Newton Dee was originally purchased by the Camphill Rudolf Steiner Schools in 1945 as an extension of their work. The intention was to create opportunities and work for older pupils and especially socially challenged young men through agriculture and skills training.
In the mid fifties parents, and others, asked Camphill to respond to the needs of their growing adolescents and young people by establishing communities with adults. The basis had been begun in Newton Dee, and in 1954 the Camphill Village Trust was formed to begin this work formally. In 1955 Botton Hall and estate became the first CVT centre establishing the first Village Community. Eventually, in 1960, Newton Dee became part of the Camphill Village Trust and thus became fully fledged as a Village Community with adults.
The community’s early years were very humble and full of the challenges of any pioneering enterprise. Income was minimal, work was plentiful as ever more people wished to join the community with all its potentials and possibilities. The community developed, at a pace during the sixties, seventies and early eighties with new houses and workshops springing up regulary. The early development of the community was only possible through the dedication and hard work of the community members and their supporters. Two significant points during this phase were in the early seventies, which saw the completion of the community centre, the Phoenix Hall, and in 1984 with the beginning of Loch Arthur in Southwest of Scotland, which was established with a great deal of support, help and manpower from Newton Dee.
More recent years have seen further developments due to changing regulations and legislation but also due to changing social needs and individual expectations and aspirations. As Newton Dee goes into its 6th decade further changes and developments are anticipated and expected as the community continues to evolve and answer changing needs.
Farms
There are two farms on Newton Dee. As well as milk our farms supply beef and pork to the community.
Village life
Everyone at Newton Dee has their role to play in creating our vibrant lively community.
Shop
Our bakers bake award winning bread available in the Store or why not come and try a cake baked in the confectionary together with a relaxing cup of coffee.
