History of Silent Ground
Silent Ground Retreat Centre is a place of beauty and
power on Read Island, in the Discovery Islands, BC, Canada (new property owner
since february 2006). For over twenty years the community has provided a safe,
nurturing space for deep spiritual unfoldings. This unique property has been
built up over 12 years. Its powerful vortex of energy and serene atmosphere
has been developed through years of meditation and healing work. Many clients
have come repeatedly for the nourishment which this environment provides.
There are 10 acres with scenic water front and a dock. The garden has good light
and soil. The large green house has a goldfish pond. There is a picturesque
quarry, which supplies water for the garden. Tall cedars and fir trees majestically
rise over the well-landscaped grounds.
There are six well-crafted buildings, including a dormitory that can house seven people, two cabins for two people each, a main building with a sunny kitchen, studio and two single bedrooms. A workshop includes a large workplace, storage, generator and car port.
The electrical system is computerized with ecological
sources from solar panels and hydro wheel. The clean-tasting water comes from
a well. The woodstoves provide a cozy heat in cool seasons. Summer heat is refreshed
by sea breezes. The buildings are carefully crafted in a "Goetheanistic"
style. Many rooms are shaped like a dome or crystal. It is a precious artwork.
Read Island
There are several roads on the island and there is a good quality truck at the
center. The main road goes to the post office, store, school and comminty center,
which is less than two miles away.
Lambert's beach is a pebble beach with a great view. It is about 5 - 10 min.
walk away. There are about 60 people who live on Read Island. Some are seasonal.
Facilities
Main House has a kitchen, pantry,
studio/common room and two bedrooms. It is 36 * 26 ft., plus a 5' covered front
porch. The back porch extends a covered woodshed, 16' overhang.
Loft House, this unique residence has two levels, 12 * 36', plus a 5' porch on three sides. It can accomodate 7 people. There is a bathroom with a shower.
Cabin for two has two stories, 8 * 20', with a kitchnette and a woodshed in the back.
Garden House has two offices, bathroom with a shower,
laundry room and studio/common room.
It is 32 * 12 ft., plus a covered porch on two sides.
Greenhouse 8 * 20', has a goldfish pond, shelves and soaker hoses.
Guest Cabin has two levels, both 8 * 16 ft., plus a front porch. Downstairs there is a kitchenette.
Outhouse, 8 * 10 ft., plus a front porch. All toilettes have sceptic fields.
Workshop has three rooms, 30 * 25 ft., plus a covered car port. Efficient generator is protected for noise.
Wharf includes a landing 15 * 20 ft., dock's walkway 5 * 82 ft., ramp 4 * 20 ft., and float 8 * 42 ft.
Tour of the Center
Main House has a kitchen, pantry, studio/common room and two bedrooms. It is 36 * 26 ft., plus a 5' covered front porch. The back porch extends a covered woodshed, 16' overhang. The main kitchen is in this building. (first 2 pictures)
Loft House, this unique residence has
two levels, 12 * 36', plus a 5' porch on three sides. It can accomodate 7 people.
There is a bathroom with a shower. (below - side
view)
Cabin for two has two stories, 8 * 20', with a kitchnette and a woodshed in the back.
Garden House has two offices, bathroom
with a shower, laundry room and studio/common room.
It is 32 * 12 ft., plus a covered porch on two
sides.
Guest Cabin has two levels, both 8 * 16 ft., plus a front porch. Downstairs there is a kitchenette. (interior below)
Greenhouse 8 * 20', has a goldfish pond, shelves and soaker hoses.
Workshop has three rooms, 30 * 25 ft., plus a covered car port. Efficient generator is protected for noise.
Kitchen
Practice hall
Moorage
Quarry
Cove
Sunrise