Apparently “spruce up” has to do with Prussian leather … so says Google. That must have taken a lot of organizing to get folks together at the beginning to buy the house and form the community.
Yes, it really was. I made a prospectus and asked everyone I knew to tell everyone they knew. There was a lot of interest, but people were quite nervous about the financial commitments.
What a fabulous story this is Xanthe. I loved reading about your One Place Study. I especially loved the story of your house, and how you hoped for it to be a community. Looking forward to reading more
This is a fascinating story, Xanthe. I had never heard of this type of community housing before, and I must say, what a wonderful idea. I live in Australia, where we tend to go one of two ways—either a separate house with land and a big fence, or an apartment block where we have very little to do with our neighbours. Your account really opened my eyes to how meaningful it can be when people come together not just to renovate a building, but to create a community.
The detail you share—from cooperative building efforts to shared childcare chaos in the hallways—is so alive with warmth and connection. I was struck by your mention that you have lived in the house for twenty years. As someone who moved often as a child, mostly in rental accommodation, I have tried to retrace some of those homes, only to find they’ve been demolished and replaced by apartments. That part of my personal history is unrecoverable in many ways.
Thank you, Peter. I think we often felt that we had won the jackpot, getting the house so cheap, with such a big garden, and right near the centre of Berlin. But as I wrote, it has its difficulties too and one needs to work hard to deal with conflicts.
Oh, that's just brilliant, Xanthe. I'm so inspired. Thank you for sharing the story. It's a reminder of how we are storykeepers for these trees and houses around us, just as we are for our families. With care, they will outlast us and tell our stories too. You've now laid the bricks for the descendants of these children to tell stories about this house.
Thank you, Barbara. My son is just as much in love with this house as I am (though not so interested in researching it's history). He still lives in the house, in what used to be part of the restaurant.
Oh, your community sounds lovely. Congrats 20 years! That’s quite a story with new chapters unfolding.
Thank you, Helene. Just have to get the party done, then I can get round to writing more.
Apparently “spruce up” has to do with Prussian leather … so says Google. That must have taken a lot of organizing to get folks together at the beginning to buy the house and form the community.
Yes, it really was. I made a prospectus and asked everyone I knew to tell everyone they knew. There was a lot of interest, but people were quite nervous about the financial commitments.
What an amazing and worthwhile thing to do.
Thanks Jane, it has certainly been worth my while.
Oh Xanthe, I love this!! Not just a home but a community! You are so lucky! Can’t wait to hear more. Sure wish we could see more pictures.
Thank you, Lynda. I'll see if I can find some more.
What a fabulous story this is Xanthe. I loved reading about your One Place Study. I especially loved the story of your house, and how you hoped for it to be a community. Looking forward to reading more
Thank you so much, Jennifer
This is a fascinating story, Xanthe. I had never heard of this type of community housing before, and I must say, what a wonderful idea. I live in Australia, where we tend to go one of two ways—either a separate house with land and a big fence, or an apartment block where we have very little to do with our neighbours. Your account really opened my eyes to how meaningful it can be when people come together not just to renovate a building, but to create a community.
The detail you share—from cooperative building efforts to shared childcare chaos in the hallways—is so alive with warmth and connection. I was struck by your mention that you have lived in the house for twenty years. As someone who moved often as a child, mostly in rental accommodation, I have tried to retrace some of those homes, only to find they’ve been demolished and replaced by apartments. That part of my personal history is unrecoverable in many ways.
Thanks again for sharing this story.
Thank you, Peter. I think we often felt that we had won the jackpot, getting the house so cheap, with such a big garden, and right near the centre of Berlin. But as I wrote, it has its difficulties too and one needs to work hard to deal with conflicts.
Oh, that's just brilliant, Xanthe. I'm so inspired. Thank you for sharing the story. It's a reminder of how we are storykeepers for these trees and houses around us, just as we are for our families. With care, they will outlast us and tell our stories too. You've now laid the bricks for the descendants of these children to tell stories about this house.
Thank you, Barbara. My son is just as much in love with this house as I am (though not so interested in researching it's history). He still lives in the house, in what used to be part of the restaurant.