GENERAL INFORMATION

A forty-foot geodesic dome, stained in a redwood-earthen color, nestles in atop one of the rolling hills in Sonoma County, not far from the village of Freestone, and only 15 miles from Bodega Bay and the ocean.  Pines and douglas firs, oaks and madrones creep up the nearby slopes, yet from its westward-facing deck, a panoramic view greets the eyes:   gentle hills and valleys stretching to the horizon, a lone "mountain" rising in the distance.  The peaceful nature - the space - of the surroundings, and the space within the dome lend themselves to the repose and quietude for a spiritual as well as a physical retreat.

Within the dome, a free-standing, glass-encircled, wood-burning fireplace with its towering chimney serves to take the chill off on cool days.  Large picture windows on three sides frame spectacular views; and at the east curve of the dome, a double counter marks off space for the McDaniels memorial kitchen.  Three sets of pine trestle tables and benches, and four couches with removable foam seat and back cushions - all designed and built by members of the Freestone Retreat Committee over the years - complement the rural setting.  Outside, under the nearest of several 200-year-old valley oak trees, is a large redwood platform, complete with rails, tables, and benches with a barbecue pit nearby.  Three bedrooms and two lavatories adjoin the dome.   Each room can sleep two or more persons on cots and built-ins; with the couches and foam sleeping pads in the dome itself, a maximum of 16 persons can be accommodated overnight.  While a stove and a wall heater in the hall between the dome and the three bedrooms are powered by propane gas, there is also a refrigerator and electric hot water heater.  Water comes from a new well, drilled in 1992, which provides a plentiful supply of clear, fresh water.  In order to help maintain the serenity of the surroundings, there are no phones on the property.  Pay phones are available in Freestone Village - about 5 miles away.  In emergencies, notify a member of the Freestone Committee from there.

The Freestone Retreat, built entirely by the volunteer help of Members and Friends of the church, was initially conceived of and designed by Buckminster Fuller, famed Unitarian architect.  Hundreds of hours of volunteer technical expertise make the Retreat of inestimable value.  All funds have been raised independently of the church budget and annual canvass drives.

MAKING RESERVATIONS

Families and/or other Unitarian Universalist groups are encouraged to use the Freestone Retreat.  Sonoma County provides many environmental adventures nearby, including the Russian River to the north and Bodega Bay to the west.  The Freestone Retreat may be used by members of Unitarian Universalist churches in the Bay Area. 

To make a reservation or check the fee, contact Jean Moore (510-917-1006).
Overnight fee: $25 per Adult; $10 per Youth (11-18); no charge for children
Day Use Fee: $10 per Participant

Second Saturdays of the month are reserved for the Freestone Retreat Committee Work Parties and are therefore never available. First-time visitors must set up an appointment to learn Retreat operating procedures and to become acquainted with the facilities. All youth groups must be accompanied by two responsible adults.