Anceu Coliving is one of the rural coliving spaces in Europe for remote workers. In this article, we will talk about the concept of coliving space, and the different options and opportunities that you can find in beautiful Europe.
What is a coliving space?
More and more people are working from home nowadays, but it can be hard to feel connected. Coliving spaces help because they bring people together to live and work. I’d say they’re not just a trend—they’re a new way of living and working. These connecting hubs help people feel like they belong and make friends.
I have been remote working since 2013 thanks to being part of Eleven Yellow. We started living together in Indonesia. Fast, we moved around, to the Philippines, Poland or Greece, while developing our projects. Back then, I didn’t even know the name of what we were doing, but basically is coliving.
The main concept of a coliving space is a place where people share their daily life while working on their own projects or job. On top of that, the spaces that we’ll talk about in this article add the community variable.
Community is a very hard thing to explain. It is not the same for everyone. Some people look for deep conversations. Some others look for sharing a meal. In a coliving space, community is cultivated through shared spaces, activities, and experiences. It’s about more than just living under the same roof; it’s about forming connections, collaborating on projects, and supporting one another’s growth and well-being.
How community oriented colivings are usually structured?
Community-oriented colivings are carefully structured to foster connections and collaboration among residents. Shared living spaces serve as the heart of the community, providing opportunities for spontaneous interactions and shared experiences. These spaces are often designed to be welcoming and comfortable, encouraging residents to come together for meals, conversations, or simply to relax.
In addition to shared living areas, community-oriented colivings often have designated communal spaces for activities and gatherings. These spaces may include coworking areas where residents can work alongside one another, participate in workshops, or engage in collaborative projects. Group events and activities are also common, ranging from yoga classes and movie nights to cooking workshops and cultural outings.
Meals play a significant role in community-building within coliving spaces. Common dinners provide opportunities for residents to bond over food, share stories, and exchange ideas. Whether it’s a potluck lunch, a barbecue in the garden, or a themed cooking night, communal dining experiences help create a sense of belonging and camaraderie.
Overall, the community structure of coliving spaces is designed to facilitate meaningful connections and support personal and professional growth. By providing spaces for interaction, collaboration, and shared experiences, community-oriented colivings strive to create a vibrant and supportive environment for residents.
What are the coliving spaces in Europe to visit?
I don’t really have the answer to that question, but I’ve developed a list here of the coliving spaces in Europe I’ve had the pleasure to visit. The idea is update the list as we continue visiting more. Here it goes.
Galicia, Spain
Sende
We couldn’t start our list of coliving spaces in Europe from something else. Sende has been the inspiration for what Anceu Coliving is today. On a 20 inhabitants village you can find the oldest rural coliving space in Europe. Founded in 2013 and more than 4000 colivers in their history. Daily shared meals are part of their soul. As Edo says, “In a village, we sit together under one light (a bonfire, a light projector, a living room lamp) while, in the city, people are surrounded by thousands of blinding lights”.
Swiss alps, switzerland
Alpiness Coliving
Starting from our inspiration, we had to continue with the coliving space that we have deepen in our hearts. Alpiness Coliving is a beautiful project started by Ben and Fabienne from Novo Monde. They were part of Anceu Coliving community for more than 6 months. We couldn’t be happier to see their dream come true. Late 2023 we had the chance to visit them on a European Creative Hubs Network exchange. The area is gorgeous, the place is amazing, and they are the best hosts.
normandy, France
Chateau Coliving
I met Katia back in 2020 when she was the community manager of Nine Coliving. Who would have thought that in a year he’d be opening their own coliving space. There are not enough words to describe how beautiful Chateau Coliving is. They have been able to create a home from a XIII century castle. When we visited them in June 2023, we saw all the love they put in the space, and their community.
Canary islands, spain
Nine Coliving
I visited Nine Coliving in early 2020 and it just gave me more energy to start Anceu Coliving. Anne was kind enough to spend time with me helping me with my questions about opening a coliving space. I will always be grateful for that. She also came to Anceu when we opened our doors in July 2020. In a beautiful old Canarian house in La Orotava, Nine coliving offers the best balance between work and community.
costa da morte, spain
iSlow Coliving
Ines and Julio started what iSlow coliving is before knowing what a coliving was. I am super happy we crossed paths by August 2020. They came to visit Anceu Coliving and got a bit inspired to open their family friendly coliving space in Galicia. We visit them on their opening month in April 2022. Beautiful old galician restored house in a very wild and gorgeous part of Spain.
french alps, france
Cloud Citadel
I owe a lot to Jelena and Joey. Cloud Citadel was the first coliving space I ever visited. My visit was there during their opening month too, by February 2020. I can’t describe with words all the knowledge I got from my stay there. I gotta say that a lot of stuff from Anceu Coliving still comes from there. Cloud Citadel is the place you want to go if you are into mountain sports.
burgas, bulgaria
Burgas Coliving
Katya and Tony were super kind to invite us to Burgas Coliving on their opening month. We had an amazing time there with the most involved hosts I’ve ever seen. We enjoyed our time with bonfires, typical Bulgarian pastries, and amazing brewed beer recommended by Tony. The place is an old sanitarium beautifully renovated on a coliving space.
bucharest, romania
Vine21
On my last visit to Romania in 2022, I texted Vine21 if I could pass by to meet each other. A 20 minute coffee became an 8 hours chat, with beers and dinner included. Arthur and Huga have created something very special downtown Bucharest. They have a mix between the local community from their cafe with remote workers from the coliving. I love that combination. If you are into urban vibes with local connections, you can’t miss it
Coliving spaces in Europe
So far, those have been the coliving spaces we have the chance to visit. That’s the reason some of the most renowned hubs haven’t been shown and explained here. We love to continue creating connections with coliving spaces in Europe.
Exploring coliving spaces across Europe reveals a diverse tapestry of experiences, from rural stays like Anceu Coliving, to urban havens. These spaces offer more than just a place to live and work—they provide a sense of community, connection, and belonging in an increasingly digital world.
Whether nestled in the peaceful countryside or bustling city centers, coliving spaces foster collaboration, creativity, and personal growth. Shared meals, communal activities, and collaborative projects form the backbone of these communities, creating vibrant environments where residents can thrive.
As we continue to navigate the landscape of remote work, coliving spaces offer hope for those seeking meaningful connections. Coliving spaces embrace the principles of community, collaboration, and sustainability. Thes principles empower individuals to live and work on their own terms, while forging friendships and memories along the way.
Join us in embracing the coliving revolution and discover the endless possibilities that await in Europe’s vibrant coliving community. Whether you want the tranquility of rural, or the energy of urban living, there’s a coliving space waiting for you.
Together, let’s redefine the way we live, work, and thrive in the modern world.