Karuna

The Sanskrit word for “compassionate action” in the Hindu tradition. Karuna is the first single hermitage on the right. It contains a single bed, full-size futon, fireplace on the south wall, screened-in porch, full kitchen with stove and refrigerator, and a full bath. The front window has a view of the Laura with the back facing the woods.

Reservations

Jeremiah

The name of a Jewish prophet. Jeremiah is the second single hermitage on the right. Jeremiah contains a single bed, single-size futon, a fireplace in the center of the room, screened-in porch, full kitchen with stove and refrigerator, and a full bath. Jeremiah sits slightly back into the woods.

Reservations

Rosewood

Named after the book Dark Wood to White Rose by philosopher Helen Luke who was instrumental in forming the neighboring Jungian retreat center Apple Farm. Rosewood is the third single hermitage on the right. Rosewood contains a single bed, full-size futon, a fireplace on the north wall, screened-in porch, full kitchen with stove and refrigerator, and a full bath. The front window has a view of the Laura with the back facing the woods.

Reservations

Prairie House

As a means of incorporating the naturalism of Native American theology. Prairie contains a single bed, a glider rocker, a fireplace in the center of the room, screened-in porch, full kitchen with stove and refrigerator, and a full bath. This hermitage sits on the edge of the meadow, overlooks the Laura with the back facing the woods.

Reservations

Heathwood

This cabin was the first hermitage built, named after a co-founder's mother. It was constructed using the Christopher Alexander method in which users, rather than the architect, discern the “pattern language” of the space, allowing it to reflect the environment and activity it will exist within and for. All materials for this project were brought in on foot or by wheelbarrow. Heathwood sits back into the woods and is the smallest and most secluded hermitage. Heathwood has a single bed, a glider rocker, a small deck, two-burner stovetop, microwave, toaster oven, small refrigerator, and a full bath.

Reservations

Charlie

Named after the golden retriever who spent his years as the GilChrist Greeter and as a reminder of the ordinary ways through which the sacred can be encountered. Charlie has a large living room with a queen futon, glass sliding doors that overlook a deck and the woods. Charlie has two bedrooms that contain a single bed and desk. It has a full kitchen and full bath. This hermitage is nestled into the woods.

Reservations

Heartstone

Named for the discovery of heart-shaped rocks around the land. Heartstone has a large living room with a queen size futon, glass sliding doors that overlook a deck and the woods. Heartstone has two bedrooms that contain a single bed and desk. It has a full kitchen and full bath. This hermitage is next to the Path of Many Faiths.

Reservations

Hawk's Nest

Built into the tree line, this cabin is named for the way its interior seems to be perched in a tree. It also reflects the importance of the hawk as a spiritual or religious symbol and as an animal that often is seen and heard soaring the skies of GilChrist. This hermitage is Handicap Accessible and is the closest cabin to WindHill and the parking area. Hawk's Nest has a single bed, a lounge chair, a deck, a full kitchen, and full bath. Hawk's Nest overlooks the Laura.

Reservations

Other Residence - The Apartment

The apartment is located in the lower level of WindHill. This is a two-room walkout that overlooks the wildflower prairie. There is a queen-size bed and a queen-size futon. The apartment has a full kitchen and full bathroom. It is usually reserved for the facilitators of the retreats and workshops occurring at GilChrist; however, it can be reserved by any guest.

Reservations

The Caretaker's House

GilChrist has renovated The Caretaker’s House with the intension of it being used for long-term retreats of a week or more, with a limit of three months. Our other cabins are usually reserved for groups, thus making it difficult for people to do longer retreats. It should be noted that our intent with the longer time is for people who have experience with silence and retreat and who want to deepen their spiritual practice. We do offer limited supportive practices; however, a person needs to be committed to their personal practice and independence to consider longer retreats at GilChrist. The fees for use of the Caretaker’s House are:

$45 per person/per night for 1-2 nights
$35 per person/night for 3-7 nights
$30 per person/per night for 7-14 nights
$20 per person/per night for                           14 days-3 months ($600 per month)

Reservations