Rooted in a rare and layered history, the Beecher House carries its own essential pulse — a presence you can feel. For centuries this land has been a place of intention: first for the indigenous communities, then the abolitionist Beecher Stowe family who built the house, and today you’ll hear the rhythms of the oldest U.S. Buddhist Rinzai Zendo temple that sits just up the hill. This land’s presence quietly shapes what you have come for, and invites you to honor what this land has held. Set deep in the Catskill Mountains, on the shores of Beecher Lake within 1,400 acres of pristine wilderness, those who gather here find a stillness that transcends tradition.

Number of beds and their sizes (eg: 2 King beds, 5 Queen beds, etc.)

The Beecher House is rented exclusively — your group occupies the entire property. No other groups or events will share the Beecher House space at the time of your rental. The nearby Dai Bosatsu Monastery is occupied full time and hosts their own events. Overnight Capacity — 10 Guest Rooms , across two floors • Standard capacity: 15 guests (configuring single occupancy per bed) • Shared capacity: With dual occupancy per full​/​queen beds: accommodating up to 19 guests Ground Floor • Room 1 — Queen bed, private bath • Room 2 ​/​ 3 (suite) — Queen bed + full bed + convertible futon; shared in-room bath (Room 3 accessed through Room 2), gas fireplace • Room 4 — The Ohashi Suite: Queen bed, private bath with jacuzzi, gas fireplace, lake views, slider to deck Second Floor • Room 5 — 2 twin beds, gas fireplace, connected bath shared with Room 6 • Room 6 — 2 twin beds, gas fireplace, connected bath shared with Room 5 • Room 7 — Full bed + twin bed, private bath, gas fireplace • Room 9 — Queen bed, shared hall bath (with Rooms 10 & 11) • Room 10 — Full bed, shared hall bath • Room 11 — 2 twin beds, shared hall bath Practical note: Beecher House has the warm, lived-in character of a beautifully renovated historic home. Most bathrooms are shared among 2–3 rooms. Some rooms are accessed through adjacent spaces. Groups that thrive here tend to be those who value communal intimacy over hotel-style privacy.

What makes this property lovable!

The Beecher House welcomes groups from all traditions and backgrounds who share an orientation toward quietude, respect for the setting, and intentional gathering. Past and recurring groups have included: • Meditation and contemplative retreat groups • Yoga, reiki, ayurveda seminars and immersive practice weekends • Shiatsu, acupuncture, and bodywork practitioner gatherings • Forest bathing and nature immersion programs • 12-Step and recovery retreats • Healing and wellness programs • Traditional arts: tea ceremony, ikebana, calligraphy • Martial arts: Aikido, Kendo, Qi Gong, Tai Chi • Board and steering committee working retreats • Environmental and ecological study groups • Academic seminars and study retreats Please note: All meals, self-prepared or provided by BH staff, will be vegetarian, no meat, fish or fowl. although not strictly vegan. All dietary needs are accommodated. In keeping with the values and mission of the Zen Studies Society, substance-assisted or plant medicine practices are not permitted on ZSS grounds. The Setting The Beecher House occupies a singular natural environment that is difficult to replicate anywhere in the U.S. The property includes: • Beecher Lake — the highest lake in the Catskills — steps away from the house and deck • 1,400 acres of protected wilderness surrounding the Dai Bosatsu Zendo monastery grounds • Pristine forest, a rushing mountain creek, and abundant wildlife: beavers, bald eagles, deer, black bear, and trout • Profound natural stillness — no traffic, no light pollution — and a night sky dense with stars, married with the daily rhythms of the Buddhist bonshō bell and han, calling those present to stillness • Open for three distinct seasons: wildflower springs, vivid summers, and brilliant fall foliage. • A gentle lakeside trail for walking and reflection • A meditation shelter overlooking a cascading brook Note: The Beecher House is intentionally remote. The nearest major town is Livingston Manor, NY. Travel from New York City is approximately 2.5–3 hours by car. A daily bus travels to and from Livingston Manor and NYC. Arrangements must be made to travel from bus stop to The Beecher House. Groups should plan accordingly and embrace the journey as part of the retreat experience.

What parts of the property are accessible to retreat guests?

All parts of the property are accessible. Visits to the monastery per se are by prior permission and depend upon the current schedule of monastery events. Some events cannot be interrupted.

Times of contact in case of any issues?

A Beecher House Manager is available on-site 24 hours for information and help.

Any special instructions for the retreat guests to be aware of?

We do not recommend random hikes into the forest. It is easy to lose your way. Fishing is not allowed in Beecher Lake.

Other Cancellation Policy (refer this if "Other" is chosen in Cancellation & Refund Policy section)

Deposit Schedule: Six weeks ahead of scheduled date: $500 Three weeks ahead of scheduled date: $500 One week ahead of scheduled date: Full Balance All payments are non-refundable in case of cancellation; if a cancelled date is re-booked by DBZ, the Fee will be refunded to the extent of the fee received for the replacement event less $100 retained by DBZ.

Past Reviews (optional)

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