An intriguing idea in search of interesting people
For people who like their independence. And their people.
Imagine a way of living that offers all the privacy and independence you want, with interesting people, spontaneous conversations and shared experiences just beyond your front door.
No compulsory togetherness.
No prescribed lifestyle.
No expectation that everyone should be alike.
Just the possibility of something a little more interesting.
But despite this seeming like a logical, appealing idea, it doesn't seem to exist. Yet.
The idea
What if connection were easier, without giving up independence?
Beautiful private homes. Welcoming shared spaces. Opportunities for conversation, creativity, good food and whatever else people dream up.
- Not a retirement community.
- Not a commune.
- Not an exercise in endless committee meetings.
Something different.
The spirit
Seven principles, loosely held.
- 01
Independence
Your door, your hours, your business.
- 02
Curiosity
About ideas, places, and the person next door.
- 03
Privacy
Connection by invitation, never by schedule.
- 04
Culture
Books, art, music, arguments over dinner.
- 05
Every age
Interesting has no birth year.
- 06
Spontaneity
The best evenings are rarely planned.
- 07
Freedom
No prescribed lifestyle. Ever.
…and an eighth, to be decided by whoever turns up.
Where this might lead
The goal? A physical space.
A specific location has yet to be chosen. Likely in the EU, within range of a mid-size city but distant enough to feel spacious and connected to the landscape. Early connectors will be part of that conversation — when we get there. Right now, the goal is to create community around this idea.
The invitation is real. The real estate will come.
Karen
A note from the founder
I'm proposing the idea of Baba Yaga Place, an intentional community, because I'm intrigued by the possibility of living independently while making meaningful human connection a more natural part of everyday life.
I'm also trying to solve my own problem. I would prefer not to live alone, yet I want my own space. I've explored co-housing and its variants, yet nothing seems like quite the right fit and balance. So, like any entrepreneur (I'm an executive coach by day), I've decided to see if I can build something.
I'm drawn to interesting people, unconventional ideas, good conversation and the possibility that there might be a better way to arrange some of the things we take for granted.
I don't know exactly where this will lead. That's part of the appeal.
Why Baba Yaga?
In Slavic folklore, Baba Yaga is a fiercely independent, rather unconventional woman who lives in a house that stands on chicken legs.
She's mysterious, sometimes wise, occasionally troublesome, and entirely uninterested in conforming to anyone else's expectations.
We like her.
Not because we're planning to live in the forest, frighten passing strangers or build houses on chicken legs (although we do have a prototype). Nor are we planning a community of women. All genders are welcome.
But because there's something appealing about the idea of making your own rules, living life on your own terms, and being just a little unconventional.
Baba Yaga Place borrows that spirit.
The chicken legs are optional.
Stay curious
Interested in seeing where this goes?
Join the mailing list for occasional updates, ideas and invitations as Baba Yaga Place takes shape.
No deluge of emails. No sales pitch. And certainly no mandatory participation.