Cottages at Birch Bay Retirement Village

Cottage Bedroom

Cottage Living Room

Cottage Living at Birch Bay Village

The Cottages at Birch Bay Village are independent living homes owned through the Birch Bay Village Association, a resident-owned cooperative. Each resident purchases stock in the Cooperative, providing the exclusive right to occupy a specific Cottage.

The Cooperative owns and maintains the Cottages and leases the land from Birch Bay Retirement Village under a long-term ground lease. Birch Bay Retirement Village owns and operates the Inn and the surrounding retirement community, giving Cottage residents access to campus amenities, dining, and care services as your needs change. 

One of the greatest advantages of cooperative living is the freedom from many of the responsibilities of traditional homeownership. Residents pay a monthly Association Fee that supports the operation of the Cooperative and funds the services and maintenance that keep the community financially strong, and well maintained.

Rather than facing unexpected costs for major repairs or replacements as individual homeowners, residents collectively contribute to a Capital Reserve Fund through their monthly Association Fees. The Reserve Fund is used to plan for significant building repairs, equipment replacements, and long-term capital improvements, helping preserve both the quality of the community and the value of each Cottage.

The Cooperative (funded by residents) is responsible for maintaining the Cottage exterior, structural and mechanical systems, and the standard fixtures and appliances provided with each home, allowing residents to enjoy the comforts of home without the time, expense, and uncertainty of maintaining it themselves.

Located at the heart of the community, the Inn at Birch Bay offers dining, social, educational, wellness, and cultural opportunities for all residents. Cottage residents may reserve dinner at the Inn, visit the Fox Fitness Center, attend programs and events, and travel with confidence knowing their home and grounds continue to be cared for while they are away.

What’s Included in Your Monthly Association Fee?

Your Monthly Association Fee provides predictable monthly expenses while ensuring your home and community are professionally maintained. The fee includes:

• Capital Reserve Fund – Funding for major building repairs, replacements, and future capital improvements.
• Building Maintenance – Exterior building maintenance, structural and mechanical systems, and replacement of standard fixtures and appliances provided with the Cottage.
• Grounds Care – Lawn care, landscaping, pruning, and seasonal maintenance.
• Snow & Ice Removal – Plowing, shoveling, sanding, and ice management.
• Utilities & Municipal Services – Water and sewer service.
• Property Expenses – Real estate taxes and building insurance.
• Trash & Recycling Collection – Regular collection service.
• Professional Management – Administration of the Cooperative and coordination of maintenance and community operations.
• Campus Amenities – Access to walking paths, hiking trail, the Inn’s library, pub, Fox Fitness Center, outdoor dining terrace, and a variety of social, educational, wellness, and cultural programs.
• Priority Access – Priority admission to Birch Bay’s assisted living and residential care programs should future healthcare needs arise. (Health & financial assessment is required.)

The Value of Cooperative Living

Unlike traditional homeownership, cooperative living offers the peace of mind of predictable expenses and professional management. By sharing the costs of maintenance and contributing to a Capital Reserve Fund, residents avoid many of the unexpected financial burdens associated with owning a single-family home while helping ensure the long-term care and preservation of the community.

Please Note: The Monthly Association Fee does not include electricity, heating fuel, telephone, internet, or personal homeowners contents insurance.