|
The Land and Buildings
 The Land
Acorn is located in Louisa County in the heart of Central Virginia. Before Acorn was founded our land was an old homestead that was owned by relatives of our present day neighbors. Left behind were the remnants of a much loved garden which still provides us with irises, daffodils,day lilies and wild black raspberries. The original barn and farmhouse were renovated and still serve as living spaces for our members today. Our 72 acres of beautiful rolling land borders the South Anna River. The South Anna, a lovely addition to our landscape, provides us with transport from Twin Oaks by way of a scenic canoe ride. The river is also home to a heron rookery and various other types of wild life.
The field that lies parallel to the river is home to various native plants including pawpaws and persimmons. We garden about four acres of land for community food crops as well as for seed for Southern Exposure Seed Exchange. We have a growing orchard full of raspberries, apples, pears, serviceberries and blackberries. We have a beautiful herb garden with tea, medicinal and culinary herbs. We also have many flower gardens spread throughout the land. They hold beautiful flowers such as hollyhocks, coneflowers, vincas, and pussy willows. Last year, we were pleased to certify the land organic.
Buildings
The original farmhouse was completely remodeled in the first year and now has four bedrooms. We had to install a new well, septic system, bathroom fixtures, wiring, wood heating, carpets, paint, gas stove, water heater, washer, dryer, and much more - but the farmhouse's original walls and roof remain with us. Our first new building, Heartwood, has provided much-needed space for expansion. Almost all of the work was done by people in the community: planning, blueprints, foundation, framing, finishing, painting, etc. It serves as a multi-purpose residence and community center with a dozen bedrooms plus a main kitchen and dining area.
We have also raised a large steel building that provides workshop space for auto maintenance, woodworking, and so on. We are excited by the challenge of new-to-us building techniques. We intend for future projects to build on what we learn in this process.
|
|
|
