Shannon Farm Community

Nestled in the beautiful and fertile Rockfish Valley, 27 miles west of Charlottesville and a 20-minute drive from the point where the Blue Ridge Parkway becomes Skyline Drive, Shannon Farm spans over 520 acres of forests, pastures, and river-bottom hayfields, featuring 8 clusters of houses. The community is home to approximately 60 adults, ranging from their 20s to 80s, and 20 children, from toddlers to teens. The residents include gardeners, artists, teachers, unschoolers, computer programmers, cabinet makers, nurses, massage therapists, activists, and entrepreneurs, creating a diverse tapestry of lifestyles.

Shannon Farm seeks new members who are eager to build long-term relationships with existing residents and are willing to engage in the physical and organizational work necessary to sustain the community and enrich its culture. Members contribute monthly dues based on individual income to cover communal expenses, such as road maintenance and childcare during meetings. Recent significant projects have included the installation of a photovoltaic array at the community center, construction of a picnic shelter at the lake, and a new tractor shop for community equipment. The community also celebrated its 40th anniversary a few years ago.

As a private, non-speculative land and housing trust, Shannon Farm owns both the land and all buildings on it. There is no joining fee; however, personal assets are required for the rent or purchase of one of the houses. The community warmly welcomes families with children and has agreements in place to ensure housing remains affordable.

Various committees (Housing, Land Stewardship, Finance, etc.) bring discussions and proposals to the monthly business meetings, utilizing a consensus-based decision-making process. Those interested in exploring Shannon can start by attending a Monthly Meeting (MM) day, with details available from the visitor coordinator.

For those interested in the global intentional communities movement and seeking a rural, sustainable lifestyle, Shannon Farm may be the ideal place. While it can take time to get acquainted with the community, new visitors are encouraged to make the effort. The community looks forward to meeting new members!

Residency & Visitor Policies

Accepting New Members? Yes

Lot & Community Features

Average Lot Size (Sq. Ft): 10000

Number of Lots: 113

Local Population Density & Setting: Rural

Total Village Population: 79

Village Acreage: 520

Terrain: Forest, Treed, Mountain, Desert, Pond(s), Rolling Hills