Jane Hawkins is a jewelry designer who called home from Bali for over 30 years. With her husband Peter Decker, the couple created a unique residential community with a focus on tread lightly on this planet, in the beautiful Sayan, Ubud.
What is the concept of Community Living Light?
Living Light Bali is a new residential community in Sayan Ubud, Bali.
The concept of community is "living lightly", causing little disruption of nature and our environment as possible. As community members, we will share resources, knowledge and friendship and to focus on the principles of cooperation rather than competition.
What led you to create this kind of alternative residence?
I lived everywhere from Africa to New York, Australia and Asia. Life was busy and full and moving past far too quickly. I wanted to downsize to a simple lifestyle, easy living, able to make conscious choices and be surrounded by a community minded.
How many residents bought homes and how many are available for sale?
There are 16 houses in the community and 14 sold as completion in late 2014. Being a migratory community here in Bali means there is always transition and change underway. The owners also offer long term a number of rental homes for people who want to live in this kind of community, sharing dinners pop-up, evening activities, movie nights, exercise classes and parties cultural.
The master bedroom in two bedroom house at Community Living Light
What were the challenges you and Peter faced in creating your mutual vision
We are proud to say that after four years of hard work - both the initial planning, construction and completion of the common parts and individual houses, as well as organizational structure and systems for continuous operation of the community - Peter and I are still happily married! In the context of financial constraints, we did everything ourselves, except we had a financial planner for the first two years. It was exhausting and it took a year to recover.
Jane, tell me about your background and what you brought to Bali originally?
I was born and raised on a farm in Kenya and university in England. Wanting to move to New York, I started a jewelry design company inspired by my African heritage. While selling my jewelry in New York, I came across some beautiful fabrics that were made in Indonesia and not let my thoughts. Two weeks later, I followed my heart (and tissues!) Across the ocean in Bali. It was there many moons and for over 30 years I have designed and worked here in Bali.
How did you earn the nickname "Jungle Jane"?
I think Jungle Jane just me being a wild monster! I like to go without fear, bordering the world, exploring both the sea and land. My love for distant places led me to direct and implement annual, boat trips and excursions for groups of friends.
The main pool and the Community Living Light Bali
How did you and Peter meet and marry ?
Jane I had decided that I would never marry again! Then, at a party, I saw Peter and knew I had to talk to him. We never stopped talking since
Peter : I immediately fell in love at a party. I knew immediately that I wanted to marry. After five years of living happily together, we both felt safe enough to marry.
What makes you happy? What makes you laugh
Jane Living with Peter and spending quality time with him and my two boys, and Jamie Morgan. I laugh all the time; Africans laugh all the time. I do not take my life too seriously or discuss with reality.
Peter: Having met and married Jane, then created our dream together. Human behavior makes me laugh! I love playing cartoons and make myself and others laugh.
What are your future plans for expansion on the philosophy Tri Hita Karana Balinese
Members of Living Light are committed to sustainability in the Balinese philosophy " Tri Hita Karana '- our relationship to the environment, our relationship with other beings, our relationship with the universal energy. Community Living Light is an international district of individuals, couples and families living in effective charming houses, ecological and energy designed for graceful tropical lifestyle. Public facilities and homes are designed using feng shui principles, with an awareness of usable living space and "harmonious investment" correct items.
What is your community members benefit from living in Living Light?
The combination of private homes and shared common facilities offers members all the benefits of safe and comfortable life, but independent with the fun and camaraderie of joining group activities, if desired. 40 percent of the buildings compared to 60 percent of gardens and walkways: Ecological development principles The community plan revolves around her. The site is built on an orchard, consisting of native cocoa, bamboo, palms and durian and preserves agricultural land (do not take another rice production field).
How can you reduce your living expenses for community
The community reduces the individual costs of living with resources and shared expenses :? The electricity and water costs are reduced, a large pool reduces the cost of individual pools, shared maintenance and service personnel are cost effective.
The owners are part of the Light Sayan Member Community Living that share the management, maintenance and directives living light.
And tell us about your strategic location in Sayan.
The village of Sayan is considered prime location in the center of Bali, a few minutes walk / bike the cultural center of Ubud. The property is surrounded by hiking trails through the rice fields and river valleys of the region, and is an hour to the airport.
Living Light Bali supports various community outreach activities, give back to the community by providing employment opportunities, training and education. We support local businesses.
Thank you, Jane and Peter! For more information, visit www.living-light-bali.com