A Vision Rooted in Generations
"This is more than a project; it's a homecoming. Our family's roots in these mountains run centuries deep. This is our commitment to honor that legacy by building a future as enduring as the Appalachians themselves."
In an era defined by systemic fragility, The Maker's Stay emerges as a direct, tangible response—a blueprint for systemic resilience born from a multi-generational understanding of this land. It is a proactive, localized solution conceived not by outsiders, but by founders with a centuries-long tenure in the Appalachian mountains. This is a vision for a life of intention, where daily rhythms are reconnected to the seasons, food systems are sovereign, and the community functions as a supportive network of creators, growers, and thinkers.
The Land: An Appalachian Sanctuary
The physical foundation of The Maker's Stay is a 145.95-acre property nestled in the ancient, rolling hills of the Blue Ridge Mountains near Marshall, North Carolina. The land is distinguished by a majestic 30+ foot waterfall and over 6,500 feet of frontage on Paw Paw Creek. This land is not a passive backdrop but an active participant in a thriving, regenerative ecosystem. Our master plan is guided by a philosophy of deep ecological stewardship, where every decision is designed to enhance biodiversity, regenerate soil, improve water cycles, and create durable, land-based economic value.
The land is a mosaic of interconnected, productive ecosystems: Food Forests layered with fruit and nut trees, Managed Hardwood Woodlands, Regenerative Pastures, and Preserved Wild Spaces that act as a vital reservoir for Appalachian biodiversity.
The Science of Regenerative Living
Passive Annual Heat Storage (PAHS)
The earth itself becomes our battery. By surrounding the home with an "insulation umbrella," we thermally isolate a large mass of dry earth. In summer, solar heat is conducted into this "thermal battery." In winter, as the house cools, the stored heat naturally radiates back into the living space, creating profound thermal stability and slashing energy costs by over 75%.
A Place-Based Building Vernacular
Our homes are a direct reflection of the Appalachian highlands, built with non-toxic, carbon-sequestering materials perfectly suited for a temperate rainforest climate.
Hempcrete Insulation
A carbon-negative material that "breathes," naturally regulating humidity and creating exceptional indoor air quality. Recently codified in the NC Residential Code, ensuring a smooth path forward.
Black Locust Timber
A native, rot-resistant hardwood used for decks and siding. Its incredible durability eliminates the need for any toxic chemical treatments, protecting both our residents and our watershed.
The Economics of Belonging
The Maker's Stay is built upon the **Community Land Trust (CLT)** model, a sophisticated socio-economic framework designed for long-term stability and shared prosperity. This isn't just about housing; it's about building community wealth.
Decommodifying Land
The non-profit CLT owns the land in perpetuity. This removes the land from the speculative market, ensuring it remains a community asset forever.
Building Personal Equity
Residents purchase and own their physical homes, allowing them to build personal wealth and financial stability just like traditional homeowners.
Ensuring Future Affordability
A resale formula in the 99-year ground lease lets homeowners earn fair appreciation, while ensuring the home is sold affordably to the next family, locking in affordability for generations.
The Collective: Find Your Place
The Maker's Stay is more than a place to live; it's a living, breathing ecosystem of diverse talents. Whether you are an apprentice, a journeyman, or a master of your craft, you have a place here. We believe a resilient society is built by artisans, growers, healers, and organizers working in concert. Our structure also provides a stable home base for traveling professionals and remote workers, offering deep community and connection between assignments. Explore the guilds and professional groups below to find where you fit in our collective vision.
Artisan Guilds
-- Woodworkers
- Ceramicists
- Blacksmiths & Metalworkers
- Textile Artists
- Jewelers
- Lapidarists
- Glassblowers
- Leatherworkers
Select a craft to see more.
Creative, Culinary & Fermentation Arts
+Regenerative Practices & Sciences
+Agriculture & Land Stewardship
+Recreation, Parks & Animal Care
+Hospitality, Wellness & Care
+Education & Lifelong Learning
+Technical, Trades & Infrastructure
+Remote & Traveling Professionals
+Operations, Business & Governance
+The Eco-Village: A Resilient Haven
Clustered Homes
Homes are arranged in clusters to encourage spontaneous gatherings and are connected by pedestrian paths, freeing up the vast majority of the land for agriculture and restoration.
The Common House
A central hub with facilities for community dining, laundry, and neighborhood activities. Shared facilities reduce the size and cost of individual homes.
Shared Resources
A tool library, vehicle-sharing program, and extensive community gardens reduce individual consumption and expense while increasing our collective capacity and resilience.
Systemic Resilience
Our community includes a certified fallout shelter with full NBC (Nuclear, Biological, Chemical) air filtration, ensuring a secure haven in extreme, low-probability but high-impact scenarios.
A Lifestyle of Intention
Life at The Maker's Stay is about participation, not consumption. It's a return to a more connected way of living, governed by the residents themselves through a self-determined Cooperative.
- Participatory Governance: All residents have a voice in the decisions that shape their community, fostering a strong sense of ownership and collective responsibility.
- Culture of Cooperation: Regularly scheduled community meals, collaborative work parties on community projects, and a culture of mutual aid strengthen social bonds and nurture a culture of trust and inclusivity.
- Lifelong Learning: With the Guild at our center and the land as our classroom, life here is a continuous process of learning new skills, from pottery and permaculture to governance and group process.
Wellness & Recreation
The Wellness Grotto: A dedicated, four-season sanctuary offering spa services, hydrotherapy pools, saunas, and restorative treatments for guests and residents alike.
Equestrian Center: Featuring stables and riding arenas, allowing residents and guests to explore the 145 acres of trails on horseback.
All-Ages Adventure Park: An indoor/outdoor facility designed for play and challenge, featuring climbing structures, ropes courses, and natural playscapes for all generations to enjoy.
Animal Commons: Our community welcomes a variety of pets. This dedicated indoor/outdoor park provides a safe and engaging space for our companion animals, from dogs to smaller pets, to socialize and play.
A Sovereign Food System
We are designing the landscape as a productive, edible ecosystem with the goal of producing a significant percentage of the community's food on-site. This is food sovereignty in action.
Perennial Food Forests
Instead of lawns, we cultivate multi-layered "food forests" that mimic the structure of a natural woodland. These systems incorporate a diverse mix of fruit and nut trees, berry bushes, perennial vegetables, and medicinal herbs, providing a resilient food source while building soil and creating habitat.
Closed-Loop Water Management
In a temperate rainforest that receives 80-100+ inches of annual rain, water is our greatest asset. A community-wide rainwater harvesting system captures, filters, and stores water for non-potable needs. System overflow is directed into swales and rain gardens, passively irrigating our food forests and recharging groundwater.
Our Guiding Principles
Our vision is holistic, weaving together four key dimensions of sustainability into the fabric of daily life. This framework guides every decision we make.
Ecology
Moving beyond "sustainability" to a regenerative model that actively restores and enhances the health of our ecosystem.
Economy
Building a resilient, cooperative local economy that provides honorable livelihoods and keeps wealth circulating within the community.
Social
Fostering a culture of trust, inclusivity, and mutual aid through participatory governance and shared community life.
Cultural
Honoring and enriching the deep craft traditions of Appalachia while co-creating a new, regenerative culture rooted in this specific place.