The Source Farm Ecovillage Welcomes You!

Visitors are vital to The Source because it’s through your labor and input that we will be able to realize our mission of creating a holistic, earth-friendly community.  In our duty to ensure that this work experience is beneficial to all parties, we have established a few guidelines.





Visitor Requirements

Visitors are required to submit an interest form prior to the application, resume or a CV, and two letters of reference at least two weeks prior to coming The Source.

  1. Visitors are encouraged to arrange a work day.

  2. Visitors should not perform any activity they deem dangerous or hazardous to their health and well being.

  3. Visitors are required to inform the staff of The Source if they are taking any medication or have had any physical or mental condition(s) that may need medical attention.

  4. Visitors are required to bring a water bottle and drink sufficient water as not to get dehydrated due to Jamaica’s tropical temperature.

  5. Visitors should not allow local residents to have overnight stays.

  6. Visitors are required to sign in and complete a Liability Waiver Form.

  7. Visitors are encouraged to eat at least one meal with the community each day.

  8. Visitors are required to pay a daily rate which can include 3 meals and housing, payable 7 days prior to arrival via PayPal or bank transfer.

  9. Visitors are required to complete an official check out process.

  10. Visitors to The Source still represent The Source and are asked to conduct themselves in a manner that supports the Mission, Vision and Guidelines of The Source Farm Ecovillage.

Ecovillage Requirements

  1. The Source is required to welcome Visitors into the community and introduce the Visitors to Source members.

  2. The Source is required to clearly explain the rules and guidelines to the Visitors.

  3. The Source is required to have a clear, plan for work assignments.

  4. The Source is required to provide accommodations (room or living quarters) for the Visitors during their stay.

  5. The Source is required to provide sufficient cooking opportunities and healthy meals for Visitors who chose to eat onsite (Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner).

ECO-Accommodations at The Source 

 

Welcome 

 

The Source Family invites you to share their loving and mindfully built community for inspired business or creative sessions with regenerative relaxation built right into your stay.   Whether you want to engage in ecovillage life or just need comfortable, convenient St. Thomas lodgings, we are happy to share our piece of paradise. 

 

The Source Farm & Ecovillage offers a tranquil, eco-escape to the Jamaican countryside where you can experience cool mountain breezes and idyllic ocean views.  The 63-acre Source property offers lots of opportunity to immerse yourself in nature walks showcasing lush tropical greenery and bird life, walking on gentle roads or paths through the property’s semi-tropical forest.  A gorgeous local beach, aptly named Golden Shore, is a short 5-minute drive away.   

 

Accommodations to suit all needs and budgets are available for personal getaways, private affairs or professional events.  Enjoy the convenience of having our talented Passion Flower Restaurant cooks prepare authentic Jamaican or international dishes with our affordable meal plan.  

 

Experience modern tropical living, harmonious with nature but with the comforts of home in this intentional community that has been building alternative, sustainable housing solutions for over 15 years.     

 

Natural Building Techniques 

The Source Farm & Ecovillage was founded by the Shirley Family guided by the principles of Permaculture.  Resident Builder/Designer Dwight Shirley fell in love with the simplicity, economy and sustainability of Earthbag buildings while at Drexel University and the humble earthbag technique has become the foundation building block (literally) of the Source dwellings.     

 

Dwight’s inspired innovation continued to Monolithic Dome homes which begin with Earthbag foundations that are multipurpose as they also serve as water catchments. 

The aesthetics of both Earthbag and Monolithic Dome Homes, offer an embrace of structural comfort.  With Adobe-style, 12-inch-thick exterior walls and ceiling light tubes these accommodations are not only hurricane, earthquake, and fire proof, they have enough thermal mass to absorb heat during the day and release it at night thus keeping the home at a comfortable temperature.   The various residential options were also positioned to make the most of the wonderful sea breezes that blow up from the nearby coastline. 

 

These unique housing solutions offer comfort while visually co-existing with the wonderful natural environment and spectacular views of coastline and mountains. 

Earthbag:  

(Jamaica’s first natural build from 2007 using excavation materials from the community.) 

 

Meet the charming adobe cottage, Earthbag. This sweet one-bedroom getaway features two Earthbag built-in sofas for additional sleeping. There’s a rustic, hobbit vibe in this complete mini-house. Minimalist and clean with the womb-like comfort of its sturdy, rough hewn walls, and concrete kitchen counter, this unit is on grid with eco-rated refrigerator, and outdoor patio.  There is roof access for stargazing or enjoyment of the splendid ocean and mountain views.  The Source’s Passionfruit dining room is a 2-minute, nature walk away. 

 

Amenities

  • 1 Double Bedroom (sleeps 2) 

  • 1 Living Room With Option Of Couch Sleeping (expands total capacity to sleep 4) 

  • 3-Piece Bathroom including shower  

  • Kitchen With Table, Chairs, Refrigerator 

  • Coffee Maker 

  • Toaster Oven 

  • Cups, Plates, Utensils 

  • Towels 

  • Bed Linens 

  • Outdoor Sitting Area With Table And Chairs. 

  • Ceiling light tubes 

  • Roof Access With Views Of Ocean And John Crow Mountains 

Rate:

  • $100 USD/Night for Single Or

  • $125 USD/Night for Double Occupancy 

    Meals:

  • $35 USD for 3 Meals A Day Per Person At Passionfruit Community Kitchen 

Earthbag Bathroom

 

Maria’s (home of a nonresident member)  (Currently has 1 full time renter)

Livingroom At Maria’s Dome House

This stellar double monolithic dome house is a prime example of enjoyable sustainable living.  2 spacious bedrooms and bathroom are available with kitchen and living room (shared with long-term tenants).  

 

The home is completely off grid; supplied with solar energy and rainwater catchment cistern.  Maria’s is blessed with original artistic flourishes from its owner, stylized Earthbag beds and sofa.  There are priceless views from both front and back verandas not to mention an incredible 360’ panoramic view of the Caribbean Sea and John Crow / Blue Mountain ranges from its roof deck. 

 

Enjoy how the 30-ft ceilings and curved walls create a spatial realm that instills calm and meditative thoughts while the marvelous roof allows complete immersion in the splendid tropical vistas.    Cloud & sunset viewing is at its best here with bonus meteor showers certain times of the year. 

 

Maria’s is a scenic 5 minute walk past the terraced organic Source Farm to the Passion Flower Community Kitchen. 

 

 Amenities:

  • 3 Spacious Double Bed Bedrooms (sleeps 6) 

  • 3-piece Bathroom including shower

  • Great Room Style, Living Room and Kitchen with Refrigerator, & Gas Stove 

  • Berkey Water Filtration System 

  • Ceiling Fans 

  • Ceiling light tubes

  • Internet 

  • Screened Windows  

  • Veranda And Roof Access with Sea and Mountain Views 

Rate:

  • $100 USD/Night Per Room Single Or

  • $125 USD/Night for Double Occupancy 

Meals:

  • $35 USD for 3 Meals A Day Per Person At Passionfruit Community Kitchen 

Bedroom at Maria’s Dome House

Bathroom At Maria’s Dome House

Hallway of Maria’s Dome House

Backyard with sunset and ocean views


Carole’s House - Ocha House (home of nonresident members) 

This lovely Earthbag house with its blue country shutters features 2 bedrooms with an available total of 5 single beds (one set of bunk beds for young people included!).   Owned by a gifted couple, there are wonderful carvings, tapestries and furnishings they have crafted and collected specially for this house.   

Natural wood and earth toned artworks with aged concrete floors project a grounded, organic feeling that is only enhanced by glimpses of the scenic vistas and vibrant plant life through cedar window louvers. 

The separate kitchen with adjoining living and dining rooms delivers an abundance of capacity for laid back vacationing with two additional outdoor decks plus a patio.    

  

Amenities:

  • 1 Bedroom with One Queen size bed (sleeps 2) 

  • 1 Bedroom with Twin Singles and Twin Bunk Bed (sleeps 3) 

  • 3-piece Bathroom including shower

  • Great Room Style, Living & Dining Room  

  • Refrigerator & Gas Stove 

  • Berkey Water Filtration System 

  • Ceiling light tubes

  •  Internet 

  • Screened Windows & Doors 

Rate:

  • $200 USD/Night for entire home or

  • $100 USD/Night for Single or

  • $125 USD Double or Triple Occupancy 
    Meals:

  • $35 USD for 3 Meals A Day Per Person At Passionfruit Community Kitchen 


Tippy Top 

This 2-occupant, studio bedroom showcases a key principle of sustainable living: repurposing.  A working river stone water tank relic dating back generations has been incorporated as a structural design accent. There is trendy design juxtaposition with an original exterior mural from artists: Katy and…..   In keeping with eco-warrior mode, this option shares an outdoor shower and composting toilet.  Located immediately opposite the Passion Flower Community Kitchen. 

Here, as in a few other offerings, raindrops on a zinc metal roof, hold mystical weight in the memories of those fortunate to have been lulled to sleep by this special sonic experience. 

 

Amenities:

  • Original Artwork 

  • Studio Bedroom With 2 Twin Beds (sleeps 2) 

  • Outdoor Shower, Composting Toilet

  • Outdoor sink 

  • Stone Tank 

  • Internet in Communal Areas  

  • $60/Night for Double Occupancy 

  • $50/Night For Single Occupancy 


Meals:

  • $35 USD for 3 Meals A Day Per Person At Passionfruit Community Kitchen 

Outside of Tippy Top

TIPPY TOP OUTDOOR SHOWER

Rustic outdoor shower at Tippy Top