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Table of Contents
How do I make a reservation?The quickest and most efficient means of making a reservation is to email us at info@windridgesolitude.org. [We check email daily, so if you have not received a response within 24 hours, somewhere a server is down. If you include a phone number and/or mailing address in your email reservation request, then we can circumvent the "downed server" and respond to your request for a reservation via another route.]
OR, you can give us a call at 1-636-629-4449 and leave on the answering machine your name, phone number, and a time to return your call. We are very good about returning calls. Then you can have a "live person" conversation and get all of your questions answered. That's a rarity in these days of "press 1 for...". OR, you can write a letter and send it to 1932 West Linda Lane, Lonedell, MO 63060. We are equally as good at responding to the written word. OR, you can fax us at 1-636-629-6814 and have our shared written word be exchanged even more quickly than what the US Postal Service can offer. We have plenty of options because we really want to make it as easy as possible for you to find a time to come to the quiet.
Back to TopWhat would I need to bring if I were to come?Just your personal belongings and your food. Yes, we mean it! Our cottages are completely equipped. (1) Full kitchen (microwave, stove/oven, refrigerator, coffee maker, toaster, dishware, pots and pans...you get the idea). (2) Bedroom containing a queen size bed (bedding is provided), nightstand, alarm clock, and lamp. (3) Open area containing a recliner/rocker, a CD player and a futon which serves as either a couch or a second bed. (4) Full bathroom containing a 4'X 3' shower with grab bar (no tub), vanity, and handicap-friendly toilet with grab bar. Towels are provided. (5) Screened-in porch with rocker chairs, a table, and a small Weber kettle/grill (coals and fluid are provided). As you can see our cottages are well-equipped as well as heated and air conditioned. You will have all the amenities of home without a doorbell, phone, TV or other noisemakers. [See Solitude Dwellings tab for pictures.] Back to TopWhat makes your place different from other retreat facilities?
Back to TopWhat do you mean a community lives on the property?At present there are five sisters who live either in a solitude cottage or a communal house on the property. The community's name is Companions in the Infinite Love. For more information about the community, click on the following link: Companions in the Infinite Love. Most of the time you won't even see us. One of us will welcome you, of course, but basically, because we also live in solitude, we are hidden. You will "find" us through the fruits of our labor, such as, a clean cottage for you or a mowed meadow for walks. Back to TopWhat is the usual donation?To cover our costs, the hoped-for donation of $30/night is requested for one person staying two or more nights ($50 for a single night). An additional $10 donation per night is requested for another person or for each pet you may bring. The hoped-for weekend donation is $40/night. Any donations above these suggested amounts are tax deductible for you and are used for land acquisition and land care. Back to TopWhen may I arrive or depart?Arrival is at 11AM, just as is departure, on the days you have scheduled your stay. On Fridays, arrival time could be arranged for as late as 5PM. We set this time so you are certain someone will be there when you arrive to deliver you to your cottage and, when you depart, to deliver you to your vehicle. You see, the parking lot is a quarter of a mile or more from the cottages and that's a very long haul carrying luggage and food. You will be "delivered" back and forth on a Kawasaki Mule which is all part of the adventure. A specific arrival and departure time also provides a guarantee that the community's solitude is the least disturbed. Exceptions are made on occasion, but need to be arranged in advance. Back to TopMust I come alone?No. Sometimes couples come because they wish to have quality time together, to deepen their vocation to their marriage. Sometimes someone may wish to bring a friend, again to deepen their call to friendship. Sometimes a handicapped person wishes to come and needs to bring his/her caregiver. The cottages are friendly to the physically challenged, being able to accommodate the needs of those in wheelchairs. The bedroom has a queen size bed and there is a futon that opens up into a double bed in the open space. Different people have different needs and we have tried to anticipate as many as possible. Even with someone sharing a cottage, solitude is easily accomplished with both the outside and inside space. Back to TopHow long may I stay?You may stay as long as you are scheduled. Some have come for a single overnight and some have come for as long as three months for a much-needed sabbatical. It is quite varied and related to your own individual need. Also, we are open year round, so a longer stay would never be interrupted. Back to TopDo you offer spiritual direction?No. We believe the Spirit is your director. By entering the silence of solitude with an open mind and heart, the Spirit will lead you. Back to TopWhere are you and how do I get there?We are located one hour southwest of St. Louis in the Ozark highlands. From Interstate 270 take Highway 30 west for over 30 miles. In Lonedell at Highway N, turn right and travel 1.2 miles. Turn left onto West Linda Lane and travel 1.6 miles. Windridge Solitude is identifiable by a bar that crosses over two poles (vaguely like a western ranch) at an asphalt driveway. The address is 1932 West Linda Lane. Park in the gravel lot to the right before the mailbox and walk to the big house and ring the doorbell. We will be waiting for you. Back to TopDo you offer gift certificates?Yes. Just contact us at info@windridgesolitude.org to give us the names and addresses of the persons and the number of nights you are giving them. When we receive your payment, we will mail the gift certificates to them for them to redeem when they come. The gift certificates will show your name as the giver. The gift certificates must be used within one calendar year of purchase. It is up to the person receiving the gift certificate to schedule themselves at Windridge Solitude. Back to TopAuthor: Companions in the Infinite Love |
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