The Shire in the Woods, formerly known as the Dwelling in the Woods, was founded in 1989 by three Sisters of St. Joseph of Carondelet with a vision of creating a place where people can spend time in solitude, quieting the mind and opening heart and spirit, realizing wholeness. They recognized the need for individuals living in a modern, fast paced society to be able to retreat to a quiet, nurturing place, thus replenishing the soul and deepening their connection with self, nature, world, and the universe. They settled upon a lot of 120 acres, a log house, and a sauna. Over 20 years later, the grounds have expanded considerably. Many hands have helped to create these unique buildings and versatile landscape. The Shire is located inside the Solana State Forest along the Soo Line Trail. There are many groomed trails. Enjoy hiking in the Forest, kayaking in Banning State Park, cross country skiing, snowshoeing, mountain biking, or horseback riding on the trails. There is a wood burning sauna, a gazebo, and a labyrinth. All of the unique cottages are equipped with many of the accouterments of home and have cozy fireplaces. Buildings range from an entire house that sleeps 12, a large vaulted multipurpose octagon building, to a cozy one room cabin. The Shire can serve your family, friends, hold your next retreat, facilitate special meetings, host weddings, workshops, professional development events, and more! Whatever your event, we will work with you to best serve your needs.

Average Cost: $ - $$    See Website rate page for details. Food is not provided at this time, but all of the needed equipment and utensils to prepare food are provided for in each dwelling. Some basic foodstuffs are provided. Some of the cottages have full kitchens. We have special areas for boarding horses. Children 17 and under stay for free. There are special rates for large groups (a large group is 5 or more adults).
Work Exchange: Yes!
Some tasks included in work exchange would be general gardening, grounds care, trail upkeep, animal care, and wood cutting. Call for more details.

Environment: Lake / Pond, Rural, Rustic, Woods

Gay Friendly: Yes!

Special Needs: Wheelchair Access

Pet Friendly: Yes!

Environmentally Sustainable: Yes!
We organically grow some of our food. We compost all of organic and animal waste (horses). Recycling is key throughout the complex. We use off peak electric to heat our buildings during the colder months.

Overnight Guest Capacity (defined as): 34

Meeting Space Capacity (defined as): 50

Meeting Rooms:

Groups Served: 12 Step / Addiction / Recovery, Arts / Crafts, Business, Church / Faith / Religious, Dance / Theater, Educational, Families, Health / Healing, Lesbian / Gay, Meditation Groups, Mens Groups, Music, Nature / Adventure, Non-profit, Peace / Justice, Personal Development Groups, Reunions, Silent, Weddings, Womens Groups, Writing, Yoga Groups, Youth Groups

Amenities: Biking trails, Carpet, Fire Pit / Circle, Fireplaces, Gardens / Outdoor Space, Hot Tub, Labyrinth, Laundry Services, Massage Services, Meditation Hall, On-line / Internet Access, Sauna, Walking/ Hiking Trails

Special Features: The property is located on 120 acres, but it is surrounded by the Solana State Forest so the accessible area is thousands of acres. The Soo Line Trail runs through the property, and goes for many miles and either direction. There are trails throughout the property and surrounding forest. All of the buildings are very unique and beautiful with natural wood a mainstay. There is a very large rose garden at the center of the Ring of the Shire. There are also horses on the property and many trails.

Technology and AV: Internet and WiFi are available in most locations.

Room Types: Cottage / Cabin

Total Number of Rooms: 34

Children OK: Yes!

Meal Availability: Available Nearby, Kitchen - Private