Leaseholds
Of Bryn Gweled’s 240 acres, approximately 160 acres are divided into leaseholds, most of which are about two acres. In 1973, an easement was given to the Bucks County Conservancy on 45 of the remaining acres, which lie primarily along stream beds and in woodlands. The other 35 acres are used for roads, community buildings, playing fields, a community garden, and other improvements and open space.
Bryn Gweled members lease their lot for a 99-year renewable term. Each member family pays a monthly assessment based on the current year’s budget. The budget covers expenses such as maintenance of community property and improvements, roads, taxes on common land and unleased lots, and those of the many appointed and volunteer committees. Each member’s monthly assessment may vary slightly, depending upon the originally conceived desirability of the lot, but not on its improvements. Upon obtaining a leasehold, a new member family pays a lump sum representing its share in the capitalization of the Homesteads. If for some reason in the future the member must resign from Bryn Gweled Homesteads, this amount is returned.
Each member who builds or buys a home owns all such improvements, but does not own the land. The land is owned by Bryn Gweled Homesteads, Inc., of which each member is a shareholder. All arrangements for the purchase of Bryn Gweled houses are made with the owners or their agents. If a member secures a mortgage, Bryn Gweled joins in the mortgage, reserving the right to continue payment in case of the individual’s default, though assuming no liability to repay the loan. Lending institutions have accepted mortgages on leased land under these arrangements.
When any major alterations, additional buildings, or landscaping of a homestead are contemplated, plans are submitted to the Community Planning Committee as well as to the immediate neighbors for approval. No fences are erected on lot lines, however the fencing in of gardens or domestic animals is permitted.
Just as other home owners are billed for real estate taxes by the county and township, Bryn Gweled’s individual members are taxed for their lots as well as the improvements.
If a family withdraws from Bryn Gweled, the owner is responsible for the sale of the house, which may be sold only to another member or approved applicant. Selling a house in this community takes considerably longer than selling a house elsewhere. Occasionally, owners may rent their houses, although this is discouraged. An owner-occupied homestead is an important way of life in Bryn Gweled.
Membership
The first step to life at Bryn Gweled is beginning membership. It is a process during which you'll get to know us and we'll get to know you. We are neither a utopian community nor a perfectly homogeneous group. We are an intentional community of diverse individuals who respect our differences, work together for common benefits, and enjoy good times together.
To acquaint applicants for membership with how Bryn Gweled functions, candidates for membership start by attending a monthly meeting. This provides a chance to see business conducted and an opportunity to meet and chat with members of the community. The applicants are then visited by the Membership Committee. Applicants’ responses to a Bryn Gweled questionnaire regarding their views on community living are read at a closed membership meeting. Because commitment to a cooperative mode of life and the sharing of ideas are vital to the success of the Homesteads, visits are arranged to give all resident Bryn Gweled members an opportunity to meet with each applicant so that all may gain in-depth answers to any remaining questions.
At the completion of these visits, the applicant’s questionnaire and reference letters are read at another closed meeting. A financial statement must be submitted by the applicants to determine their ability to maintain a home in the community. Held in strict confidence, the financial statement is reviewed by the President, the Treasurer, and Chair of the Membership Committee, after which it is destroyed. Admission is decided by a written ballot. A four-fifths affirmative vote from the membership indicates approval of the applicant(s). Approved Applicants are then eligible for a leasehold and full membership in the Homesteads. Membership in Bryn Gweled entails being a leaseholder of a Bryn Gweled lot. When members resign, they must relinquish their leaseholds.
Community Business
Bryn Gweled is a cooperative not-for-profit corporation owned by its members. There are no paid officers, managers, bookkeepers, or maintenance persons. These functions are performed voluntarily by members.
Community business is conducted at the membership meeting usually held on the first Saturday evening of each month. Although some meetings are brief, some concerns engender strong feelings pro and con, so that several meetings may be needed to reconcile opposing viewpoints. The community believes this time is well spent in developing satisfactory solutions through the democratic process. The Board of Directors, President, Vice President, and the Housing, Membership, and Nominating committees are elected by the membership. The Board of Directors appoints the Treasurer, Secretary, Auditor, and Corresponding Secretary. Everyone is expected to serve on at least two committees yearly, and members are encouraged to take part in various elected, appointed, and voluntary committees over the years.