The Full Vision for Sage Sanctuary
Sage Sanctuary is being built in phases. Each one builds on the last before we expand outward. Here is the full roadmap
PHASE ONE:
Light the First Fire
Phase One is about readiness.
Before larger gatherings, expanded accommodations, or long-term growth can happen, the existing structures and land have to be stabilized, secured, and properly prepared. This phase is about turning what exists into something that actually functions.
“Light the First Fire” is the moment the vision becomes real. The first cabin becomes livable. The land becomes safely accessible. The tools to care for the property are put in place.
The outcome of Phase One is not expansion. It is stability.
The tiny cabin is the first operational structure at Sage Sanctuary. Before it can welcome guests it needs to be safe, weather-protected, structurally sound, and supported by reliable utilities.
Scope of Work
- Seal the structure to prevent wildlife intrusion
- Clean and remediate crawlspace
- Re-insulate subfloor using appropriate materials
- Retap and plumb spring water to the cabin
- Engineer and finalize a permanent septic solution
- Re-grade and gravel driveway for reliable year-round access
- Replace deteriorated deck boards
- Install air conditioning
- Construct a simple outdoor seating area
- Landscaping for an aesthetically pleasing view
- Establish a safe, contained fire pit gathering space
Purpose
Completing this milestone allows the first guests to stay safely and comfortably. It establishes operational proof of concept and begins modest revenue generation while maintaining a grounded scale.
Estimated Budget
$12,000 to $18,000
The property includes wooded areas, downed trees from Helene, and overgrowth that limit safe movement and usable space. Responsible clearing and access improvement are necessary before future development or gatherings can happen.
Scope of Work
- Remove hazardous downed trees and debris
- Manage overgrowth near structures and primary access points
- Improve and widen walking paths
- Strengthen and maintain access roads
- Create usable outdoor gathering areas near existing accommodations
- Address fire mitigation where appropriate
Purpose
Opening the land increases safety, usability, and long-term flexibility. It creates space for outdoor sessions and small gatherings while preserving what makes the property worth protecting.
Estimated Budget
$10,000 to $20,000 depending on equipment, fuel, and contracted labor support
Long-term care of 17 acres requires proper equipment. Without the right tools, maintenance becomes costly and dependent on outside contractors.
This milestone establishes the operational backbone of the sanctuary.
Scope of Work
- Tractor with 45+ HP, front loader, and backhoe capability
- UTV with 4×4 and power steering
- Pole saw and essential land management tools
- Core construction tools including miter saw, circular saw, and stands
- Utility trailers in 7×10 and 4×8
- Construction of a dedicated shop building to house equipment and support ongoing maintenance
Purpose
This infrastructure reduces long-term expenses, increases independence, and allows the sanctuary to manage land care and future builds in-house. It supports every phase that comes after it.
Estimated Budget
$75,000 to $100,000
The lower level of the main cabin will become the first dedicated indoor space for breathwork sessions, meditation gatherings, and small group restorative work. The space requires reconfiguration and preparation before use.
Scope of Work
- Remove existing built-ins and reconfigure the layout
- Pour concrete for the walkout patio
- Improve stair access and entry from the outside
- Prepare electrical and ventilation upgrades
- Create a flexible open floor plan for sessions
- Explore adding a cold plunge, sauna, and/or hot tub on the walkout patio
- Acquire foundational healing tools including a Rife Frequency Machine, Ionic Foot Detox, sound healing instruments, and other essential equipment
Purpose
This milestone activates the core mission of Sage Sanctuary. It creates a protected indoor environment where guided sessions and restorative practices can begin, with the possibility of cold plunge, sauna, and hot tub access just outside the door.
Estimated Budget
$35,000 to $60,000 depending on final equipment selections
Phase One Financial Overview
Projected Phase One Total: Approximately $150,000 to $200,000
If you feel called to help us complete Phase One, we welcome your support.
This range accounts for material cost fluctuation and unforeseen site conditions.
Jeff and Regina have already committed personal resources and labor to the early stages of development and will continue contributing financially as the build progresses.
Outcome of Phase One
When Phase One is complete:
- The tiny cabin will be fully operational and rentable
- The land will be safely accessible and usable
- Core equipment will be in place for long-term stewardship
- The first indoor healing space will be functional
- Sage Sanctuary will be capable of hosting early retreats and private stays
Phase One establishes readiness. It creates a stable base from which Phase Two and Phase Three can grow.
For those who believe in what we are building and want to support it or simply start a conversation, we welcome that connection.
PHASE TWO:
Take Root
With the foundation established and the first spaces operational, Phase Two focuses on strengthening sustainability and gently expanding capacity.
This phase introduces food systems, modest additional accommodations, and simple gathering structures that support longer stays while maintaining the grounded scale of the sanctuary.
Where Phase One made the land ready, Phase Two puts it to work.
Phase Two introduces long-term food systems designed to nourish guests, support resilience, and deepen connection to the land. This milestone moves beyond seasonal garden beds and begins cultivating perennial systems that will mature over time.
Scope of Work
- Construction of raised garden beds with terrace-style layout where the land calls for it
- Development of a small-scale food forest with perennial fruit, nut, and medicinal species
- Initiation of long-term regenerative crops native to the Appalachian region
Purpose
The garden systems provide fresh produce for retreats and daily operations. The food forest establishes long-term perennial abundance and strengthens the health of the land over time. The regenerative crops connect to regional tradition and introduce a slow-maturing agricultural component with real future value.
Estimated Budget
$20,000 to $40,000 depending on the scale of the food forest and irrigation systems.
Adding a small flock introduces a simple, sustainable food cycle to the property.
Scope of Work
- Construction of a secure chicken coop
- Fencing and predator protection
- Initial flock acquisition
- Feed storage and watering systems
- Basic animal care infrastructure
Purpose
Chickens provide eggs, natural soil enrichment, and a meaningful step toward operational self-sufficiency. This milestone strengthens long-term resilience and supports the food needs of retreats and daily life on the property.
Estimated Budget
$8,000 to $15,000
Phase Two introduces a simple covered outdoor structure for small gatherings, workshops, and shared meals.
Scope of Work
- Site preparation and leveling
- Gazebo construction with foundation and anchoring
- Basic lighting installation
- Seating and layout configuration
Purpose
The gazebo creates a protected outdoor space for teaching, conversation, and community without requiring large-scale construction. It increases hosting flexibility while preserving the natural feel of the land.
Estimated Budget
$20,000 to $40,000 depending on materials and design complexity.
Phase Two gently expands accommodation capacity with the addition of the first 2 to 4 yurts or geodesic domes.
Scope of Work
- Site selection and grading
- Platform construction
- Installation of yurts or domes
- Basic electrical and lighting
- Minimal furnishing and weatherproofing
Purpose
These additional units increase hosting flexibility and modestly expand retreat capacity without transitioning into large-scale development. They allow the sanctuary to grow at a measured, intentional pace.
Estimated Budget
$80,000 to $150,000 depending on the number of structures and finish level.
Phase Two Financial Overview
Projected Phase Two Total:
Approximately $125,00 – $235,000
Phase Two remains scalable. Development may occur incrementally based on funding availability and demonstrated retreat demand.
Outcome of Phase Two
When Phase Two is complete:
- The sanctuary will support basic food production
- Operational resilience will be strengthened
- Guest capacity will increase modestly
- Outdoor gathering space will be established
- The property will move closer to partial self-sufficiency
Phase Two does not rush growth. It strengthens what is already there so that future expansion can happen responsibly.
PHASE THREE:
Expand Capacity
With the land stabilized and foundational systems in place, Phase Three focuses on expanding the sanctuary’s ability to host larger gatherings, deeper retreats, and shared community experiences.
This phase introduces the central gathering infrastructure and expanded accommodations necessary to support multi-day retreats and structured programs.
Where Phase Two strengthened the roots, Phase Three expands the reach.
The structure exists. Phase Three completes the interior build-out and equips the upper level of the shop for strength, mobility, and embodied training.
Scope of Work
- Interior finishing and layout design
- Electrical upgrades and lighting
- Ventilation and climate control
- Installation of strength equipment including racks, free weights, and functional training systems
- Mobility and recovery tools
- Safety flooring and wall protection
Purpose
The gym anchors the physical dimension of the sanctuary’s philosophy. It reinforces that healing includes strength, discipline, and embodied resilience. This milestone integrates structured physical training into retreat programming and daily life at the sanctuary.
Estimated Budget
$60,000 to $120,000 depending on equipment level and interior finish.
A dedicated central building for workshops, retreats, breathwork gatherings, and shared meals.
Scope of Work
- Site preparation and foundation
- Multi-purpose gathering hall construction capable of holding 50 people comfortably
- Integrated community kitchen
- Large deck overlooking the property
- Electrical, plumbing, and HVAC systems
- Flexible open floor plan
- Storage and basic furnishings
Purpose
This becomes the operational heart of Sage Sanctuary, enabling structured retreats and larger gatherings in a protected and functional environment.
Estimated Budget
$300,000 to $500,000
Permanent wellness systems requiring dedicated installation and integration.
Scope of Work
- Full-spectrum infrared sauna
- Cold plunge with filtration and chiller
- Hyperbaric oxygen therapy unit
- Red light therapy systems
- Frequency-based wellness equipment
- Electrical upgrades and ventilation
Purpose
This milestone builds out the sanctuary’s comprehensive wellness infrastructure, supporting physical recovery, cellular health, and restorative practices within retreat programming.
Estimated Budget
$120,000 to $250,000
As guest capacity grows, shared infrastructure becomes essential. Phase Three brings a dedicated community bathhouse online and expands accommodations to support larger groups comfortably and responsibly.
Scope of Work
- Construction of community bathhouse with multiple toilets and showers
- Plumbing and septic integration
- Water heating systems
- Accessibility considerations
- Utility connections for expanded lodging
- Additional yurts or geodesic domes bringing the total to 10 structures
- Tent platforms and site preparation for guests bringing their own tents
Purpose
This milestone provides the essential infrastructure required to host larger groups comfortably and responsibly. It allows Sage Sanctuary to expand accommodations without compromising safety or sustainability.
Estimated Budget
$250,000 to $450,000 for bathhouse and expanded lodging combined.
Phase Three Financial Overview
Projected Phase Three Total:
Approximately $730,000 – $1,320,000
Actual cost will depend on structure size, finish level, equipment selection, and phased sequencing.
Phase Three will be executed incrementally and in alignment with demonstrated retreat demand and available funding. No expansion occurs without stability.
Outcome of Phase Three
When Phase Three is complete, Sage Sanctuary transitions from a developing retreat property into a fully operational retreat center capable of hosting structured multi-day programs.
At completion:
- A dedicated gym space supports physical strength and embodied resilience
- A central Healing and Gathering Center anchors workshops, retreats, and shared meals
- Permanent sauna, cold plunge, hyperbaric, red light, and frequency systems are integrated into programming
- A community bathhouse supports larger group stays responsibly
- Guest capacity expands to approximately 25 to 50 participants
- Infrastructure supports sustainability without overwhelming the land
Phase Three does not change the spirit of the sanctuary. It simply increases its ability to serve.
This phase represents maturity, not scale for the sake of scale. It is expansion built on preparation.