Native Dwellings:  The central income-generating program at the Peace Villa is the Native Dwellings concept.  The twelve dwellings represent significant income for the villa as well as define the look and feel of the operation, setting it apart from any other resort or camp in the United States.  Each dwelling represents a country or culture and is authentic in design and décor in its look and contents.  All furnishings used in the dwelling are from that country of origin (and are available for sale).  Each dwelling honors a peacemaker, cultural leader or environmentalist from that region.  Countries include India, Brazil, Mexico, Indonesia, Afghanistan, among others.  India, for example, honors Mahatma Gandhi while South Africa, Nelson Mandela.

Two basic prototypes serve as the dwellings repeated model, a square with an inner courtyard and a circular design with a wrap around porch and an adjacent enclosed garden.  All accommodate three families, one resident and two guests.  Families are defined as four people and can be made up of any four individuals the guests determine as a family unit.  Extra guests (children or friends) pay more with a limit of six total.  The dwellings each have shared and private space with a Jacuzzi and two bedrooms.  A simple breakfast is available in the morning in the shared space or courtyard.  Each dwelling houses a resident from the country represented and is responsible for keeping the dwelling clean, in order and attending to the guests.  The dwellings are rented out at competitive rates to higher end resorts or bread and breakfasts, an average of $200 a night.  They are also marketed as timeshares.

Lodges:  Two lodges housing twenty to thirty people each in single rooms and shared bathing facilities accommodate groups and individuals using the Peace Villa for conferences, family reunions and other gatherings.  Individuals wanting simpler and more affordable accommodations also use the lodges.  Each has at least one large room for meetings or shared space.

Eco-design and sustainability:  The Villa has, as a priority, a commitment to the use of low-impact and ecologically sound technology and design.  The structures are built using materials embracing natural materials, especially those abundant locally, are energy efficient and can be built and maintained as a communal effort.   Even the grounds exemplify this commitment with the absence of traditional grass lawns except in certain designated play areas.  Instead, low growth alfalfa and other coverings replace traditional lawns eliminating the need for mowing or use of pesticides.  Recycled materials and found objects are incorporated in pathways and outdoor functional art.  Fruit and produce grow on the grounds and are consumed by residents and guests.  Barter and trade are the currency here for labor.  All of this translates into financial savings while striving for comfortable amenities that nurture both body and soul.

Ø     Native Dwellings

Description:  Each native dwelling represents a region of the world and a peacemaker from that region.  Dwellings are built with architectural details specific to that region and interiors are decorated with objects from that region.  All objects are for sale, “You like the bed you slept on?  We’ll ship it to you!”  Guests receive a gift basket with soap, toothpaste, and snacks from that area.  The dwellings are chosen based on several factors: architectural interest, internationally acclaimed peacemaker, availability and access to products from that region, and cultural balance.  Currently the following are in the running and under exploration:  India (Mahatma Gandhi), Tibet (Dalai Lama), Afghanistan, Mexico, Brazil, Guatemala, Peru, South Africa (Nelson Mandela), Ghana, Israel, Sweden, Germany (Dietrich Bonhoeffer), and Indonesia.  Dwellings are hosted by a family native to that region, either in birth or culture and house two groups of visitors.  A  simple breakfast is served in a common area each morning.

Rates:  (Per night) High Season:   $220 for four people, $30 for each extra person (4 extra max), $10 per pet.   Low Season: $180 for four people, $20 for each extra person (4 extra max), $10 per pet.

Target Customer Base:  Professionals who enjoy travel and multi-cultural experiences, 30 years on up, $50,000 or more income per person, East Coast urbanites, health conscious individuals, socially-minded.

Timeshares: Up to half of potential guest units will be offered as weekly time-shares, increasing in value each year as the Peace Villa develops in amenities and character.  Year 1 $7,000; Year 2 $8,000; Year 3 $9,000, Year 4 $10,000; with Year 5 expected to top off at $12,000.  Off-season time-shares are valued at a 25% discount.

Ø     Lodges

Description:  Two lodges housing up to 30 people each with shared bath facilities (separate for men and women) offer single or double beds in one-room dormitory style layouts.  The lodges have North American themes, one dedicated to Native Americans celebrates Black Elk and the other honors African Americans with Martin Luther King, Jr. as the Peacemaker.  Both are decorated with artifacts and folk art representing these groups.  Guests also receive a small welcome basket with mementos representing  Native and African Americans.  Lodges will each have a large room available for meeting spaces.  Coffee and tea available free of charge in the mornings.

Rates:  (Per night) High Season:   $60 per room, $20 for each extra person (1 extra max), $10 per pet.   Low Season: $50 per room, $10 for each extra person (1 extra max), $10 per pet.

Target Customer Base: Individual travelers, lower budget couples, single parents, organizations seeking retreat facilities.  Neighboring cities, social justice groups, and health organizations are targeted as primary users.  Space also allocated for artists in residency and short-term volunteers or interns.

Ø     Camp-Sites

Description:  Up to 30 campsites and 10 RV hook-up sites accommodate the sparse traveler.  A common bath (men and women separate) is available to campers.  This feature is offered more as a service than an income-generating program, although it can bring in some nice income with little investment in infrastructure by the Peace Villa.

Rates:  (Per night) High Season:   $17.50 per tent, $10 for each extra person (2 extra max), $10 per pet.   Low Season: $10 per tent, $5 for each extra person (2 extra max), $10 per pet.

Target Customer Base: Campers exploring the region, low budget people interested in experiencing the Peace Villa.

There are many wonderful books available that explore dwellings from around the world.  Here is a wonderful site to visit: Shelter Publications  I highly recommend purchasing it!

The dwellings at the Peace Villa would be community projects in their construction phases, bringing in students, organizations and residents to participate in the building.  That in itself would be an incredible educational experience!