Summary of August 26th, 2025 Zoom Apero: Co-housing ( AI generated)

The meeting focused on discussing housing options in France, with members sharing their experiences and exploring cohousing arrangements for older adults. Participants discussed various housing models ranging from private apartments to communal living spaces, with particular attention to community features and social interaction. The group explored practical considerations including rental laws, shared living logistics, and potential co-living opportunities, while also addressing challenges of maintaining homes while living part-time in France.

Marilee welcomed everyone to the meeting and introduced herself, sharing details about her location on the Eastern Shore. She discussed the purpose of the meeting, which was to discuss housing in France, and mentioned that she would be deputizing some members to help monitor the waiting room. Several new members introduced themselves, including Julie Newland from Utah, who is planning to visit France in November, and Deborah, who is interested in exploring different French cities. Marilee encouraged members to suggest towns for future zoom calls, with suggestions including Strasbourg, Obusson, and Leon. She also announced that the meeting would be recorded due to popular demand, and reminded everyone of the ground rules for participation.

Marilee led a discussion on cohousing, explaining her interest in the topic and her desire to explore alternative living arrangements that provide a sense of community, similar to what she experiences in Europe. She outlined the challenges of long-term rentals and the need for creative solutions for older adults. The group was divided into breakout rooms to discuss their ideal cohousing situations, with instructions to consider factors such as size, location, and desired level of community involvement. Marilee emphasized the importance of recording the breakout room discussions and assigned roles for timers and recorders.

The group discussed their inability to complete a task due to technical difficulties with recording, with Julie volunteering to provide an overview of their session. They noted that while they didn’t reach the one-to-ten point, they did comment on someone’s hippie-like atmosphere. Marilee expressed frustration with the recording issue and asked for group members to share their experiences.

The group discussed various housing models for older adults, with preferences ranging from private spaces with shared facilities to small villages or housing complexes. Participants expressed a desire for both privacy and community, with some groups favoring independent apartments while others considered communal living arrangements. There was consensus on the importance of shared common spaces for social interaction, though participants emphasized the need for optional rather than mandatory community activities. The discussion highlighted regional differences in perceptions of community, with participants from the Northeast and South sharing different experiences of social connections and relationships.

Robin discussed changes in social interactions over the years, noting a decline in friendliness and community engagement, particularly in the East Coast. Allison shared her experience of intentional socializing in her Georgia neighborhood, highlighting organized activities like wine tastings and hiking groups. Edward inquired about the gender and relationship dynamics within these social groups, which Allison clarified were diverse and not predominantly female or linked by marriage.

Marilee discussed the differences between living in France and the United States, highlighting France’s rich network of associations and community structures. She explained various housing options for seniors in France, including senior residences and co-living arrangements, as well as the country’s extensive social support network that allows many people to age in their homes. Marilee also mentioned the availability of services for people of all income levels, though she noted that services are more extensive for those with lower incomes.

The group discussed the challenges and considerations of managing shared living spaces, including legal aspects, liability, and social dynamics. Nancy-Gay highlighted the complexities of co-living arrangements, such as managing tenants on a month-to-month basis and the logistics of shared spaces. Marilee shared her interest in a rental property arrangement where she and her friends could each have a bedroom, but noted the need for a lease agreement and potential issues with furniture and kitchen setup. The conversation also touched on the differences between furnished and unfurnished rentals in France, with Virginia explaining the additional costs and work involved in setting up a furnished rental.

The group discussed challenges of maintaining a home while living part-time in France, with Jeffrey sharing his experience of dealing with a water leak during a 3-month absence. Marilee explained that French rental laws are highly protective of tenants, making it difficult for non-French residents to secure housing, with landlords often requiring 3 months’ deposit and a French guarantor. Toni shared that he is considering buying property in a French village, noting that her Philadelphia friend was able to purchase a 6-bedroom house with carriage house and barn for $220,000, significantly cheaper than their previous US property.

The group discussed a potential co-living opportunity in Saint Antonin- Nobel -Val, a town about an hour and a half northwest of Toulouse. Marilee shared details about Ann Pression’s inn, which offers 5 places to stay, including 3 with kitchenettes and 2 B+B rooms with shared kitchen access, priced around €1,200 per month. The group noted that the town is somewhat geographically isolated with no public transportation, requiring a car, and has limited medical facilities. They also discussed the Foundation for Intentional Community as a resource for those interested in intentional living.

Marilee announced that when regular Zoom  meetings resume in the past would be held on Saturdays at 11:30 AM, twice a month,