Long Term Residence:

Virtual Tour

Our house derives its special quality from the people who live here, an evolving population of men and women of various ages, races, and cultural backgrounds. There are about 25 of us- artists, students, working professionals and retired people- who have come together to enjoy simple, comfortable living at a reasonable cost. Preference is given to Friends and those people involved in socially responsible concerns, as we support people who are dedicated to making valuable contributions toward world peace, our planet and each other.

At PFH, we are able to offer many comforts that can be difficult to obtain when living in the sometimes isolated or impersonal atmosphere of a typical apartment. The Penington’s ample common space and shared meals provide a wonderful opportunity to get to know a wide range of people. Our dinners are simple, but delicious. Our chefs purchase many organic or locally grown ingredients and provide both vegetarian and non-vegetarian entrees.

Everyone shares in the housework, which consists of housekeeping details, dining room chores and bathroom cleaning. Participation in these duties is an integral part of PFH and vital to both its physical existence and spiritual core of sharing, service, and community life. Residents are asked to participate on various committees for decision making within the house and to make every effort to attend dinner together. It cannot be emphasized too strongly that residency at PFH depends upon a healthy, responsible attitude of cooperation and contribution.

Residents share seven private bathrooms, but most have their own sinks in their rooms. Rooms are furnished with a twin bed or loft bed, dresser, desk and chair. There is usually not room for other personal furniture. Some bedrooms have lofted beds that provide more floor space and others have regular beds for easier access.

Bedroom with regular bed.

Bedroom with loft bed.

Acceptance at PFH is on a six month trial basis, so that we can mutually ascertain whether PFH is the appropriate living situation for you. An informal assessment of each resident’s contribution continues throughout his or her maximum five year stay before a re-evaluation for longer residency.

Applications may be submitted year round. We maintain a contact list of applicants for our rooms. The rooms vary in price depending on size and where they are located in the building. Our current price range is from $1084 to $1720 per month. This includes common costs, such as utilities, wireless internet, meals, and community access to cable television and the New York Times.

Upon acceptance for one of our long-term rooms, we require without exception your first month’s and last month’s rent plus a security deposit of $1,400, which is refundable when you leave. We also require a signed statement by you affirming to uphold all house policies and guidelines. We request a minimum of two month’s notice before you move out. An annual rent review occurs each fall, and if there is to be an increase, it usually takes effect on January 1st.

Persons interested in the possibility of living at PFH are encouraged to fill out an application. As openings become available, we will contact candidates to arrange an interview. If you live too far away for a personal visit, we will do as much as we can over the phone and with the use of the Zoom or Google Meet.

If you have any questions, please email or call us and we’ll be happy to answer them. We look forward to hearing from you.

We are currently accepting applications for long term residency.

If you would like to be considered for long-term residency please select either the online or printed version of the application to submit. See below for specific details on paying application fee.  We will contact prospective applicants to schedule an interview as rooms become available. Please note that all residents are fully vaccinated against Covid.

Online Application Form – We will follow up to arrange payment of $20 application fee by Paypal.

Print and mail Penington Friends House Residency Application Written Version – Please mail a check for $20 application fee with this application.