Bryn Gweled members lease their lot for a 99-year
renewable term. Each member family pays a monthly
assessment based on the current year’s budget. The
budget covers expenses such as maintenance of
community property and improvements, roads, taxes
on common land and unleased lots, and those of the
many appointed and volunteer committees. Each
member’s monthly assessment may vary slightly,
depending upon the originally conceived desirability
of the lot, but not on its improvements. Upon
obtaining a leasehold, a new member family pays a
lump sum representing its share in the
capitalization of the Homesteads. If for some
reason in the future the member must resign from
Bryn Gweled Homesteads, this amount is
returned.
Each member who builds or buys a home owns all such improvements,
but does not own the land. The land is owned by Bryn Gweled Homesteads,
Inc., of which each member is a shareholder. All arrangements for the purchase
of Bryn Gweled houses are made with the owners or their agents. If a member
secures a mortgage, Bryn Gweled joins in the mortgage, reserving the right to
continue payment in case of the individual’s default, though assuming no liability
to repay the loan. Lending institutions have accepted mortgages on leased land
under these arrangements.
When any major alterations, additional buildings, or landscaping of a homestead
are contemplated, plans are submitted to the Community Planning Committee
as well as to the immediate neighbors for approval. No fences are erected on lot
lines, however the fencing in of gardens or domestic animals is permitted.
Just as other home owners are billed for real
estate taxes by the county and township,
Bryn Gweled’s individual members are
taxed for their lots as well as the
improvements.
If a family withdraws from Bryn Gweled, the
owner is responsible for the sale of the
house, which may be sold only to another
member or approved applicant. Selling a
house in this community, therefore, may
take considerably longer than selling a
house elsewhere. Occasionally, owners
may rent their houses, although this is
discouraged. An owner-occupied
homestead is an important way of life
in Bryn Gweled.
Member Leaseholds
Of Bryn Gweled’s 240 acres, approximately 160 acres are divided
into leaseholds, most of which are about two acres. In 1973, an
easement was given to the Bucks County Conservancy on 45 of
the remaining acres, which lie primarily along stream beds and in
woodlands. The other 35 acres are used for roads, community
buildings, playing fields, a community garden, and other
improvements and open space.