A unique co-housing community in Wales is offering residents the chance to live in a 15-acre Georgian mansion for the price of a typical two-bedroom house. Dol-llys Hall operates on a cooperative living model, where members share the property and participate in communal decision-making.
The community welcomes residents of all ages, with current occupants ranging from seven to 70 years old. This summer, the demographic is set to shift younger with the arrival of two families and their children, aged six to 12, while two older residents prepare to move on.
Potential members undergo a four-stage application process designed to ensure a good fit within the community. "We know that the more effort we put into the application process, the better chance it's going to work and it's going to be a good fit," explained Louise, a community member.
Jenny Kincova, who has been a resident for nine years, is one of the individuals moving out to live independently in Llanidloes, a common path for former residents. Kincova described her initial draw to Dol-llys as a desire for connection, stating, "I was on my own. My girls had left home. I didn't just want to move to a place and not know anyone." She expressed excitement about the prospect of communal decision-making and cooperative living. "Once I moved here, I was really excited by the prospect of communal decision-making and cooperative community living."
While Kincova still values the communal aspect, she notes that the sustained emotional energy required for group decision-making can be demanding. "I don't want to lose contact with here at all," she said, emphasizing that her departure is a personal choice for change rather than a result of interpersonal issues. "As you can see, we still get on, it's not about that at all. It's just about change again."
Dol-llys Hall is a Grade II listed Georgian mansion, showcasing architectural features like arched windows and high ceilings. 
Beyond its residential function, the hall actively engages with the wider community. It offers free allotments to local residents in exchange for assistance on workdays, hosts open days, and permits groups to use its communal rooms for activities such as yoga classes. This summer, the hall will also host its first board games weekend. Additionally, residents have offered the use of the hall as a wedding venue for friends. The property also collaborates with organizations like WWOOF (Worldwide Opportunities on Organic Farms), providing volunteers with room and board in exchange for help with grounds projects and skill development. Ken O'Brien and Susan Lancaster, long-term residents, are shown in their gardening space.
The communal living arrangements extend to shared decision-making processes for the estate, alongside individual living spaces within the mansion. Communal areas include a large sitting room with sofas and armchairs, suitable for gatherings and relaxation.
