Why Tom & Sandy Chose Burns Village & Farm
A Long-Held Vision
Sandy first discovered cohousing more than 25 years ago while raising her three boys in a small Missouri subdivision. Surrounded by chain-link fences and cookie-cutter houses, she sensed that life could be lived differently, more connected, more supportive, more joyful. When she stumbled across the concept of cohousing online, she was captivated. For years, it remained a “back-shelf dream,” but never disappeared.
By 2023, the timing was finally right. With their children grown and financial logistics aligned, Sandy once again began searching, and that’s when she found Burns Village & Farm. The rural setting, the emphasis on community, and the concept of an agrihood sealed the deal.
“It was new to me, and I got really, really excited because everything was just kind of perfect about it at that point,” she recalls.
Building Connection, One Porch and One Table at a Time
For Tom, cohousing took a little more convincing. At first, he admits he thought it was “hippie commune weirdness.” But over time, Sandy’s patience and his own reflections shifted his perspective.
Two things changed his mind: porches and tables.
“The front porch shouts community and welcome,” Tom says. “You can’t sit out on your front porch and not engage with a neighbor walking by. And then there’s the dining room table, so many conversations, values, and memories are built there. At Burns Village & Farm, the common house feels like one big dining table for everyone.”
Aging in Place, Welcoming the Future
Sandy and Tom are deeply drawn to the idea of aging in place within a multigenerational community. For Sandy, that includes offering support to younger families, whether babysitting a neighbor’s child or simply being present for a new mom who needs a break.
Tom points to the research on loneliness among older adults. “Relationships are key. Building and maintaining friendships over the rest of your life is essential. Cohousing creates those natural, daily connections.”
Food, Farming, and Shared Work
A big part of Sandy’s excitement centers around food and sustainability. From preparing healthy, home-cooked meals together to sharing skills like composting and gardening, she sees Burns Village & Farm as a place where nourishment extends far beyond the dinner plate.
“I love to cook, but it gets tiring doing everything just for two. I look forward to preparing meals with others, nutritious, healthy meals that we can share. And when I think about food security, I know we’ll have the farm right here, feeding the community in a sustainable way.”
Finding the Right Place, Together
For both Tom and Sandy, Burns Village & Farm is more than a place to live—it’s a place to belong. After years of waiting, exploring, and imagining, they’ve found a community that matches their values and offers space to grow alongside others.
As Sandy puts it, she’s excited for the simple joys ahead: “Puttering in the garden, walking in nature, making meals, and eating together with friends and neighbors.”
If this interview peaked your interest, take the next step and schedule a free virtual information session with John, a founding member of Burns Village & Farm
Ready to Begin?
Join us for an event or become an explorer to discover how Burns Village & Farm is redefining modern living
November 26th at 7:00 - 8:00 pm (CT)
December 7th at 2:00 - 3:30 pm
December 20th at 12:30 - 1:30