SURPRISE FARM RETREAT CENTER
FACILITIES & HOSPITALITY
Workshop Collaborations & Rentals
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.
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.
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.
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.
HOSPITALITY
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.
Our Outdoor Kitchen is equipped with a full-sized refrigerator, a propane grill, a large sink, and a stone hut.
BATHROOMS
The two stylish bathrooms include private semi-outdoor showers with hot water
OVERNIGHT ACCOMMODATION
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.
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.
Our Invitation for a respectful sharing of Retreat facilities...
DAY USE
Exploration of historical & nature preserve grounds, meditation grotto, full kitchen & all facilities
*Groups (up to 50) exclusive day use, $500
*Single Person/Couples, $20 (kids & short visits free/by donation)
OVERNIGHT USE
Exploration of historical & nature preserve grounds, meditation grotto, full kitchen, all facilities, fire-pit & overnight accommodation in glamping yurts/kodiak tents
*Groups (up to 26) exclusive use, $1000 per night + $200 cleaning fee, length of stay discounts available
*Single Person/Couples Glamping yurt with queen bed, Kodiak with 2 single beds: $100
*Single Person/Couples Kodiak tent with cots, $70