Curious about Holy Hills Hermitage?

First established by Catholic women religious seeking to realize the vision of renowned Trappist mystic Thomas Merton for a hermitage in the wilderness, the original foundation was called The Laura. Nestled in the rolling hill country of Marion County, Kentucky, in an area dubbed the “Holy Lands,” due to the number of local religious foundations, Holy Hills Hermitage seems appropriately descriptive.

To respect the invitation into quiet and private seclusion, which a hermitage promises, the exact location and directions are offered to retreatants when they book their stay. This serves as a guarantee of security, since no one comes through the gate to disturb retreatants without prior notification and permission.

Holy Hills offers adult individuals undisturbed solitude in the privacy of a natural sanctuary. Retreatants are invited to remain in the quiet and encouraged to savor seclusion in the wild surrounds.

Individual or small group visits and tours can be arranged in consultation with the Hermitage Manager (holyhillshermitage@gmail.com) or the Hermitage Director (retreats@holyhillshermitage.org).

The three cedar-sided retreat houses, named for nearby trees Oak, Hickory and Walnut, are brighter, more spacious and comfortably appointed than might be expected in a cabin. Each cottage also includes a screened porch with a reclining chair.

Although designed for single occupancy, Oak and Hickory cottages also include a self-inflating mattress, so each can accommodate a second retreatant. The third cottage, Walnut, is designed for couples. Like the others, Walnut has a supplemental self-inflating mattress for a third occupant. Utilizing all available spaces, the Hermitage can accommodate 4-7 occupants
simultaneously for overnight retreats.

With prior arrangement, individuals or small groups can spend a day at the Hermitage with access to the Sanctuary (meditation room), Failte (welcome lodge) with its dining and library resources, as well as the contemplation paths, meditation trails and picnic benches on the grounds. The Failte can comfortably accommodate a group of up to 10 individuals for a daylong
retreat. The Hermitage Director can be available to offer reflections and guided tours. While there is no set fee for group direction and guided reflection, compensation offered to the Hermitage Director is appreciated. Visiting groups bring their own lunch and snack foods and have access to cooking and dining facilities in the Failte. The Failte is equipped with dishes,
flatware and napkins as well as a refrigerator, coffeemaker, microwave, toaster oven and electric kettle.

Holy Hills Hermitage comprises 10 acres of woodland and grassland. A series of paths, cut through the rewilded lawn, lead to benches and picnic tables for rest and outdoor contemplation. In addition, there are a number of meditation trails through the wild meadow, in the woods around the pond, and following the creek hollow. Including the long, shaded driveway, there are around two miles of walkways for quiet meditation. Since the property is
located on a hillside, steeper access to lower trails may prove physically challenging for some. Each cottage is furnished with walking sticks, field glasses, field guides for birdwatching, and maps of the meditation trails and paths.

The meditation trails and paths are dotted with over a dozen benches, located in shaded spots which invite restful reflection and cultivate reverence for the wisdom and beauty of Nature. There is also a fire pit for nighttime reflection and sharing, particularly enjoyable in springtime and fall.

At the time of booking, retreatants can request to visit with the resident Hermitage Director. Such hourlong meetings take place in the Failte and are scheduled by the retreatant and Director. There is no set fee for guided retreats. Retreatants determine how much to compensate the Director.

The ideal stay at Holy Hills Hermitage is between 2 and 6 nights (3-7 days).
In order to allow for cleaning and preparing cottages, the preferred arrival time is after 1 PM. Guests may arrive earlier and walk the grounds or spend time in the Sanctuary and Failte buildings, until a cottage is available. While guests may linger on the grounds on the final morning, ideally cottages need to be vacated by 10 AM.

Aware of sensitivities and allergies to indoor animals as well as their potential effect on the wild ecosystem, the Hermitage cannot accommodate pets, either for a daylong visit or overnight stay.

Holy Hills Hermitage cottages are well appointed and comfortably furnished, including fresh linens and towels, kitchenware and cookware. Additionally, each cottage offers environmentally gentle insect repellent, a rechargeable flashlight, cap, walking stick and umbrella. Bathrooms are supplied with First Aid supplies and soaps. Retreatants need to bring seasonal clothing and
toiletries. Since retreats are self-catered, guests bring their own food and prepare their own meals.

Most providers offer reliable phone coverage throughout the area, and all five buildings are Wi-Fi accessible.

Each kitchen is furnished with a fridge and freezer, microwave oven, induction stovetop, toaster, coffeemaker and filters, electric kettle, tea pot, and water filter. As a courtesy, the cottages are stocked with coffee, assorted teas, honey, sugar, sweeteners, and creamer, as well as cooking oil, salt and pepper. Additionally, the Failte is furnished with a fully serviceable kitchen, as well as additional cooking utensils such as crockpots, blenders, grills, and a toaster oven. Kitchen cabinets in the Failte contain supplemental stores of food, cooking spices and additional varieties of tea and coffee.

A labor of love, Holy Hills Hermitage operates entirely without paid staff, relying on the generous contributions of a cadre of dedicated volunteers and helpers. Since the volunteer Hermitage Director spends five days a week in residence, in coordination with bookings and visits, the ideal retreat schedule spans Thursday PM – Tuesday AM. Board members and volunteers strive to cover midweek stays. Although the Hermitage remains open and available
year-round, the softer seasons (springtime, early summer, fall and early winter) are optimal for outdoor contemplation in the communion of Creation.

Since personal and direct communication is highly valued at Holy Hills Hermitage, there is no process for online booking. All bookings begin with an email to the Hermitage Manager (holyhillshermitage@gmail.com). After confirmation, directions and details come through subsequent email correspondence with the Hermitage Director (retreats@holyhillshermitage.org).

All three cottages are ground level buildings without steps. Bathrooms are equipped with grip bars around the commode and bathtub shower for easier and safer access. At this point, access to the two shared buildings, Sanctuary and Failte, involves navigating three or four steps. Since the property is located on a hillside, lower meditation trails cross uneven ground with steeper
access.

The Hermitage is accessed through a gateway at the entrance to a long private driveway. In the interest of privacy, the driveway entrance is marked by a signpost which carries only the logo design for Holy Hills Hermitage. Upon arrival at the driveway, retreatants call or text the Hermitage Director before opening the unlocked gate. This gate is clearly marked with signs that indicate private property. After closing the gate behind them, retreatants are greeted by the Hermitage Director at the bottom of the driveway. Retreatants are encouraged to inform the Hermitage Director should they need to leave the grounds during their stay. All retreatants are greeted by the Hermitage Director upon entering and leaving the property, thus the Director is aware of anyone entering or leaving the grounds. Each cottage also has a set of keys to the front and back doors.

There is no set fee for daytime visits. Individual and group visitors are invited to offer a donation to Holy Hills Hermitage. 

The individual cost for a stay at the Hermitage is $65* per night.

The cost for a couple to stay at Walnut cottage is $95* per night. 

There is no set fee for a guided retreat experience. Retreatants compensate the Hermitage Director. 

Payment for bookings in advance is preferred, by credit card or PayPal link HERE (https://www.paypal.com/donate/?hosted_button_id=UJGY4L5TTM7DU),

or by check made out and mailed to: 

Holy Hills Hermitage 

c/o 1021 S. 7^th Street   

Louisville, KY 40203 

*These costs include mandatory State sales taxes. 

As a small 501c3 (non-profit) ministry, Holy Hills Hermitage relies on the generosity of donors, supporters and helpers. Donations to support this ministry are always welcome. To join our team of helpers or receive biweekly email updates (Hermitage Happenings) contact the Hermitage Manager (holyhillshermitage@gmail).