A nice write up by a recent visitor to the farm

Woodburn Hill Farm ( http://directory.ic.org/1304/Woodburn_Hill_Farm ) immediately evokes a feeling of “Home”. The new buildings there easily shed-off the sometimes glaring-shine-of-youthfulness with many touches of comfort and older familiar furniture or a beautiful woven bedspread. The older buildings tell many stories that invite you to them. The farmhouse hosts their library and meeting space in addition to the large kitchen; it also possesses many features particular to Amish construction that makes it feel unique and thoughtfully positioned. This, blended with the 33 years of use with the Woodburn Hill community, gives off a big “Welcome!” as one can tell that after a likely many incarnations, the layout of the one you are seeing is well-earned and the most comfortable.
The barn is a huge structure, the outside painted red and the inside consisting of a few sections, a central “dance floor”, all separated by large sawn oak (!) timbers (4x6s and 6x8s primarily; the understories show more 8x10s!).
Currently there are about 9 adult residents living at Woodburn Hill Farm. Two couples, and several single folk. I believe the average age to be likely 50ish; they are actively seeking new young members! (rents start at about $250/mo!) Some occupations of the folks include PhD student in ethnomusicology, acupuncture, nurse, city govt, massage, teacher, and technical aid to guitar luthier among others!
Finally: the site feels well laid-out with its various houses and gardens. This community (along with Short Mountain Sanctuary and the Lama Foundation) also operates by Consensus decision-making and also considers it essential to their longevity and the health of their community!

Zen Retreat at Woodburn Hill Farm

Five humans and one canine enjoyed a 4 day zen retreat recently at Woodburn Hill Farm.  We used the great room in the Pheonix House as our zendo.

 Work practice was done in the garden and main buildings.

 Our retreat focus was on merit within zen practice.

 Each morning we took a quiet walk on the property.

 We are members of the Washington DC based zen group called All Beings Abode.  We sit weekly in Adams Morgan in the city and conduct quarterly day and or weekend sittings in Washington DC and at Woodburn Hill Farm.

Photographs by John Flanagan

New Woodburn Hill Farm Blog - a few photos

The lower meadow in the morning

Checking the bees

Post breakfast in the main house