In a world that often celebrates individual success and independence, it is heartening to see the beauty of community, unity, and the pursuit of a common dream. Imagine a group of four couples, friends for over two decades, who make the remarkable decision not only to retire together but to create their own little, eco-friendly retreat where they can enjoy their golden years in harmony. This extraordinary story takes place in Austin, Texas, nestled along the tranquil Llano River, where these environmentalists are shaping their vision of a unique retirement utopia. It’s a story of friendship, sustainability, and the pursuit of a dream that challenges conventional norms.
These eight friends set out on a journey to create their little community lovingly christened “Llano Exit Strategy”. They enlisted the expertise of San Antonio architect Matt Garcia to make their dream a reality. Their vision was to create a peaceful retreat consisting of four compact, eco-friendly bungalows, shared living space, a guest bedroom, and a communal kitchen. These spaces have been thoughtfully designed to not only minimize environmental impact but also maximize their comfort and connection with nature.
Each cabin in the colony, which they called the Llano Exit Strategy, cost about $40,000. To save costs, light sanded plywood was used for the interior construction. The cabins are arranged strategically next to each other to give everyone a beautiful, unobstructed view of the surroundings. Insulated windows and reflective corrugated steel walls keep the cabins cool even in the hottest summer months. Each room has several windows to ensure proper ventilation and lighting.
a place of eternal retreat
Because the Llano Exit Strategy is located in a drought-affected area, the roofs were sloped to collect as much rainwater as possible. To irrigate the area, the butterfly-style roofs can collect up to 50,000 gallons of rainfall and store it in huge barrels connected to underground pipes.
“It’s a dry place, but it’s magical,” noted future resident Fred Zipp. [2] “We make every effort to keep as much water as possible for natural grasses and plants. Fortunately, they are amazing.”
Each 400-square-foot stateroom has a queen-size bed, sofa, reading table and chair, several bookcases, a small bathroom, and a veranda with stunning mountain views.
The settlement has a 1,500-square-foot common room where couples can gather and relax. In addition, there is a spacious pine porch, a charming octagonal wooden table that can accommodate all eight tenants, and a modest guest bedroom with bunk beds.
As they share a common kitchen area equipped with the latest appliances and crockery to ensure their comfort, the concept of contented community living is maintained.
There are stools and fully stocked wine racks on either side of the black granite countertop. The kitchen and common area are divided by a worktop. They have a commercial-style stainless steel stove and a huge clear glass refrigerator.
A dream come true
“This place reminds me of a Disney movie…
We have bucks, deer, hares, and all kinds of birds,” noted Fred’s wife, Jodi Zipp. “As we spend more and more time here, we find more and more.”
Even though the eight friends have worked extremely hard to create their ideal small town, there is still some work to be done before it is ready to accommodate its residents. But when the time comes for them to retire, everything they need will be waiting for them along Austin’s tranquil Llano River.
In conclusion, the story of the Llano Exit Strategy serves as a heartwarming reminder that the most fulfilling journeys in life are often the ones we take with the people we care about most. These four pairs of environmentalists showed us that there is immense power in unity and that friendship if nurtured over the years, can give birth to incredible shared dreams.
As members of the Llano Exit Strategy community prepare for a retirement adventure in the tranquil countryside of Austin, Texas, they inspire us to appreciate the power of friendship, the beauty of sustainable living, and the wonder of connecting with nature. Their carefully crafted little eco-city is more than just a retirement plan; it’s a testament to their unwavering devotion to each other.
The story of these friends who dared to dream of a future where they could grow old together reflects the timeless truth that the richness of life lies in the relationships we build and the shared desires that bring us together. The Llano Exit Strategy community teaches us that retirement is not just about leaving the workforce; it’s about entering a new phase of life with cherished friends, deep values, and a deep connection to the world around us.
As we follow their journey to this peaceful paradise, we are reminded of the limitless possibilities of the human spirit when it comes to making friends, embracing sustainability, and celebrating the enduring beauty of nature. It’s a story that speaks to the essence of humanity – the power of togetherness to turn dreams into reality.
The Llano Exit Strategy community stands as a beacon of hope, illuminating the path to a retirement defined not by solitude, but by shared laughter, shared stories, and shared moments. In their unity, they exemplify the notion that life’s most remarkable chapters are often written collectively, where the power of friendship turns dreams into reality.
As we say goodbye to this heartwarming story, we are reminded that the most beautiful stories in life are the ones we create together. The Llano Exit Strategy community invites us to celebrate the remarkable potential of friendship and shared dreams and look forward to a future where, like them, we can retire and grow old together with the people we care about most.