What is Cohousing?
Cohousing is a unique kind of housing which aims to create a greater sense of community and connection with one’s neighbours through design, shared amenities, and self-governance.
Privacy is balanced with community involvement — households keep their independence and live in their own homes, while also co-owning valuable indoor and outdoor amenities.
There are dozens of cohousing communities across Canada, both completed and in development. Treehouse Village Ecohousing is Atlantic Canada’s first completed cohousing development.
Typical Cohousing Characteristics
- A number of fully-equipped, privately owned homes designed using a participatory process with the future homeowners
- A site planned and arranged in a way that encourages interaction and community-oriented living, with gardens, walkways and play areas
- Shared amenities, usually in a Common House, such as a large kitchen, a dining room, gym or multi-purpose room, library, and guest suites
Treehouse Village Ecohousing is proud to offer all this and more, in beautiful Bridgewater, Nova Scotia. Our community has been designed with passion, based on research around best practices in other cohousing communities.
Cohousing Then and Now
The cohousing concept originated in Denmark in the 1960s. It was introduced to North America in 1988 by two architects, Charles Durrett and Kathryn McCamant.
Since then, more than 150 cohousing communities have been completed in North America. There are at least 24 completed in Canada, with many more in various stages of formation and development. Treehouse Village Ecohousing is proud to be the first completed cohousing development in Atlantic Canada.
Additional Resources
Once you have visited a cohousing community, you will understand why they have become so popular. Here are some resources:
- Canadian Cohousing Network
- Cohousing Association of the United States
- Creating Cohousing: Building Sustainable Communities by Charles Durrett and Kathryn McCamant
- The Cohousing Handbook: Building a Place for Community by Chris and Kelly ScottHanson
Cohousing in Atlantic Canada
Our multigenerational community has attracted members from Nova Scotia, across Canada, and around the world — thanks to the scenic beauty and relaxed lifestyle of Nova Scotia’s spectacular South Shore. Read about life at Treehouse Village on our blog and check out our homes for sale or rent. Questions? Please email us at info@treehousevillage.ca.