Various uncertainties about the Southern Vermont College property previously led to us pursuing alternate properties as a backup plan. We recently reached a deal breaker on that front. The Vermont Land Trust, who control the conservation easement for most of the forested land on the property, have a purchase option for that forested land when the property sells. We attempted to negotiate with them to reach an agreement in advance that we would be good stewards of the land and honor the easement, and in return they would waive their purchase option. They finally declined and said they would wait and see how the sale plays out. This means that after the sale happens, VLT can take 60% of the land for 5% of the cost. The prospect of paying for 370 acres and only getting 145 acres does not sit well.

Based on this news, our first alternate property is now our primary focus. Laurelwood Academy, near Portland, Oregon, was built as a boarding school for 100+ students and more recently has been operated as an Ananda spiritual retreat. It has 100 dorm rooms, much more classroom and common space than the SVC property, built-but-vacant shops for wood, welding, and automotive projects, and 200 acres of land.

After already having a virtual tour with a local agent, a few of us will be driving up in a couple of weeks to get a better look at the property. More news to come!