Shire in the Woods 23

The Shire in the Woods was formerly known as the Dwelling in the Woods. It was founded in 1989 by three Sisters of St. Joseph of Carondelet with a vision of creating a place where people can spend time quieting the mind and opening the heart and spirit. They recognized the need for individuals living in a modern, fast paced society to be able to retreat to a quiet, nurturing place, thus replenishing the soul and deepening their connection with self, nature, each other, and the universe.

Shire in the Woods is a private, wooded retreat center tucked away in the Solana State Forest, and has achieved a delicate balance between inviting coziness and the wilds that surround it. It is built not only to encourage restfulness, but connection with both the land and the people who inhabit it.

The Shire in the Woods boasts a community space, library, wood burning sauna, 5 miles of groomed trails, tended gardens, ponds, tree swings and hammocks, outdoor fire pits, and access to trails in the Solana State Forest. While the Shire has forests and meadows on its property, it is also surrounded by wetlands: offering a variety of landscapes, environments, and wildlife. It is, as its name suggests, a verdant sanctuary of peace, comfort, and natural beauty.