HALF of the 29 houses set to be built on 121 hectares in Butterwick as part of a different model of rural living have already been sold and it is hoped families will begin moving in by the end of 2016.
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Port Stephens councillors approved the development application for the $8.9-million Shepherds Ground concept in October.
The plan allows for 29 houses to be built in a cluster on a hill on the property, the existing building at the site to be turned into a community hub and the remainder of the land to be used for organic farming.
Long-time Duns Creek resident Lucie Bruvel, one of three directors of Shepherds Ground Pty Ltd who initiated the DA, said 16 families had already bought shares in the company.
"A share entitles you to a 99-year licence to occupy," she said.
The company raised $1.5 million and in March bought the land.
Earthworks are scheduled for October and the first lot of houses to be built in February.
Shepherds Ground is a not-for-profit co-operative that promotes "smart, simple rural living".
The idea is to bring people looking to live on the land, but not be a slave to it, together to create a land-sharing community.
"People are feeling the pinch of mortgage stress and affordability," Ms Bruvel said.
"We wanted to spearhead a new way to do things.
"People want to live a simpler life, want to reduce their costs."
As well as creating a small self-sufficient community, the village would be sustainable.
Each of the 29 houses, which start at $100,000 for a basic design, will be built with hemp masonry sourced from Dungog.
Open days are held at the Butterwick site on the first Saturday of each month.
The cost was $10 for a walk, talk and afternoon tea.
Book by phoning 4930 5934.
