Retreats at Riversong Cottage

“RIVERSONG COTTAGE”
RETREAT HOUSE IN VILLIERSDORP
On the edge of Villiersdorp lies one of the village’s oldest Victorian houses. She is settled close to a river at the bottom of the garden and looks over farmlands to beautiful mountains beyond.

“Riversong Cottage” offers rest and refreshment to the weary and those seeking peace and direction. She is an old, somewhat wrinkly lady, but has a warmth, gentleness and charm appropriate to her age. Perfection is not sought here but rather comfort, strength and a caring embrace. It is a place to ‘be’ - to know yourself held and loved by our gracious God.

Chris and Donella Young invite you to draw aside from the clamour of daily demands and be refreshed. Chris has been an Anglican minister since 1980 and also trained further in the UK in the field of counselling, especially focussing on care for the dying and those bereaved. Having worked in Parish ministry for ten years and at St Luke’s Hospice for nearly seven years, he has run a counselling practice since 1994. Chris offers both counselling and spiritual direction if requested. Donella has been involved in ecology and conservation for many years and would enjoy sharing the delights of nature around us. There are walks in the village and on the neighbouring farms.

Our vision is to offer a retreat house where love, warmth and simplicity are important and where peace is a priority. Silence is a lost art in a society full of noise and busyness. The gift of silence brings us face to face with ourselves and our loving God. Silence is an integral part of our growing intimacy with God. “For God alone my soul waits in silence,” Psalm 62:1.

There are two double rooms and one single room, each with it’s own bathroom. Two of the rooms have their own entrance to the garden. There is a separate retreatants’ lounge. The large garden has many secluded nooks, mountain views and river frontage providing a wonderful place to be still. The meals provided are simple and wholesome with as much home grown as possible. One double room has a small, fully equipped kitchenette in case you wish to do your own catering.

For those looking for a Quiet Day venue we are able to cater for about ten to twelve people.

We can be contacted at 028 840 0841 or 0823778401 or info@riversongretreats.co.za. Do let us know if you would like to be on our mailing list to hear about themed retreats and other events.

Villiersdorp is 110 kms from Rondebosch and the journey (over Sir Lowry’s pass and left at Peregrine Farmstall) takes approximately 1 ¼ hrs. You can also come a slightly longer route via the N1 and through Franschhoek.

We look forward to welcoming you to our home.
Chris and Donella

RETREATANT Winter RATES - 2016
Accommodation only (all linen provided) – R270.00 pp per night
Health breakfast – R60.00 pp
Light lunch – R75.00 pp
Main meal – R120.00 pp
OR
SELF CATERING UNIT – R290.00 pp per night

This means that should one come for a weekend retreat from Friday night to after lunch on Sunday the full accommodation and all meals would cost R1095.00. The cost of themed retreats may vary.
PLEASE NOTE:
• Opportunities for spiritual direction are available during the retreat. One session is offered as part of the retreat experience. Should more be requested they will be charged at the normal spiritual direction rate of R400 per hr.
• A limited number of subsidies are available for those who are unemployed or in particular need or are full-time Christian workers on a limited budget. Do feel free to ask.
• There is a fridge in the retreatant lounge and tea/coffee making facilities are available. Villiersdorp does offer about four very adequate restaurants/coffee shops, all within walking distance, should you wish to eat out. A packed lunch may also be requested.
• The self catering unit has a two plate stove, microwave, kettle and crockery and cutlery and all the necessary for cooking simple meals. It has a small private stoep with magnificent views of the mountain.

June 2016
Subject to change.
Guest rates also available on request for those not coming for quiet space.