COTTAGES

The Senior Hamlet Cottages provide a unique opportunity for independent living for seniors on Lopez Island. Close to the village and within walking distance of so many amenities and services, the Cottages provide an opportunity to relieve the burden of managing a large home or property and to live with like-minded people in a shared, park-like setting.

The holidays at the Senior Hamlet bring Christmas trees, lights, and the holiday open house, where residents, board members, and guests celebrated the season.

The Gathering Place has become a popular spot with the residents. The Exercise Room is used every day by seniors who are keeping fit using the recumbent bicycle and treadmill. Thirty-five people recently gathered for a birthday party on a lovely summer's afternoon, the residents held a potluck in the newly furnished space, and a lively legacy writers' group is now meeting once a month. Local artists are hanging their work, creating a warm and welcoming "living room" for all.

Stop by and take a tour of the model unit, open Thursday through Saturday from 10 am to 12 noon.

photo by Greg Blomberg

Senior Hamlet cottage residents enjoying a summer's evening

Weeks Road Cottages from the Courtyard

The Gathering Place

Village Road Cottages

Cottage Gardens

Duplex Floor Plans

Cottage residents will participate in facility management via a resident association. The Cottage monthly rental fee includes:

• Utilities (except telephone)
• Direct TV connection
• Lawn/garden maintenance
  
• Building/repair maintenance
  
• Fire and emergency response
  
• Parking - one stall per unit
  
• Trash pick up
  
• Housekeeping every other week
  
• Use of the Gathering Place

One small pet per unit allowed with non-refundable damage deposit.

Smoking is not allowed in any building on the Hamlet grounds.

Eligibility

The Cottages are available to all seniors over the age of 62, with priority given to Lopez residents and seniors with a Lopez connection. The following point system has been established for determining priority for available units:

• Current Lopez resident* for two (2) or more years - 7 points.
• Current Lopez resident* less than two (2) years     -   6 points.
• Previous Lopez resident* of two (2) or more years  -   5 points
• Parent(s) of Lopez resident(s)*                               -   4 points
• Resident* of any other San Juan County island       -   3 points
• Own property on Lopez                                          -   2 points
• None of the above                                                -    1 point

* "resident" means your principle residence (where you spend the majority of your time)

Cost

The current rental fee is determined by unit size (1 or 2 bedrooms), the number of occupants, and whether the unit is market priced or designated for moderate income levels. Market rate units involve a fully refundable entrance deposit in addition to the monthly service fee.

Market Rate
                               Entrance Deposit                 Monthly Fee
1 BR, 1 person -        $ 175,000                           $1,795
1 BR, 2 persons -      $ 175,000                           $1,950
2 BR, 1 person -        $ 250,000                           $2,217
2 BR, 2 persons -      $ 250,000                           $2,372

Affordable:
1 BR, 1 person             None                   $1,076-1,251
1 BR, 2 persons           None                   $1,226-1,401

*Affordable rents are calculated at 30% of annual income as defined by San Juan County (2009 rates based on median county income), plus an amount for services provided beyond the cost of utilities.  Our rates include provision of extra services.  Annual rent for the affordable units will be calculated on the Resident’s actual income.

These rates apply for 2009.  Increases may occur from time to time.

Link to:

Expense Comparison Worksheet

Use this form to determine living expenses in your current home, and compare them to the costs of living in the Cottages in the Hamlet.

Link to:

Cottage Fact Sheet