An innovative new eco-village for mid north coast NSW

A new take on the eco-village idea is on the scene at Kew, just south of Port Macquarie NSW. Like all eco-villages, it looks after its own resources, and makes great use of its beautiful riverside site on the Camden Haven River. But this one also provides business opportunities for residents.

It’s called The Chimneys, in honour of the heritage listed remnants of early settler cottages that sit at the top of the site. All that remains are the brick chimneys, and the subdivision wends its way around these and down the gentle slope to the river below. It really is one of the most beautiful pieces of country I have ever seen.

The heritage chimneys that give the development its name.

The Chimneys website says this: “A sustainable sub-division can be practical, profitable, financially viable, and quick to build, when compared with a conventional unsustainable subdivision. It’s called sustainable village living.

“A sustainable village is designed to achieve the highest levels of ecological and environmental sustainability with a holistic approach to the basic site selection, sub-division planning and construction, through to the requirements of the built environment.

“A sustainable sub-division is independent of council’s water, sewerage and road systems, recycle all water for reuse on site, generate most of its own energy and make major contributions to its residents’ food needs.

“Each building cluster shares its own small community space, and those clusters in turn are loosely arranged around a large central common open space, with shared amenities and facilities close by.

“The design guidelines of a sustainable village incorporating building clusters, will ensure that the overall vision and objectives are achieved: that all homes are energy efficient, safe and comfortable; that residents’ investment and quality of life are protected; and that a physically and socially cohesive community will flourish.”

Have a look, and make contact with them if it steals your heart like it has mine.

The beautiful original home on the site will remain, designed and built by Ian Bailey and Annie Georgeson.