The Owner-Built Recycled Home

Chris and JR knew that when it was time for Chris to retire from her job as an office manager, they wanted to move to the country and build their dream home.

 

recycled house

Over the course of many years JR began collecting materials from construction sites and recycle centers, accumulating almost everything they would need, floor and ceiling joists, studs for wall framing, rafters, windows, doors, even the porch decking,

After becoming provisional members ( the last step before full membership), Chris and JR lived in a rental apartment on The Farm while they secured a house site and began construction. JR did much of the work himself, along with assistance from a second generation Farm carpenter.

The living room features a vaulted ceiling with beautiful stained glass lighting fixtures that came from a church.
stairs
recycled home

Even the kitchen cabinets were acquired when one of The Farm's contractors did a kitchen remodel for a home in Nashville.

The downstairs front door floor entry, the kitchen floor and a backdrop for the cook stove feature beautiful ceramic tile, another building material collected for pennies on the dollar.

A salvaged large picture window supplies a great view of the outdoors over by the breakfast nook.


The home has a full basement, a kitchen, dining room, bathroom, and living room on the first floor, a master bedroom and bath on the second floor, and a third floor with an office, guest bedroom and a "Captain's Walk," a balcony up among the tree tops.

Their home is a testimony to what can be accomplished with a little time, effort, and a watchful eye, creating something good from the abundant waste so prevalent in our society today.

This adjacent building has been designed to be a "Shakespeare" style theater, complete with a stage, balconies and a central seating area, again using many recycled materials.

Note the white roo to reflect heat in summer to keep the building coolf.

theater
A "Shakespeare" style theater complete with balconies!
2012 Calendar
Belize Adventure Jan./Feb.
Hike in the jungle. Stay in Mayan villages. Visit Plenty relief projects. Contact me for details.
Vegan Cooking Retreat Feb. 24-26
Whether a confirmed vegan or simply seeking new recipes to better health, you'll find yummy new foods, easy gourmet recipes and a jam packed weekend.
The Spiritual Path March 16-18
Personal rejuvenation and healing, achieved through focus on our collective consciousness. Yoga, Tai Chi, Meditation, Healing Touch, Music...more

Farm Experience Weekend
March 30- April 1 Our 10th year!
The best overview of life in community, exploring green building and solar technology, organic gardening, midwifery, education and so much more.

Experience the Land April 20-22
In addition to our regular Experience Weekend activities and tours, on Saturday afternoon we'll hike to a waterfall in the 1475 acre Big Swan Headwaters Preserve. The Saturday night dinner and entertainment will be a fundraiser for Swan Conservation Trust.
The World Peace Diet Conference with Dr Will Tuttle May 3-6
Author of The World Peace Diet speaks and performs his music. Hands-on garden tour, vegan cooking classes plus lectures, workshops and with Will...more
Men's Retreat May 18-20
An opportunity to explore men's yang, creative energy, build our strength and better understand our place in the world. Building the bond between brother, fathers and sons....more
Community & Sustainability Conference May 25-27 Your opportunity to explore the connection between lifestyle and intention..
Women's Retreat
June 1-3 Sisters of all ages come together for very special gathering. Hosted by women of The Farm...more
Organic Gardening Intensive June 3-10 or 8-10 A week (or weekend) of hands-on gardening as well as garden tours on and 0ff-The Farm to visit Shiitake operations, a bamboo nursery and more...more
End of Summer Retreat July 25-29 or 27-29 (weekend only) Swimming, hiking, kid activities, workshops and GREAT FOOD! Fun for the entire family. Includes camp sites. Click here for a list of accommodations
The Vegan Cooking Retreat
Oct. 12-14
Whether a confirmed vegan or simply seeking new recipes to better health, you'll find yummy new foods, easy gourmet recipes and a jam packed weekend.
Midwifery Assistant Workshops
Visit our web site to see the 2011 calendar.
www.midwiferyworkshops.org/
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Camp sites include
water, shower and bathroom facilities.
Click here for a list of accommodations

Essay:
True Sustainability

NEW: The Farm's Green Home Gallery
   
  Sustainable Life Retreats
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PO Box 259
Summertown, TN 38483
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