Who are we?

We are a group of families and individuals who have chosen to live together in a large old building in rural Suffolk. We are 45 adults and 13 children and young people. In the spring, and throughout the summer and autumn our numbers swell a little due to the introduction of a steady stream of young people and students who work as voluteers on the farm. Most of our volunteers come from all across Europe thus bringing a cosmopolitan air to the place. A number of the founder members still live here and, although people come and go, we are a fairly settled community.

Our ethos

There is no single purpose for living at Old Hall- beliefs are as diverse as the individuals living here. Generally however, we share a concern for the environment and a desire to live an egalitarian, co-operative and healthy lifestyle. We farm the land and grow our food organically using permaculture and self-sufficient principles. Decision making is by consensus. We see ourselves as part of the wider community rather than separated from it – our children generally attend local schools and many people have jobs locally or in nearby towns. From time to time we hold fund-raising events for charities or other causes.

Our Situation

We are located in the heart of picturesque Constable country on the edge of a large village which has a few shops, pubs and a post office, plus play groups, a primary and secondary school (up to year 11). Sixth forms are in Colchester and Ipswich, both about 10 miles distant. There is an hourly train link to London from Manningtree, a commuter town three miles away, and a nearby trunk road (A12) links the village to major towns and cities in the region.
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