WCP1745

[1]

PRIVATE and CONFIDENTIAL.

PROPOSAL as to a JOINT RESIDENTIAL ESTATE.

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1. In order to secure the advantages of a Country Home, in a healthy district, with picturesque surroundings, which can be permanently preserved, and within one to two hours of London, it is proposed that a few persons shall purchase jointly, an estate of from 100 to 300 acres or more.

2. During the summer of 1900 Dr. A. R. Wallace and Mr. A. C. Swinton examined a large number of estates, and this year, Dr. A. R. Wallace and Mr. A. Roland Shaw have inspected several more, but without finding one in all respects suitable, though some very attractive.

3. Believing that further research will soon lead to success, it would then be necessary to act promptly. The above-named gentlemen must therefore ascertain how many of their friends are prepared to join in the purchase, of course conditionally on their approval of the estate chosen.

4. They believe that a suitable estate may be found at a cost of from £10,000 to £12,000 and if that amount can be obtained from ten or even from twenty persons, they will proceed energetically with the search. The three gentlemen named are prepared to advance £3,000 towards the purchase (or their proportionate share if less is needed), and will be glad to receive, promptly, the names of those who will join to complete the amount. Sums of £500 would however, be accepted, with a proportionate interest in the estate.

5. The estate being purchased, Dr. A. R. Wallace, as being the originator of the plan and having spent much time in the search, will take, as his portion, the dwelling house and adjacent grounds, and will then act as Agent and Surveyor for the group of purchasers till the whole estate is occupied. Mr. A. Roland Shaw will undertake the business correspondence and negotiations with sellers and purchasers, and other business details, and for these services will be entitled to the choice of the site.

6. It is proposed to mark out as many residential beneficial sites, as there are persons who contribute towards the purchase, these sites to be so selected and arranged to be approximately equal in value to the sums subscribed. According to size of the estate and other circumstances, these sites would probably range in acreage from two up to ten acres.

7. Part of the estate, including most of the woods and wilder portions, would be reserved as a natural park for the enjoyment of all the residents alike.

8. Surplus land would be disposed of for the joint benefit of the beneficial owners — that is, those who joined to purchase the estate — in any way they consider advisable.

9. It is however, understood that nothing more than their advances for the purchase of the estate is to be divided among the purchasers. Any further revenue or profit that may accrue shall be expended upon the estate for the benefit of all its residents.

10. By some such plan of co-operation as above outlined, it is considered possible to secure many social, residential and material advantages, in a rural retreat, that could not be obtained by single-handed or individual effort. Such co-operative effort may also result in enhancing the value of the land purchased by reason of the improvements and privileges provided for, and in speedily returning the purchase money to the several beneficial owners.

11. Persons receiving this statement are requested to write soon to A. Roland Shaw Esq., 12 Suffolk Street, Pall Mall, London, S.W., stating their wish to become one of the purchasers, and to what extent they are prepared to subscribe.

So soon as the undersigned ascertain what support they receive, they will be in a position to select one or more estates for the inspection of the subscribers, and, if generally approved, secure it as speedily as possible.

(SIGNED) – May 15th, 1901.

Alfred R. Wallace, Roland Shaw, A.C. Swinton.