The community was independently formed by School of Living members after an initiative by Mildred Loomis.
She briefly joined and led the community afterward, during which time Heathcote was the School of Living Headquarters.
Heathcote eventually became an independent entity on land leased to them by School of Living.
Heathcote's past activities focused on the old historic mill, scheduled for renovation in 2023-24.
Heathcote is affiliated with the School of Living Community Land Trust but an independent organization.