesites, with 9 families currently living there full time, and 5 lots that have yet to be developed. All homes are constructed by Blue Ridge Energy Systems, an award-winning builder with over 35 years of experience in green building and solar industries.

SMS also hosts one tiny home lot, which is leased to individuals aligned with SMS who wish to embrace the simplified lifestyle offered by a tiny house. The residential community land is governed by conservation-based covenants that restrict development and designate forests, fields, and other undeveloped areas as open spaces for community enjoyment. The governance and social structure of the community follow holocracy/sociocracy principles. Community members occasionally gather to celebrate holidays, perform land stewardship tasks, and enjoy meals, though the initiative for these gatherings is informal and participation is voluntary.

Those interested in purchasing or building a home and stewarding land within the SMS residential community are encouraged to email Jonathan Lim. Land tours are available by appointment only, and scheduling requests should be made at least one week in advance.

Residency & Visitor Policies

Accepting New Members? Yes

Lot & Community Features

Number of Lots: 14

Local Population Density & Setting: Rural

Total Village Population: 25

Village Acreage: 41

Terrain: Forest, Rolling Hills