Hermitages
Come to me, all you who are weary and carrying heavy burdens, and I will give you rest.
– Matthew 11:28
Chapel of St. Anthony |
Hermitages |
Application |
Rate Schedule |
Calendar |
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Retreat
“In a time when religion itself has become so busy, verbal, and even contentious, the perennial Christian tradition of the hermitage is finding a strong new appeal and plenty of short term hermits! There seems to be no other way for many of us to clean the lens, stop the tongue, quiet the ears, and soften the heart for God and for the world. We live in such an ego–controlled culture that we need to go to a place where our egos mean very little and profit us not at all. Treat yourself to ‘the one thing necessary,’ and although it will feel risky at first, no other form of retreat will ever quite satisfy you again.”
Hermitages - places where people live in seclusion for a period of time to commune with God - have long been a part of many faith traditions. Solitude and silence can provide transformative space to heal and grow. The Hermitages were built in 2008 as a ministry of the Episcopal Diocese of Western North Carolina and the Valle Crucis Conference Center. They are used by anyone seeking renewal and retreat. Writers, artists, teachers, and people of many faith backgrounds have loved this place.
The Chapel of St. Anthony
A little jewel of a chapel sits between the cabins, with the sweet smell of hickory floor and a hand-hewn altar. Local art and custom woodwork grace the interiors. The Chapel of St. Anthony is fully accessible and is equipped with prayer and song materials. The Chapel is available to all Hermitage guests for quiet prayer, contemplation, or spiritual direction.
The Cabins
Each Hermitage includes a bedroom, bathroom, living space, kitchen, and rocking-chair porch.
- Queen-sized bed and fold-out single bed
- Linens and towels included
- Washer/dryer in three Hermitages
- Utensils, cookware, and coffees and teas with condiments supplied
- Wheelchair-accessible Hermitage available
- Decent Wi-Fi
- 430 acres of woodland laced with trails
Reservation Form
Because of the special nature of these retreats, complete a short reservation form once your dates are confirmed. Please call (828) 963-4453 or email director@vcconferences.org to ensure that your dates are available.
See below to check the Hermitages calendar for available dates.
NEW! You now have the ability to complete a Hermitage reservation online. Please always ensure that your dates and preferred cabin are available before completing your reservation form to avoid disappointment.
Complete your Hermitage reservation online here.
2023 Hermitage Pricing
Single Occupancy: $60 per night or $360 per week (7 nights)
Double Occupancy: $90 per night or $540 per week (7 nights)
Reservations are confirmed upon receipt of a completed registration form. If you are unable to make your retreat, we will consider your deposit a donation to our ongoing ministry. The remainder will be on arrival to your retreat by cash or check.
The Valle Crucis Conference Center reserves the right to decline applications for retreats or place applicants who have made a number of retreats with us in the past on a waiting list. Valle Crucis may also exercise discretion over use based on other priorities. Deposits are returned to applicants if they are placed on a waiting list or are declined.
If you have any questions about the Hermitages, please call Margaret Love at (828) 963-4453.
Availability
Please note: this calendar is maintained for planning purposes only. Please call or email to confirm availability, as bookings are subject to change. The calendar is linked to our internal Google Calendar system. There are many days that show a "+2 more" or "+3 more" at the bottom of the date square. This means that there are too many calendar reservations to be shown in the small calendar space - usually because there are multiple guests leaving and arriving in the same cabin on the same day. We do not have the ability to change the font or size of the calendar at this time; if you have trouble reading the calendar, please don't hesitate to get in touch.
| 1 - Evelyn Underhill |
| 2 - Bishop Taylor |
| 3 - Thomas Merton |
| 4 - Julian of Norwich |
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