Land and Buildings
The 10 acres that comprise Valverde Commons are right outside the Taos Historic District and walking distance to the Library, Town Hall, and our famous Plaza. Shops and restaurants, including our wonderful Cid's Organic market are a good walk or bike ride away. Our land was formerly categorized as agricultural and our neighbors currently graze animals and grow food on their land. Remarkably, though we are a hop, skip and a jump from civilization, we can see horses, cows and goats as we lounge on our porches.
We have a stunning view to the north of the beautiful and mysterious Taos Mountain which is kind enough to put on a show for our daily delight. Weather is very potent here in the high desert air and our mountain is alternately white, blue, green, purple, lying in mist or clearly outlined. All of us who own lots here are blessed with a view of Taos mountain; it keeps us company and reminds us of the wonder of our planet.
Adjacent to Valverde Commons is the 10 acre Sunset Park, a public space where strollers and their dogs enjoy daily walks. There are some unobstrusive benches and chairs in the Park where one can sit and savor the absolutely pastoral view of grazing animals, wildflowers and yes, our ring of mountains.
We have mindfully carved out 28 lots at VC and they go around in a circle, surrounding almost 4 acres of open land. We've recently put in a pathway in the open land with spokes that lead to the lots. We've got great plans for landscaping that common land and filling it with lovely trees, flowers, benches and other natural wonders we all can gaze upon from the rear of our houses and enjoy on our strolls to the Common House.
Each lot owner may design his/her own house and garden. We've got some basic parameters such as a height limit of 17 feet and a designated building envelope the house must occupy, but when it comes to design, each owner may create the space that suits his temperament and budget. Sizes of houses vary from about 700 square feet to the largest at under 3,000. Each house is different, and yet they all sit happily together, much like the people that reside in them.
By sprint we have 14 houses built, with 7 going up this summer, plus our 2 common buildings. The season to start houses is the spring, and each spring we seem to have a few more houses sprouting along with the wildflowers.
At the present time, all out lots are sold. We have had so much interest in VC, that a future community may be springing up in Taos. If you have a group to start a community, or would like to be part of a new community, please do get in touch. We know that cohousing works and given all the inquiries, there probably are enough people wnting to move to Taos and join cohousing, to start a brand new community.
Our Common House
Doing it yourself- Hank on his roof
Steve and Barbara in their new Leed Platinum house
Passageway- a glimpse of heaven
Goin' home
Sunset Park
Under construction
Porch Paradise-the Draper House
The Barn