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The guest cottage at Pastime Farm offers a sanctuary within our family’s backyard. It is deeply and profoundly spiritual, without having a religious basis. This unique setting lends itself to a feeling of privacy, protection, and relaxation. It is truly a place to come home to your senses–whether you’re a dedicated spiritual practitioner or not.

Unlike a B&B, this isn’t our livelihood. We have created a sanctuary for ourselves and, periodically, offer the guest cottage to support a woman’s deep reunion with herself. Meanwhile, we will be carrying on with our typical weekend routine (e.g., gardening, hiking, entertaining). You might call this a supported sanctuary to do your own thing (a place to “be” with yourself).

It’s sometimes an option to have meals provided. In that case, picnic baskets containing homemade-from-scratch vegetarian meals will be delivered to your door twice daily. Everything is local, organic, and mostly from our garden, orchard, chickens, bees, and olive trees.

Vegetarian meals will be provided with consideration to any requests you’ve made in advance (e.g., food allergies/sensitivities). Tea and coffee are available throughout the day. You are welcome to bring outside food and drink if you wish.

Closed-toe shoes (wood chips cover the property). Sunhat. Comfortable, layered clothing. Notebook, favorite pen. Flashlight. Alarm clock. Eyeshades and earplugs if they help you sleep. Anything that will support you in your free time (e.g., yoga mat, art supplies, book). If you intend to hike, then bring long pants and hiking boots (foxtail weeds, snakes).

Roller bags do not “roll” on our property; Plan to carry bags to your room. ~ Artificial fragrance triggers a migraine for Kelly; Please do not bring/use any products listing “fragrance” in the ingredients. (Essential oils are fine.) ~ No candles, incense, or any flammables. (Smoking is in a designated area.) ~ No marijuana, illegal drugs.

Bark mulch is used throughout the property to build soil, improve water-holding capacity, and protect against wildfire. Closed-toe shoes are recommended.

Entering the main house requires climbing stairs. Entering the guest cottage requires walking approximately 300 yards over flat ground with bark mulch.

We aim to provide space away from your daily routine. If you crave movement, then exit our backyard gate to the Sunol Regional Wilderness (6,000 acres of ridge lands for hiking). Otherwise, there are several places to lounge throughout the property.

We have no roosters. The hens make some noise when they awaken, for a couple of minutes, and then go about their day. The property is bursting with bird sounds throughout the day — including red-tailed hawks, doves, jays, robins, hummingbirds, and our resident barn owls.

Cell phone reception and wifi are available throughout the property. Let us know in advance if you will be using online conferencing during your stay. In that case, we will do our best to boost your bandwidth during that time.

A personal retreat is not yet available for clients working with Kelly in her private practice. This will likely change in the near future. If you’d like to be informed when personal retreat becomes available to clients, then please let us know.

No. It’s our family home in a residential-agricultural setting. We have neighbors in close proximity along each fenceline. Although it’s rare, you’ll sometimes hear them in their backyard — shooting hoops or hanging out. There are places on the property to find peace and quiet any time of day.

We often entertain friends (e.g., small dinner parties, movies under the stars). If you prefer silence during your retreat, then we will find a weekend with a clear social calendar. While the two of us might speak on the property, we will make an effort to keep our voices down.

The closest airport is Oakland (27 miles, appx 35 minutes) followed by San Jose (28 miles, appx 35 minutes) and San Francisco (40 miles, appx 1 hour). Travel times can double during commute hours.

Navigation systems will accurately direct you to the property. (Address will be provided upon registration.) There is private parking on-site. ~ Oakland Airport offers public transportation (BART) to Pleasanton (then take a taxi).