Interest Weekend
Taste Trelay Life Firsthand
Upcoming Dates
24 - 26th October
What is an Interest Weekend?
An Interest Weekend is a chance for you to experience life at Trelay, meet our community members, and explore whether this way of living is right for you. During the weekend, you will:
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Work, eat, and live alongside us
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Learn about our community structure and values through community-led workshops
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Ask questions and get a real sense of daily life at Trelay
These weekends are an essential part of our joining process, allowing both you and us to determine if Trelay is a good fit.
Who Are We Looking For?
We welcome people who:
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Are open and honest about their dreams while respecting those of others
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Want to contribute time and energy to a sustainable community
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Have a passion for smallholding, animal care and food growing
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Are ready to embrace communal decision-making and shared living
Community Living:
The Realities
Trelay is a beautiful and unique place, but community life isn’t for everyone. Here are some things to consider:
✔️ Stunning natural surroundings, near the sea and coastline
✔️ Strong sense of community and shared values
✔️ Opportunities to live sustainably and work the land
⚠️ Emotions & shared decision-making can be challenging
⚠️ Weather conditions include mud and strong gales
⚠️ There is a financial commitment required to join
Our History
& Sustainable Living
Founded in 2006, Trelay has evolved into a self-sustaining community with:
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13 separate living spaces, a communal farmhouse, and shared facilities
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A 32-acre smallholding with livestock, food gardens, and a forest garden
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Solar PV systems, heat pumps, our own water borehole, rainwater harvesting, and electric car sharing
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Onsite businesses including holiday cabins and a summer camping venture
Financial Considerations
Joining Trelay requires a financial commitment, as we do not rent spaces. Instead, we operate under the Trelay Mutual Home Ownership (TMHO) model, which involves:
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A capital contribution or mortgage commitment to secure a living space
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A monthly service charge (currently £190 per adult) covering shared utilities, maintenance, and communal mortgage costs
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Individual Council Tax payments (~£100/month)
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Optional participation in our communal food system
We encourage interested members to visit multiple times before committing to ensure financial viability and alignment with our values.
While some members work locally or run online businesses, others develop on-site enterprises. It’s essential to have a stable income source before moving here, as rural living can come with higher transport costs.
Expectations
& Commitment
New members are expected to sign our Covenant, a heartfelt agreement to uphold our shared values, which can be summarised as:
Caring for oneself
Caring for each other, the land and the animals
Caring for the planet
Community life means building relationships, participating in shared activities, and contributing to collective well-being.
Practical Details
Date and time: 24th-26th October 2025 (arrive anytime on Friday midday / afternoon and leave Sunday evening or Monday morning)
Location: Trelay Farm, St Gennys, Cornwall
Contribution: Sliding scale £80 - £150, recommended payment of £125.
Accommodation: We have lots of options, ranging from camping to spare rooms to luxury holiday cabin rentals with prices ranging from £10 - £100 per night. We will help you book this via email.
Food: Communal meals provided, with dietary needs catered for
Is Trelay Right for You?
If this sounds like the lifestyle you're seeking, we invite you to join us for an Interest Weekend and see if Trelay could be your future home.