What is Cohousing?
Cohousing is not a commune, a timeshare, or a development where everything is shared. At Burns Village & Farm, each household will own its own private home and land, with full independence to live as they choose. The community is designed to encourage connection, not require it and residents will decide how much or how little they want to participate in shared meals, activities, or farming.
Imagine…
A neighborhood that will bring together sustainable design and a social, supportive way of life. At Burns Village & Farm, neighbors will not just live next door, they’ll truly know one another, creating a community rooted in connection and shared purpose.
Each household will have its own private, fully equipped residence, designed for comfort and independence. At the same time, the village will include shared spaces, gardens, walking trails, gathering areas, and a common house. The common house will become the heart of the community, where neighbors can come together for meals, celebrations, meetings, and informal gatherings.
From the very beginning, residents have been part of the design and development process. This means the neighborhood will reflect the priorities and values of its members: sustainability, community, and a deep respect for the land. The village will be carefully planned to balance privacy with togetherness, giving each resident the choice to retreat into their home or step into a thriving social environment.
The land itself will be an essential part of life at Burns Village & Farm. With a professional farmer managing the fields, residents may enjoy fresh, organic produce throughout the seasons. Those who wish can tend their own gardens, while others may simply savor the bounty of the harvest. Every acre will be shaped with care, from protecting the historic Mother Oak to preserving the woodlands and creek that make this place so special.
Burns Village & Farm will be more than a collection of homes. It will be a new way of living, one that fosters meaningful connection, nurtures health and well-being, and honors the natural beauty of Tennessee.
The land itself will be an essential part of life at Burns Village & Farm. With a professional farmer managing the fields, residents may enjoy fresh, organic produce throughout the seasons. Those who wish can tend their own gardens, while others may simply savor the bounty of the harvest. Every acre will be shaped with care, from protecting the historic Mother Oak to preserving the woodlands and creek that make this place so special.
Burns Village & Farm will be more than a collection of homes. It will be a new way of living, one that fosters meaningful connection, nurtures health and well-being, and honors the natural beauty of Tennessee.
What Cohousing is Not
Cohousing is not a commune, a timeshare, or a development where everything is shared. At Burns Village & Farm, each household will own its own private home and land, with full independence to live as they choose. The community is designed to encourage connection, not require it and residents will decide how much or how little they want to participate in shared meals, activities, or farming. Unlike traditional subdivisions where neighbors may remain strangers, cohousing emphasizes collaboration and intentional design, but it does not mean giving up privacy, autonomy, or ownership.
Join us for an event or become an explorer to discover how Burns Village & Farm is redefining modern living
Oct 29th at 7:00 - 8:00 pm (CT)
November 9th at 2:00 - 3:30 pm
November 22nd at 12:30 - 1:30
The Burns Village & Farm Concept Plan
Every community begins with a vision, and the founding members of Burns Village and Farm are excited to share the concept plan for Burns Village & Farm. This marks a major step forward in shaping our dream of a thriving, intentional village surrounded by farmland and preserved landscapes.
Every community begins with a vision, and the founding members of Burns Village and Farm are excited to share the concept plan for Burns Village & Farm. This marks a major step forward in shaping our dream of a thriving, intentional village surrounded by farmland and preserved landscapes. In many meetings, we have walked the land together and determined the best locations for the homes. The chosen site, a gently sloping area near Highway 96, naturally forms a “bowl.” This topography provides a beautiful setting that allows some homes to feature walkout basements, adding both charm and function to our village design.
The village footprint has expanded to 18 acres under contract. This includes:
The Village – About 5 acres dedicated to 36 homes. This will be the heart of our community, where neighbors gather and life flows.
The Farm – About 4 acres set aside for cultivation and farm infrastructure, providing fresh food and hands-on experiences for everyone.
Preserved Land – Several acres of woodlands, open fields, an enlarged pond, and creek access. These areas will remain protected, protecting the biodiversity of the land.
One of our guiding commitments is environmental stewardship. We are taking special care to protect the Mother Oak, a landmark tree that anchors the property. We will join the consortium of landowners dedicated to preserving the ecosystem of Beaver Dam Creek.
This concept plan goes beyond lines on a map. It represents our shared vision of living with each other and with a nearby farm. By combining thoughtfully placed homes, working farmland, and preserved natural areas, Burns Village & Farm will become a place where community and conservation can thrive side by side.
This is just the beginning. As our plans evolve, so will the opportunities to get involved. Together, we’re creating a neighborhood and a nurturing way of life.
Ready to Begin?
Join us for an event or become an explorer to discover how Burns Village & Farm is redefining modern living
Oct 1st at 7:00 - 8:00 pm (CT)
October 12th at 2:00 - 3:30 pm
October 18th at 12:30 - 1:30
Peeling Back the Layers: Kathleen’s Journey to Burns Village & Farm
When you meet Kathleen, you quickly sense a life lived in service, reflection, and community. A retired hospital chaplain and social worker, a Quaker, and now a part-time seamstress, Kathleen has spent decades weaving together threads of connection, in her work, in her spiritual life, and now at Burns Village & Farm.
When you meet Kathleen, you quickly sense a life lived in service, reflection, and community. A retired hospital chaplain and social worker, a Quaker, and now a part-time seamstress, Kathleen has spent decades weaving together threads of connection, in her work, in her spiritual life, and now at Burns Village & Farm.
“I’ve always wanted to live in community,” she reflects. From her early college days studying the legacy of Black Mountain College to her time in ecumenical women’s groups and Quaker seminary, the idea of shared living, shared work, and shared growth has been her quiet compass.
Building for the Future
For Kathleen, joining Burns Village isn’t just about moving into a neighborhood; it’s about being part of something larger. She speaks candidly about her hope to live among people of all ages, not just those with “blue hair like me,” but younger families and individuals building their lives. “We need people that have children, who are in the midst of careers,” she says. “This is about creating a truly diverse community for the future”.
Letting Go to Begin Again
One of Kathleen’s most striking reflections is on what she calls “peeling the barnacles off my soul.” Over the years, she’s accumulated books, china sets, and the weight of past communities. Moving into Burns means releasing some of those things, not with sorrow, but with purpose. “I want to feel like I’m building something that’s going to reach beyond my life”.
Choosing Life Over Isolation
After the loss of a dear friend, Kathleen realized she didn’t want to “just sit in a box that’s called my house.” Instead, she wants to live fully, surrounded by neighbors she knows, engaged in the messy, beautiful work of building a village together. “Community means facing challenges, talking through them, and growing from them,” she says. “That’s the gift”.
Rooted in Place, Rooted in Hope
For Kathleen, the Tennessee land itself is part of the calling. “There’s so much wrong with this state,” she admits, “but it is so beautiful, so rich. To root the last days of my life here makes it worth investing what I have left.”
Kathleen’s story is both deeply personal and universally resonant. It’s about courage, letting go, and stepping into the unknown with faith. For anyone curious about Burns Village & Farm—whether you’re dreaming of belonging, looking for a more intentional way to live, or simply exploring what community could mean for you—her words are an invitation.
Interested in learning more about what we are creating at Burns Village and Farm?
Join us for an event or become an explorer to discover how Burns Village & Farm is redefining modern living
September 20th at 12:30 - 1:30
Oct 2nd at 7:00 - 8:00 pm (CT)
October 12th at 2:00 - 3:30 pm
The Disappearing Ties of Community
In reflecting on his family’s history, Eric, a Burns Village & Farm member, shares a story that spans multiple generations, each one experiencing a gradual shift away from deep-rooted community living. What once was a way of life built on interdependence has, over time, given way to more isolated lifestyles.
In reflecting on his family’s history, Eric, a Burns Village & Farm member, shares a story that spans multiple generations, each one experiencing a gradual shift away from deep-rooted community living. What once was a way of life built on interdependence has, over time, given way to more isolated lifestyles.
Roots in Cooperative Farming
His mother’s family, Polish farmers who immigrated to Michigan in the 1860s, arrived with little more than their savings, determination, and farming skills. They built their own homes, cultivated their land, and, most importantly, built a culture of helping one another. Harvest season was a community affair: neighbors gathered to work one farm at a time, ensuring no one was left behind. Life was hard, but the shared labor and mutual support made it not just bearable, but rewarding.
A Childhood with Neighbors, But Less Connection
By the time his mother raised her own family, that tight-knit agricultural model had faded. Growing up in a Michigan subdivision, he still experienced a sense of neighborhood camaraderie. Families shared access to a lakefront, participated in cleanup days, and enjoyed community events. Neighbors knew each other’s names, and children played together, but the cooperative spirit was already a shadow of the one his grandparents had known.
Parenting in the Digital Age
When it came time for him to raise his own children in California, the contrast was stark. Instead of gathering outdoors with friends, his kids often preferred video games and computer time. Encouraging them to participate in activities beyond screens became an uphill battle. He wondered if this was a reflection on his parenting, but also recognized it as part of a broader cultural shift, one where shared community activities are no longer the default.
Looking Back to Move Forward
His family’s story is more than nostalgia; it’s a reminder of how much has been lost in just a few generations. The journey from cooperative farming to suburban neighborhoods to digital isolation is more than a personal experience; it’s a reflection of broader societal changes. Rebuilding community today may require intentional effort, and as his family’s history shows, the benefits of connection are worth the work.
Join us for an event or become an explorer to discover how Burns Village & Farm is redefining modern living
Sept 17th at 7:00 - 8:00 pm (CT)
September 20th at 12:30 - 1:30
October 12th at 2:00 - 3:30 pm
Finding a Home in the Countryside
When some members picture their days once the village is complete, it’s a mix of peaceful solitude and neighborly connection. “I’ll get up and decide if I want company or not. If I do, I can walk out the front door and hang out or head to the common house. If I don’t, I can go out the back door, sit for a while, and enjoy the quiet.”
For many members, the appeal of Burns Village & Farm was clear from the start. “It’s the countryside,” they say without hesitation. “I’ve never been much of a city person. All my adult life, I’ve lived in the country. The fact that this will be rural is really attractive to me. And the people, everyone is so nice. You can just tell it’s going to be a good community.”
Imagining Everyday Life
When some members picture their days once the village is complete, it’s a mix of peaceful solitude and neighborly connection. “I’ll get up and decide if I want company or not. If I do, I can walk out the front door and hang out or head to the common house. If I don’t, I can go out the back door, sit for a while, and enjoy the quiet.”
With sidewalks connecting the homes and shared spaces, getting around will be easy for them. “I won’t be doing a lot of running around because I’m a bit limited in how much I can walk, but I’ll be able to reach the places I want to go. And I can still enjoy the countryside, look out and see the trees and the pastures. That’s what I’m going to love most.”
Discovering CoHousing
What sold some members was the blend of privacy and connection. “Cohousing gives you a community, which is so nice, people you know nearby, but you’re not on top of each other. It’s kind of like neighborhoods used to be years ago, where everybody knew everybody, and you’d gather in someone’s yard. Only here, it’s a bit more condensed, and there’s a common house where you can meet up if you want to. You can be as active or as private as you want.”
The Joy of Sharing Meals
One of the shared experiences members look forward to most is gathering for meals. “That’s when you really get to know people, sharing food, conversation, and being there for the common good of the community. It’s a small system, but you can make it what you need it to be.”
More Connection, Every Day
Life for some can be isolating, and they look forward to the connection they will feel at Burns Village and Farm. “Some days, the only living things I see are my animals, unless I decide to go to town. At Burns Village & Farm, I believe I will just step outside, and there’s a good chance I’ll run into someone. That’s going to make a big difference for me.”
Gardening in a New Way
Some members also envision gardening playing a part in their daily rhythm. Some will create raised beds because at the right height will make gardening easier for them. “I can still do ground gardening, but this way I can keep at it comfortably and enjoy growing things.”
For many, Burns Village & Farm isn’t just a place to live, it’s a place to belong. It’s the countryside they’ve always loved, paired with the kind of community spirit they are ready to embrace.
Join us for an event or become an explorer to discover how Burns Village & Farm is redefining modern living
Sept 3rd at 7:00 - 8:00 pm (CT)
September 14th at 2:00 - 3:30 pm
September 20th at 12:30 - 1:30
Living in Community & Nature
When you ask any of our members what kind of community Burns Village & Farm is meant to be, they don’t hesitate. They paint a picture of a place where you know your neighbor, not just in passing, but in a way that builds trust, shared experiences, and a real sense of belonging.
When you ask any of our members what kind of community Burns Village & Farm is meant to be, they don’t hesitate. They paint a picture of a place where you know your neighbor, not just in passing, but in a way that builds trust, shared experiences, and a real sense of belonging. It’s not about waving from across the street and forgetting the conversation. It’s about knowing each other’s stories, checking in when someone hasn’t been seen for a while, and being there when help is needed.
That closeness isn’t accidental. Burns Village & Farm is designed for people who want to live with a stronger connection to both nature and the people around them. Members talk about a “shared desire to be closer to nature and farming,” but that phrase goes beyond simply enjoying fresh air or buying local produce. It’s about engaging with the land, whether that’s tending to crops, learning new gardening techniques, or simply walking among the fields and feeling the seasons change. For many here, it’s a return to something they’ve been missing in modern life: the satisfaction of knowing where their food comes from and being part of the process that brings it to the table.
The farm is a hub, but it’s not the only thing tying neighbors together. Members envision a community built around like-minded social interests, spaces where people can gather for farm-to-table dinners, seasonal festivals, workshops, and small events that keep life here lively and connected. These aren’t forced or formal interactions; they grow naturally from the shared values that draw people here in the first place. If you value sustainability, health, and a slower, more intentional way of life, you’ll find people here who feel the same way.
In a world where so many neighborhoods feel disconnected, Burns Village & Farm offers something different. It’s not about retreating from the modern world, but about rethinking what “home” means. Here, the design of the neighborhood encourages interaction, paths that cross often, spaces where people can gather spontaneously, and a rhythm of life that keeps neighbors engaged with one another.
And while the vision includes farming and nature at its heart, it’s also about flexibility. Some residents may be deeply involved in farm operations, while others simply enjoy the benefits, fresh produce, open green spaces, and the peace that comes from living in a place where nature is part of daily life. The common thread is choice: the freedom to participate in a way that fits your lifestyle while still contributing to the whole.
Our members’ words carry a simple truth: this is a place where the connection you have to your surroundings is as important as the roof over your head. It’s about neighbors who feel more like extended family, the shared joy of harvesting the first vegetables of the season, and the comfort of knowing you’re part of something sustainable, not just environmentally, but socially.
Burns Village & Farm isn’t for everyone, and that’s what makes it special. It’s for people who see value in a slower pace, who want to swap more screen time for more green time, and who believe that knowing your neighbor should still mean something. In many ways, it’s a modern answer to an old-fashioned question: What does it mean to truly belong somewhere?
It means living in a place where the land and the people around you matter equally, where community is not a slogan but a way of life, and where every handshake and hello carries the weight of real connection. Burns Village & Farm is that place, a village where the lines between home, nature, and friendship blur into one.
About Burns Village & Farm
Burns Village & Farm is a planned neighborhood and working organic farm in Burns, Tennessee. Our vision is a place where people live in harmony with nature, share in the bounty of the land, and enjoy a strong sense of community.
Join us for an event and discover how Burns Village & Farm is redefining modern living
August 20th at 7:00 - 8:00 pm (CT)
August 23rd at 12:30 - 1:30
September 14th at 2:00 - 3:30 pm
The Joy of Shared Experiences in Cohousing
What excites Aundra most about living at Burns Village & Farm? The experiences. The people. The energy. “The farming, the gardening, the collaboration, the activities, just being with people and loving on them. That’s what life is about.”
From Gardening to Hugs: The Everyday Magic of Community Life
What excites Aundra most about living at Burns Village & Farm? The experiences. The people. The energy.
“The farming, the gardening, the collaboration, the activities, just being with people and loving on them. That’s what life is about.”
In a world where loneliness is becoming a growing epidemic, cohousing provides an antidote, a built-in community where people check in on each other, cook together, and celebrate life’s simple moments.
Imagine starting your day planting vegetables in the garden and ending it around a communal table, sharing food, laughter, and conversation? How joyful is that!
“I love people, no matter where they’re from. I’m not judgmental. I just love people.”
In a world that often feels divided, Burns Village & Farm fosters unity, connection, and joy through shared experiences, not just as an ideal, but grounded in shared values and daily practices. As a cohousing community, it’s designed to replace isolation with intentional togetherness. Neighbors live near each other, cook meals together, share gardens, raise children in community, and support one another through life’s challenges and celebrations.
In this village, there will be gathering places, shared sacred spaces, privacy, and collaboration as a way of life.
It’s a return to the village model, where people are known, valued, and uplifted, celebrating and valuing the diversity of interests, skills, and experiences. Burns Village & Farm is being carefully designed to support the essential need to belong in ways that respect differences in how individuals and families want to participate.
Join us for an event and discover how Burns Village & Farm is redefining modern living
August 6th at 7:00 - 8:00 pm (CT)
August 23rd at 12:30 - 1:30
August 17th at 2:00 - 3:30 pm
The Loneliness Epidemic. How Cohousing Creates Community
Hear from founding member, Barbara, who considers herself a homebody, but even for someone who enjoys time alone. She recognizes the importance of human connection. She believes that belonging is a fundamental human need, and at Burns Village, that sense of belonging is built into the design of the community itself.
Barbara considers herself a homebody, but even for someone who enjoys time alone, she recognizes the importance of human connection. She believes that belonging is a fundamental human need, and at Burns Village, that sense of belonging is built into the design of the community itself.
One of the biggest issues in modern life is loneliness, not the absence of people, but the absence of meaningful connection.
We’ve built lives that prioritize personal freedom and convenience, but often at the cost of community and daily human interaction.
Many people go days without meaningful interactions, even in neighborhoods filled with people. But cohousing naturally combats loneliness because it’s designed to foster organic, everyday connections.
Burns Village & Farm is designed to change the way we connect as a community, by creating a place where neighbors truly know, support, and grow with each other.
Barbara loves that at Burns Village & Farm, she doesn’t have to go out of her way to find community, it’s right outside her door. Whether it’s chatting with a neighbor on the way home, participating in a community event, or just knowing that help is available when needed, cohousing makes sure that no one feels isolated.
Join us for an event and discover how Burns Village & Farm is redefining modern living
July 23th at 7:00 - 8:00 pm (CT)
July 26th at 12:30 - 1:30
August 17th at 2:00 - 3:30 pm
Barabara makes a plan during the member retreat this spring.
Rediscovering Community: Why I Chose Cohousing Near Nashville
Diane Scher grew up in a small, close-knit community in New York, where kids could roam freely, eat dinner at their friends’ houses, and parents never had to worry. But as she moved through life, that sense of true community became harder to find.
A Neighborhood That Felt Like Home
Diane Scher grew up in a small, close-knit community in New York, where kids could roam freely, eat dinner at their friends’ houses, and parents never had to worry. But as she moved through life, that sense of true community became harder to find.
“I never found that again after we moved. When I was raising my child in Nashville, everything was so isolated. You go into your garage, close the door, and that’s that.”
This longing for deeper connections, safety, and shared experiences led her to Burns Village & Farm. She wanted to create the type of environment she once knew—where people look out for one another and kids can safely grow up with a village around them.
Burns Village & Farm isn’t just about housing, it’s about reviving the spirit of community in a world that often feels disconnected.
Interested in learning more? Attend one of our upcoming virtual information sessions.
Join us for an event and discover how Burns Village & Farm is redefining modern living
June 21st at 12:30 - 1:30
June 25th at 7:00 - 8:00 pm (CT)
June 22nd at 2:00 - 3:30 pm
What Excites Me Most About Cohousing
Unlike typical suburban developments, cohousing-agrihood communities like Burns Village Farm are designed to encourage collaboration. With private homes clustered around a large commonhouse to preserve open spaces for an organic farm and conservation, these communities offer a more meaningful way of living.
One of the most exciting aspects of Burns Village Farm for Brian is the sense of belonging and connection.
“I love the idea of having a community—a built-in group of people I can relate to, almost like an extended family.”
Unlike typical suburban developments, cohousing-agrihood communities like Burns Village Farm are designed to encourage collaboration. With private homes clustered around a large commonhouse to preserve open spaces for an organic farm and conservation, these communities offer a more meaningful way of living.
What Makes Burns Village Farm Unique?
It is a rural cohousing agrihood, yet connected to the Nashville metro area. – Nestled in the countryside but close to I-40 for easy access to Nashville.
Burns Village & Farm promotes sustainable living with a focus on agriculture, organic gardening, knowing your neighbors, and sharing resources.
It is a community-driven development with consensus-based decision-making, ensuring everyone’s voice is heard, while we work with the best cohousing development experts to bring our vision to reality.