No. 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.

No. 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, meditating). You might call this a supported sanctuary to “be” with yourself.

Yes. Homemade-from-scratch vegetarian meals are provided. Everything is local, organic, and mostly from our garden, orchard, chickens, bees, and olive trees. The dinner bell will be rung at mealtime; It is recommended that you enjoy your meal on the back porch. If you prefer to stay in your cottage, then a picnic basket will be delivered to your door.

Yes. Prior to your visit, you’ll select your favorite menu items and make any additional requests (e.g., food allergies). Tea and coffee are always available in your cottage. You are welcome to bring outside food and drink if you wish. If you prefer to have a juice cleanse weekend, that is an option (e.g., following Kris Carr’s “crazy sexy juice” cleanse).

Closed-toe shoes (wood chips cover the property). Sunhat or sunblock. Comfortable, layered clothing. A lightweight, warm jacket. (It gets cool at night). Notebook, favorite pen. 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 (e.g., foxtail weeds get stuck in your socks).

Roller bags do not “roll” on our property; Plan to carry bags to your room. ~ Artificial fragrance triggers life-threatening anaphylaxis in Kelly; Please do not bring/use any products listing “fragrance” or “parfum” in the ingredients (think: laundry detergent, body/hair products). 100% pure 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 back gate to the Sunol Regional Wilderness (6,000 acres of ridge lands for hiking). Otherwise, lounge throughout the property. If you engage in social media activity, feel free to post non-localizing photos (e.g., chickens, gardens, sunset) but nothing that will identify our location (e.g., street view of house).

No. Although we have no roosters, the hens can get fairly raucous when they awaken and you will hear this from Oak Room. (If you’re sensitive to this, then consider sleeping in Sequoia Studio — which is silent.) The property is bursting with bird sounds throughout the day (red-tailed hawks, hummingbirds, doves, jays, robins) and night (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.

Yes. Personal retreat is available for clients working with Kelly in her private practice. Therapy services — as well as other forms of emotional support — are not available. For that reason, all guests must be comfortable with solitude and silence.

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.

No. In order to support your solitude, silence, and privacy during retreat, we will clear our social calendar for the weekend. There will be no additional guests, visitors, or retreatants during your stay. Likewise, we ask that you do not invite visitors to the property (aside from those persons attending retreat).

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).