AT
A GLANCE
Pepper Tree Retreat (pictured right) is the former guest house of
noted philosopher J. Krishnamurti, who lived at nearby Pine Cottage
(now the  Krishnamurti
Library) from 1922 to 1986. During his 64 years in Ojai, Krishnamurti
welcomed thousands of visitors from around the world who were challenged
by his penetrating inquiries into the fundamental questions of life.
These included such 20th Century luminaries as Annie Besant, Aldous
Huxley, John Barrymore, Greta Garbo, David Bohm, Dr. Jonas Salk,
D.H. Lawrence, Jackson Pollack, Igor Stravinsky, The Beatles, and
many others.
Today,
the Krishnamurti Foundation of America (KFA) continues to operate
the guest house as a retreat, for anyone wanting to get away, enjoy
the beauty of the Ojai Valley, and reflect on life. The guest rooms
are named after the Retreat's historic visitors, some of whom stayed
in the rooms that are named for them.
The
original two buildings on the property, Pine Cottage and the guest
house, have been designated historic structures by the Ventura County
Historic Preservation Commission. These two buildings were constructed
in 1895 and 1910 respectively, but gained historic significance
as the home and teaching center for Krishnamurti. Read
more about Krishnamurti here.
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TRANSFORMED
IN 2009
The Pepper Tree Retreat facilities have recently been renovated and
reconfigured. In addition to the Retreat’s newly refurbished
guest rooms and landscaping, Pine Cottage is now open as a library
and visitors center, featuring a quiet room, meeting hall, kitchen,
and bookstore.
As
part of its transformation, the former guest house was re-named
“Pepper Tree Retreat” after the trees that are found
surrounding the retreat. This was also the type of tree where Krishnamurti
had his awakening.
Pepper Tree Retreat is part of the Krishnamurti Education
Center, located in Pine Cottage, which also consists of a Visitors
Center and Library, the Krishnamurti Archives, and a small conference
facility. The Krishnamurti Education Center hosts Dialogue Weekends,
College and Adult Dialogue Programs, Introduction to Krishnamurti
programs, a Summer Teaching Academy, speaker panels, and other events
throughout the year.
Pepper Tree Retreat and the Krishamurti Education
Center are overseen by the Krishnamurti Foundation of America, a
501(c)3 charitable organization.
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THE
GROUNDS
Pepper Tree Retreat is located on 11 acres of orange orchards, gardens,
and open space nestled in the foothills of Ojai's magical east end.
There are several outdoor patios and terraces, with a large veranda
overlooking the front lawn and rose garden. Nearby are trails into
the surrounding mountains and country roads ideal for early morning
or late-afternoon walks.
OUR STAFF
Elizabeth Arnold, Director
Michael Krohnen, Innkeeping
Patricia Cuenot, Innkeeping |
BREAKFAST AND KITCHENS
Each morning we prepare a healthy breakfast buffet for guests. The
main kitchen is always open and available for storing refrigerated
foods, for cooking vegetarian meals, and for preparing coffee or
tea. Three guest rooms have their own fully-equipped kitchens. Please
see our guest room page for details. Breakfast
is offered in the main dining room from 8- 9:30 am each day.
INDIVIDUAL,
COUPLES AND GROUPS
Pepper Tree Retreat is well-suited for retreats by individuals, friends,
couples, and small groups. We welcome both overnight and extended
stay guests. Special discounts are available for stays of a week
or longer. The
facility can also be booked by groups holding their own meetings
and events. |
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