FACILITIES & HOSPITALITY
Workshop Collaborations & Rentals
A “Sense of Place and Time”: Our 17-acre educational retreat center,nestled in an oak tree preserve along a seasonal creek, includes a working farm and orchard. The farm is off a beautiful drive down Old Julian Highway, which passes several wineries. Guests are able to take a self-guided tour exploring the rich heritage of the land: from Kumeyaay tribal ground and gem mine to stage-coach-stop. A sense of place permeates activities, renewing our connection to nature and all our relations. SFRC facilities include meeting and hospitality spaces. Overnight stays (glamping and Kodiak tents) offer the opportunity to meet in community around the fire-pit, watch the night skies, tell stories and wake up to bird song.
Thank you for considering the Surprise Farm Retreat Center for your nature retreat and farm tourism experience. Our aim is to share this enchanting place with organizations and guests, creating experiences that reconnect us to community and the more than human. As a 501 (c )(3) non-profit organization, we collaborate with others who share and support our values in sustainable and creative communities.
MEETING SPACES
- The Circle Under the Oaks is suitable for meditations and small group discussions and activities.
- The covered Meeting Tent has tables and benches for activities, workshops, and dining.
- Our large Yoga & Performance Deck’s natural amphitheater offers boulders as seating with sunset views of mountain horizons.
- The Fire-Pit Circle offers a spacious and safe space to enjoy a night-time fire-pit and watch the stars, with room to dance.
HOSPITALITY
Our Outdoor Kitchen is equipped with a full-sized refrigerator, a propane grill, a large sink, and a stone hut. The Stone Hut houses dishes, pots/pans, utensils, a toaster oven, games, cups, and glasses. With advanced notice we are happy to provide/cater meals, refreshments, and snacks to meet a variety of dietary needs.
The two stylish bathrooms include private semi-outdoor showers with hot water
Overnight accommodations: We offer up to ten spacious Kodiak tents that come with two single cots and cushions. Bring your own pillow & sleeping bag. Our three glamping tents offer extra comfort with queen size beds and supplied linens. Campers are able to use our Laundry Lounge.
Our Library at our Zen Den Office offers diverse sections of books related to Nature, farming, heritage, art, ecopsychology and philosophy. Small niches, walking paths, bridge, and hidden features add to the visitor’s enchantment. We plant the seeds on the farm and in people; we bridge your diverse abilities to connect to nature and others, and provide opportunities to grow.
Reservations: When you visit the land and rent out our facilities, you share our values and invest in our sustainable future. We are open to negotiating rates based on the services that best meet your needs. We can accommodate approximately up to 26 people overnight, around 50 people for day visits.
Invitation for respectful sharing of Retreat facilities:
Single Person/Couples Day: Exploration of historical and nature preserve grounds, meditation grotto, full kitchen & facilities, $20. Kids and short visits free/ by donation.
Groups up to 25- Exclusive day use: $500. Weekend times available only by advance arrangement.
Workshop and Retreat collaborations: Exclusive day use, $500 base, with flexibility & add-ons to consider numbers, overnight accommodations, firepit, length of stay discount, program services, catering etc.
Accommodations: Glamping yurts with queen beds, $100/ $120; Kodiak tents with cots, $70— with day use, fire pit, and facilities.
If you are interested in collaborating or renting our facilities, please send us an email and we can talk about opportunities.