We all share a 15-acre Georgian mansion for the price of a two-bed house

Dol-llys Hall, a Grade II listed Georgian mansion spanning 15 acres in the outskirts of Llanidloes, Powys, offers residents an affordable alternative to traditional housing - the price of a two-bed house. Originally a school, care home, and stately home, the property now houses seven flats and shared facilities, attracting people seeking a cooperative living arrangement.

Long-serving resident Louise Robinson, who moved to Dol-llys after being made redundant from her London job, emphasizes the sense of community and responsibility within the group. She and her fellow residents share not only the grounds and common rooms but also decision-making, maintaining a balance between privacy and communal living. The house's communal project aspect allows residents to work collectively on projects like growing vegetables, creating a resilient and self-sufficient lifestyle.

Ken O'Brien and Susan Lancaster, both 70, moved to Dol-llys for its architectural merits and abundant grounds. They appreciate the stability and successful track record of the community, which has stood the test of time since its inception in 1991. The residents, ranging in age from seven to 70, pay a monthly service charge for group expenses and projects. They also engage in communal work, such as gardening and maintaining the wood-fired boiler, with skills learned during the one-day minimum commitment per month.

Jemma and Yiannis, both originally from Birmingham, found an alternative lifestyle in Dol-llys, where they can engage in permaculture and other nature-based activities. As members of the cooperative, they pay a share of £230,000 for access to a two or three-bedroom flat, with two to three-bedroom properties in the local town ranging from £110,000 to over £250,000. The community values consensus decision-making and encourages residents to contribute to the upkeep of the house and its grounds.