By Netera Landar
Chard and Stevie Hope created a roleplay sim rooted in the warmth, tradition, and the quiet magic of British village life. Hopeby represents an East Yorkshire village in the rural county in the north of England.
“East Yorkshire was a natural choice, as it is a place familiar to Chard, with its wide, open flatlands and winding waterways that seem made for stories to unfold,” said Stevie. “It’s a perfect setting for imagining a delightfully cheesy Christmas Hallmark movie come to life, where an American visitor—that would be me—arrives a bit reluctantly, only to find herself falling in love with both the village and a local lad named Chard.”
“From that love comes marriage, family, and eventually the creation of a village built on shared history, community, and hope—what would come to be known as Hopeby Village,” she added.
Together, they turned a simple idea into a living, breathing village with a story of its own. The one sim community is kept small to foster a quieter, more intimate setting that offers a sense of calm, familiarity, and belonging.
“Every corner of the village has been thoughtfully planned to feel both expansive and cohesive, allowing the world to unfold naturally without ever feeling crowded or disconnected,” said Stevie. “Winding paths, open spaces, and shared gathering spots give Hopeby the feeling of a living village rather than a busy hub.”
The layout provides “gentle” room for growth, allowing the community to develop naturally without losing the heart and charm that make it feel like home for its residents.
“Both of us have been involved in community building in the past, and that experience helped us begin Hopeby with a clear sense of purpose from the very start,” said Stevie. “We created a thoughtful foundation: housing to feel like home, businesses to encourage daily village life, welcoming communal spaces, a growing body of lore, and a strong community ethos to guide interactions.”
She said that these elements are designed to inspire connection, creativity, and lively roleplay, allowing residents to step into a village that feels lived-in, meaningful, and full of possibility.
“The planning of Hopeby began weeks before the first stone was ever set, with long conversations shared between husband and wife – ideas passed back and forth, imagined, reshaped, and dreamed into something just a little clearer each time,” said Stevie. “As the village began to take form, that planning never truly stopped, continuing as an ongoing, shared effort shaped by love, patience, and a mutual belief in the story we were building together.”
Stevie said that the landscaping and placement were arranged to avoid the “cookie-cutter feeling. The design was chosen by the owners, ensuring a consistent aesthetic throughout the entire sim.
“Chard laid out the bones of the village—its roads, plots, and rhythm—while I followed behind him, bringing warmth and life to each space. I adorned the land with natural beauty and carefully decorated the interiors of several shops, including our family-owned café and ice cream parlour. Step by step, room by room, we built Hopeby blending structure and detail, vision and heart, until the village felt not just designed, but truly loved.”
Seventeen family homes are currently on the land. They began welcoming a few families into the village on January 20. There are cozy homes, traditional cottages, and manor-style properties. Several stables have been added, which would be perfect for Teegle and other horses. Empty shop spaces can be rented for a role-play business or a main marketplace store. Residential and shops in the business district are 1.75L per prim. Stevie said that this makes it easy to settle in and plan long-term without surprise costs. To celebrate the grand opening, a rental incentive was offered through the end of January. Residents who paid for four weeks received an additional week at no charge.
“Each home and business space is individually parceled, allowing tenants the freedom to choose their own music, manage their own security systems, and personalize their space. Tenants may add visitors to the group as ‘guests,’ ensuring friends and family are never limited in their ability to rez while visiting. Our goal is to provide both freedom and peace of mind, so every resident can truly feel at home in Hopeby.”
Tenants and residents will be personally greeted by the Hope Family. Chard and Stevie’s son, Correus, will not only assist with the village, but he’s also eager to meet new friends and help them feel at home.
As the village grows, residents will take on roles and responsibilities, integrating their creativity and imagination with the founders.
The shops and roles will create a lively community where every resident has a story to tell. As the shops are filled, tenants will step into their roles naturally, becoming threads in the tapestry of Hopeby, where friendships are forged, stories unfold, and the village hums with gentle energy, said Stevie.
“Imagine gossip pinned to the parish boards, laughter spilling from the pub late into the evening, children racing through the streets, and neighbours gathering for shared celebrations that feel both grand and intimate,” added Stevie. “There may be the occasional mild scandal, a mix-up at the market, or a spirited debate at the town meeting – these are all part of the rhythm of village life.”
In the near future, a Village Council uniting residents and business owners will have a voice in shaping the community's future.
There will also be events. Seasonal festivals will feature music and fresh treats. Drive-in theatre nights will be organized for quiet gatherings. Live music from talented performers or DJs will be scheduled. Bingo Nights and clever quizzes will test residents’ wit and memory.
Residents will gather at The Hope & Anchor pub to share stories, build friendships, and enjoy a friendly pint or two. The Village Green will offer a space for larger gatherings, seasonal festivals, and community-wide celebrations. Hopeby Café & Sweets is ideal for morning chats over hot tea or coffee. Families will enjoy gathering at Hope Kids Scoops for an ice cream cone to have quality time together.
“We hope Hopeby will become more than just a place to live; we want it to feel like a living village, one where laughter is shared, adventures are imagined, and every small moment – whether a quiet stroll along the winding lanes or a bustling market day – adds to the rich tapestry of community life. Here, every character has a place, every story matters, and every resident is a part of something enduring, heartwarming, and truly special.
The village welcomes all, regardless of species, race, religion, gender, age, or who they love, Stevie added. It is a gentle, moderate sim where days move a little slower and everyone cares for one another.
The village is guided by a shared covenant – simple, respectful, and meant to protect the comfort and well-being of everyone who calls Hopeby home.
Netera Landar
Chard and Stevie Hope created a roleplay sim rooted in the warmth, tradition, and the quiet magic of British village life. Hopeby represents an East Yorkshire village in the rural county in the north of England.
 |
| Find out what's on the menu at Hopeby Cafe and Sweets. |
“East Yorkshire was a natural choice, as it is a place familiar to Chard, with its wide, open flatlands and winding waterways that seem made for stories to unfold,” said Stevie. “It’s a perfect setting for imagining a delightfully cheesy Christmas Hallmark movie come to life, where an American visitor—that would be me—arrives a bit reluctantly, only to find herself falling in love with both the village and a local lad named Chard.”
“From that love comes marriage, family, and eventually the creation of a village built on shared history, community, and hope—what would come to be known as Hopeby Village,” she added.
 |
| Hopeby Village Hall. |
Together, they turned a simple idea into a living, breathing village with a story of its own. The one sim community is kept small to foster a quieter, more intimate setting that offers a sense of calm, familiarity, and belonging.
“Every corner of the village has been thoughtfully planned to feel both expansive and cohesive, allowing the world to unfold naturally without ever feeling crowded or disconnected,” said Stevie. “Winding paths, open spaces, and shared gathering spots give Hopeby the feeling of a living village rather than a busy hub.”
The layout provides “gentle” room for growth, allowing the community to develop naturally without losing the heart and charm that make it feel like home for its residents.
“Both of us have been involved in community building in the past, and that experience helped us begin Hopeby with a clear sense of purpose from the very start,” said Stevie. “We created a thoughtful foundation: housing to feel like home, businesses to encourage daily village life, welcoming communal spaces, a growing body of lore, and a strong community ethos to guide interactions.”
She said that these elements are designed to inspire connection, creativity, and lively roleplay, allowing residents to step into a village that feels lived-in, meaningful, and full of possibility.
 |
| The village is decorated with British flags on a quiet morning. |
“The planning of Hopeby began weeks before the first stone was ever set, with long conversations shared between husband and wife – ideas passed back and forth, imagined, reshaped, and dreamed into something just a little clearer each time,” said Stevie. “As the village began to take form, that planning never truly stopped, continuing as an ongoing, shared effort shaped by love, patience, and a mutual belief in the story we were building together.”
Stevie said that the landscaping and placement were arranged to avoid the “cookie-cutter feeling. The design was chosen by the owners, ensuring a consistent aesthetic throughout the entire sim.
“Chard laid out the bones of the village—its roads, plots, and rhythm—while I followed behind him, bringing warmth and life to each space. I adorned the land with natural beauty and carefully decorated the interiors of several shops, including our family-owned café and ice cream parlour. Step by step, room by room, we built Hopeby blending structure and detail, vision and heart, until the village felt not just designed, but truly loved.”
 |
| A manor near one of the stables in Hopeby Village. |
Seventeen family homes are currently on the land. They began welcoming a few families into the village on January 20. There are cozy homes, traditional cottages, and manor-style properties. Several stables have been added, which would be perfect for Teegle and other horses. Empty shop spaces can be rented for a role-play business or a main marketplace store. Residential and shops in the business district are 1.75L per prim. Stevie said that this makes it easy to settle in and plan long-term without surprise costs. To celebrate the grand opening, a rental incentive was offered through the end of January. Residents who paid for four weeks received an additional week at no charge.
“Each home and business space is individually parceled, allowing tenants the freedom to choose their own music, manage their own security systems, and personalize their space. Tenants may add visitors to the group as ‘guests,’ ensuring friends and family are never limited in their ability to rez while visiting. Our goal is to provide both freedom and peace of mind, so every resident can truly feel at home in Hopeby.”
Tenants and residents will be personally greeted by the Hope Family. Chard and Stevie’s son, Correus, will not only assist with the village, but he’s also eager to meet new friends and help them feel at home.
 |
| Hopeby Village Pet Care is ready to serve you and your special fur babies. |
As the village grows, residents will take on roles and responsibilities, integrating their creativity and imagination with the founders.
The shops and roles will create a lively community where every resident has a story to tell. As the shops are filled, tenants will step into their roles naturally, becoming threads in the tapestry of Hopeby, where friendships are forged, stories unfold, and the village hums with gentle energy, said Stevie.
“Imagine gossip pinned to the parish boards, laughter spilling from the pub late into the evening, children racing through the streets, and neighbours gathering for shared celebrations that feel both grand and intimate,” added Stevie. “There may be the occasional mild scandal, a mix-up at the market, or a spirited debate at the town meeting – these are all part of the rhythm of village life.”
In the near future, a Village Council uniting residents and business owners will have a voice in shaping the community's future.
There will also be events. Seasonal festivals will feature music and fresh treats. Drive-in theatre nights will be organized for quiet gatherings. Live music from talented performers or DJs will be scheduled. Bingo Nights and clever quizzes will test residents’ wit and memory.
 |
| Meet your friends for a drink at Hope & Anchor bar. |
Residents will gather at The Hope & Anchor pub to share stories, build friendships, and enjoy a friendly pint or two. The Village Green will offer a space for larger gatherings, seasonal festivals, and community-wide celebrations. Hopeby Café & Sweets is ideal for morning chats over hot tea or coffee. Families will enjoy gathering at Hope Kids Scoops for an ice cream cone to have quality time together.
“We hope Hopeby will become more than just a place to live; we want it to feel like a living village, one where laughter is shared, adventures are imagined, and every small moment – whether a quiet stroll along the winding lanes or a bustling market day – adds to the rich tapestry of community life. Here, every character has a place, every story matters, and every resident is a part of something enduring, heartwarming, and truly special.
 |
| A winding waterway runs its course under the bridge, a short distance from the residential area |
The village welcomes all, regardless of species, race, religion, gender, age, or who they love, Stevie added. It is a gentle, moderate sim where days move a little slower and everyone cares for one another.
The village is guided by a shared covenant – simple, respectful, and meant to protect the comfort and well-being of everyone who calls Hopeby home.
Netera Landar
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