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Before you decide to buy or rent a house, we think you should read this folder and consider, whether you want to live in this way. You also buy or rent a lifestyle.
The families, who live in the 26 houses that make up Stavnsbåndet, form a community beyond what is usual in an ordinary estate. Each family has their own house with facilities like any other house. Besides we have a common house and a number of common activities, altogether making this a special place to live. Stavnsbåndet is not a commune, where you constantly live close together with persons who are not your family.
Stavnsbåndet was founded in 1979 within a framework defined by the future inhabitants. Some of us have lived here right from the start; some have moved in - over the years - when there has been a vacant house. Usually you only move for reasons outside the community, like getting a job in another part of the country, divorce etc. But - whether you have been here from the beginning or not, you'll very soon become part of the community and establish relations with other people. The heart of Stavnsbåndet is our common house, with a lot of common facilities, and with many activities and arrangements.
It is wise - in advance - to make up your mind, whether you feel like being part of a community, or you prefer a greater degree of privacy. If you maybe want to live in peace on your own, this might not be the best place for you to live. If on the other hand, you are looking for the atmosphere of an old-fashioned village Stavnsbåndet is a wonderful place to live. We certainly think so - this is why we live here.
We are often told that a community must be a good place for children. This is only part of the truth. It is certainly a good place for adults too - for parents and for other adults.
We do not require particular qualifications, attitudes or interests as to employment, politics or culture. In fact we find this spectre of differences valuable. We expect from new inhabitants that they chose to live here and take an active part in the common life.
How you live within your own four walls is none of our business. But, you must be prepared for some of us taking an interest in you and your family and how you are getting along. We take a natural interest in each other's way of living - without forcing ourselves upon each other.
As to life in the community outside your own house, you will be part of various groups. Everybody has to be a member and pay for this membership.
Every year all the inhabitants - by lot - are placed in one of the six so called "Stamgrupper"- groups responsible for a number of practical tasks.
One of the most important jobs for the group is cooking dinner Monday to Thursday every week (exempt during holidays). This means that every inhabitant has to cook once every six weeks. In exchange you can have your dinner served 23 times, before you have to cook again.
Furthermore the "Stamgruppe" is responsible for certain practical activities. Like for keeping the community house clean, clearing the paths for snow, mowing the lawns, and being responsible for internal information and meetings. In case you think this sounds like a lot of work, don't forget that these things have to be done wherever you live. The advantage is here, that we are a number of people to organise and get the jobs done together. Typically each of us will spend 2 - 4 hours a month on these jobs.
Each "Stamgruppe" is also responsible for - and have the pleasure of - arranging a party, an excursion or other kinds of amusements once a year - like New Years Eve.
There are lots of other ways to be together within the community. This depends on you and your interests. We have literature groups, groups of people doing various sorts of sports, going on holiday together, mountaineering, playing table tennis, bridge, keeping domestic animals - you name it. There will always be a potential of around 80 people, in case you have a good idea.
Having read this, we hope you are still interested in buying or letting a house. If you have further questions, do ask the owner. We also think it is a good idea for you talk to other inhabitants of the community before you decide to move in. Remember - you are not just buying or renting a house. On top of that you get almost 100 new acquaintances and friends, meeting you with open arms.
Once you have moved in, your neighbours on both sides have the main responsibility to help and support you during the first period, where much is new and different.
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