Hermitages & Lodging
Christine Center Lodging
Hermitages are cabins, ideal for those seeking the peace and solitude of Nature. Looking for deer, bird-watching, hiking the forest trails, meditating, walking the Canticle Circle, and sharing the fire pit are some favorite past-times for cabin-dwellers.
The Christine Center sisters, administrators, and staff have lived in hermitages over the years. Sr. Virginia Barta, the Center’s foundress, had a special affinity for the Angels of the Essenes or early Christians. She and the other sisters chose names for the various lodgings‒ honoring angels, archangels, saints, inspired poets, and spiritual principles.
All hermitages have unique histories. Some were built free-of-charge by a retired carpenter and by friends of Sr. Virginia. Others were purchased from neighbors. While two pyramid style hermitages were donated by a chiropractor interested in how architectural designs engender energy, another was built by devoted friends of the Center as a sign of their commitment. Most have been updated.
Modern Hermitages
Our six modern hermitages are single-room buildings that have the comforts of modern cabin living but vary in location, size, and in some accommodations. These lodgings are accessed by gravel road and most are located east of the Main Building and connected to it by trails and roads through the forestland.
Sr. Virginia Barta, the Center’s Foundress, had a special affinity for the Angels of the Essenes or early Christians. She and the other sisters chose names for the various lodgings, honoring angels, archangels, saints, inspired poets, and spiritual principles.
Modern hermitages have gas or electric heat; kitchenette with microwave, cooktop or stove, mini-fridge, and coffee maker; and bathroom with shower facilities. Linens and towels are provided.
Click images for more hermitage images and descriptions
Ahimsa
Named for the Gandhian principle of non-aggression toward oneself and others, Ahimsa challenges us to live in such a way that we cause no harm in thought, word, or action to any living being, including ourselves. In its purest form Ahimsa is the spontaneous expression of the highest form of love, universal love, an unconditional sense of loving everyone and everything.
This hermitage was named by Sr. Virginia and built for her by a group of friends. It is the southern-most hermitage on the property and has 3 single beds in an open area. There is a shared kitchenette with a breakfast bar, refrigerator, a pleasant sitting area with love seat and chair, and a full bathroom. Air conditioning, a ceiling fan, and gas heat are included. It also has a screened in porch with patio furniture. Wi-Fi is available.
Ahimsa
Number of Beds: 3
Sleeps: 1-3 people
Bathroom: Full
Kitchen: small refrigerator, 2-burner electric stove, microwave, and coffee maker.
Gabriel
Named for the Archangel Gabriel, a messenger who was entrusted to deliver several important messages on God’s behalf. Archangel Gabriel appears to at least three people in the Bible: first to the prophet Daniel (Daniel 8:16); next to the priest Zechariah to foretell and announce the miraculous birth of John the Baptist (Luke 1:19); and finally to the Virgin Mary to tell her that she would conceive and bear a son (Luke 1:26–38). Gabriel’s name means “God is great,” and, as the Angel of the annunciation, he is the one who revealed that the Savior was to be called “Jesus” (Luke 1:31).
Hermitage Gabriel was the second hermitage built by Roy Langteau in the early 1980’s. He was a retired carpenter from Colby, WI, who came daily to volunteer his services. This quaint hermitage along Margaret’s Lane is dedicated to Roy. It includes twin beds, a kitchenette, small table and chairs, sitting area with loveseat, bathroom, and screened-in porch. It has air conditioning, a ceiling fan, and gas heat. WiFi is available.
Gabriel
Number of Beds: 2
Sleeps: 1-2 people
Bathroom: Full
Kitchen: small refrigerator, 2-burner electric stove, microwave, and coffee maker.
Guadalupe
Our Lady of Guadalupe is a title of Mary, Blessed Mother of God, that is associated with a series of 5 Marian apparitions that occurred in December,1531 near current day Mexico City. A venerated image on a cloak that appeared during the apparitions is enshrined in the Basilica of Our Lady of Guadalupe in Mexico City. The basilica is the most-visited Catholic shrine in the world, and the world’s third most-visited sacred site.
The building that became hermitage Guadalupe was originally built by Amish as a store in a neighboring town. It is the most recent hermitage and was brought to the Christine Center by the Amish in the middle of the night in 2008. It was converted into a modern hermitage by a live-in carpenter who added a bathroom and water. Guadalupe was donated to the Center by Mary Wehner, a friend of the Center.
This homey hermitage with wood beams and Oriental rug is located along Metta Trust Lane on the Center’s eastern perimeter. The structure has air conditioning, a ceiling fan, and electric heat, and includes 2 single beds with an open loft area, a shared kitchenette, sitting area with 2 easy chairs, a bathroom, and porch seating. Wi-Fi is available.
Guadalupe
Number of Beds: 2
Sleeps: 1-2 people
Bathroom: Full
Kitchen: small refrigerator, two-burner electric stove, microwave, and coffee maker.
Peace
Named after the Essene “Angel of Peace,” this lovely hermitage along Margaret’s Lane was the third hermitage built in about 1982 by Roy Langteau, a volunteer carpenter from Colby, WI. Peace was originally a rustic hermitage with wood heat, but has been renovated several times.
Peace is now a spacious room with air conditioning, a ceiling fan, and electric heat. It includes a bedroom with a queen size bed, a bathroom, kitchenette, and sitting area with easy chair. A screened in porch offers a table and chairs for relaxation. Wi-Fi is available.
Peace
Number of Beds: 1 queen size
Sleeps: 1-2 people
Bathroom: Full
Kitchen: small refrigerator, 2-burner electric hot plate, microwave, and coffee maker
Raphael
Archangel Raphael is the Angel of healing known for his compassion for those who are struggling. Raphael also heals animals and the earth and is connected to animal care and environmental efforts. Raphael means “God heals”.
This airy handicapped accessible hermitage is located closest to the Main Building. It includes one bedroom with a single bed, a sitting area with a couch that pulls out into a bed, a kitchenette with table and chairs, a full bathroom, and a screened-in porch. Air conditioning, a ceiling fan, and electric heat are provided. Wi-Fi is available.
Raphael
Number of Beds: 2
Sleeps: 1-2 people
Bathroom: Full
Kitchen: small refrigerator, 2-burner electric stove, microwave, and coffee maker
Wheelchair accessible
Cabin Bedrooms: Multi-Bedroom Hermitages
Basil
Named after the 3rd century hermit St. Basil, this hermitage was built in 1986 by Gwen and John Hudetz from Warrenville, IL. Gwen was especially attracted to solitude and spirituality and attended retreats and seminars at the Center for over 25 years. Shortly before her death she donated the hermitage and property to the Christine Center. Gwen, John and family were generous benefactors of the Christine Center for many years.
Basil lies at the end of a gravel lane across from Mary’s Villa. Recently renovated, it is highlighted by different-colored wood paneling. It includes a shared kitchenette, sitting area with couch and chair, shared bathroom, and 3 private bedrooms (For those requiring total privacy, note that bedroom walls do not reach the ceiling). Air conditioning, ceiling fans, and electric heat are included. Wi-Fi is available.
Basil
Number of Beds: 3 (3 bedrooms)
Sleeps: 1-2 people
Bathroom: Full
Kitchen: small refrigerator, 2-burner gas stove, microwave, and coffee maker.
Rumi
Rumi was originally built by the Christine Center and sold to Mary Lou Miller, an employee of the Center. Eventually it was sold to various other buyers and in 2019 the Christine Center purchased and renovated it. Named Rumi after the famous Sufi poet and mystic, it is the most secluded hermitage on the property.
As the northwestern-most hermitage, multi-colored Rumi offers secluded lodging for those wishing even greater privacy and sits near Wedges Creek, a lovely, meditative haven. It has 2 private bedrooms with a single bed, a kitchenette, sitting area, and shared bathroom. A ceiling fan, and electric heat are included.
Rumi
Number of Beds: 2 (2 bedrooms)
Sleeps: 1-2 people
Bathroom: Full
Kitchen: small refrigerator, full stove, microwave and coffee maker. Wi-Fi available.
Dog Friendy
Mary's Villa
This sand bag constructed hermitage was built by the Christine Center in 1997 for an employee of the Center, Peter Tulluck, whose residence there was short-lived when the Christine Center was temporarily closed in 1998. Eventually, Mary Bart purchased it when she became the Director of the Center. After she died in 2006 the Christine Center bought it from her family and named it Mary’s Villa.
This attractive hermitage has 4 private bedrooms (two with 1 bed, two with 2 beds). Two rooms are accessed by a circular stairwell. The Villa includes a full kitchen with table and chairs, sitting area, and shared bathrooms, with in-floor heating, a ceiling fan and air conditioning. Wi-Fi is available.
Mary's Villa
Number of Beds: 6 (4 bedrooms)
Sleeps: 1-6 people
Bathrooms: Full (+ Half Bath)
Kitchen: Full refrigerator, full gas stove, microwave, and coffee maker
Main Building Guest Rooms
Our 7 modern guest rooms in the Guest Wing of the Main Building have 2 single beds in an open space with recliner, writing desk, and private bathroom. Floors have radiant heating and pine ceilings with skylight that add warmth and spaciousness. Each has an indoor and outdoor entrance.
One guest room is wheelchair accessible.
Wi-Fi is available. Tea and coffee are offered in the main dining room.
Number of Beds: 2 in each room
Sleeps: 1-2 people per room
Bathroom: Full
Rustic Hermitages
Rustic hermitages are sparser cabins typically with gas or electric heat (but no running water, kitchenette, or indoor bathroom). All are located near a bathroom. Guests ‒ as well as campers ‒ have access to a modern bathroom and laundry facility at Siloe (pronounced: sill-o-way) at the south end of the property, which has separate women’s and men’s sections.
The 9 rustic hermitages are named after angels and saints. Lacking running water, they have electric or gas heat. Several have separate space heaters.
They each sleep 1 or 2 people. Two have kitchen appliances.
Holy Angels
Angels were an everyday reality for the Essenes. Sr. Virginia had an affinity for the Essenes and Angels and named many of the hermitages for Essene Angels.
Holy Angels was the first hermitage built and named in 1981. It was originally located on the east side of the original barn and was moved when Metta Trust was formed in 1999. It is a wood-paneled open area in the inside, with 2 single beds, dresser, desk, small table and chair, and love seat. It has electric heat, and a cozy screened-in porch. Wi-Fi available.
Holy Angels
A wood-paneled open area with 2 single beds, dresser, desk, recliner, and a cozy screened-in porch.
(Angel of) Earth
Angels were an everyday reality for the Essenes. The Essenes had many different Angels that they would invite into their lives. The Essene Tree of Life had seven branches and seven roots. They believed that the seven branches were Angels of the Heavenly Father and the seven roots were branches of the Earthly Mother and humankind sat at the center of the tree. The Angels of the roots of the Tree of Life are Angels of nature: Sun, Water, Air, Earth, Life, Joy, and Mother Earth.
Angel of Earth was originally a shed that was converted into a hermitage. Many people are attracted to Earth hermitage because of its intimate, cozy feel inside. Its cocoon-like ambiance is especially attractive to writers who seem to find inspiration and creative solace there.
A pleasant, warm setting with 1 single bed, recliner, desk, electric heat, and ceiling fan. It has a screened-in porch where visitors often watch deer pass by. Wi-Fi available.
Earth
A pleasant cocoon-like setting with 1 single bed, recliner, desk, electric heater, and ceiling fan. Has a screened-in porch.
(Angel of) Freedom
Freedom was built and named by two friends who volunteered at Sandhill, School of the Healing Arts, located about a mile through the woods North of here. When Sandhill closed they moved their hermitage to the Christine Center where they lived and worked for several years. When they moved away, the Christine Center bought the hermitage from them. Sister Johanna lived in Freedom for about 7 years in the 1990’s.
Freedom hermitage is a bright, open area with lots of windows and a loft, 2 single beds, rocker and recliner, desk with lamp, screened-in porch, and electric heat. Microwave and small refrigerator (with tea packets and sugar furnished along with dishes and utensils) and air conditioning. It is located near Siloe, a full bathroom and laundry facility. WiFi available.
Freedom
Airy open area with 2 single beds, rocker and recliner, desk with lamp, screened-in porch, and electric heat. Microwave and small refrigerator (with tea packets and sugar furnished along with dishes and utensils). Near Siloe, a full bathroom and laundry facility.
(Angel of) Joy
Angels were an everyday reality for the Essenes. Angels were their spiritual friends who taught them Peace, Love and Joy. When we feel peace, that peace ripples out to others whether they are near or far. The Essenes viewed peace as a practice that could be cultivated and grown. The seven Angels that they meditated with to grow peace are known as the Angels of Peace and each Angel of Peace brings its own gift of Peace.
• Angel of Eternal Life—Peace with the Heavenly Father
• Angel of Joy—Peace with the Earthly Mother
• Angel of Wisdom—Peace with culture
• Angel of Creative Work—Peace with humanity
• Angel of Love—Peace with our family
• Angel of Power—Peace with our mind
• Angel of Life—Peace with our body
Angel of Joy brings Peace with the earthly Mother.
Angel of Joy is a dog-friendly hermitage with a gas fireplace, a ceiling fan, 2 single beds in an open area, 2 easy chairs and a desk (When a dog is accommodated, an additional fee is required). Wi-Fi available.
Joy
Angel of Joy is a dog-friendly hermitage with a gas fireplace, a ceiling fan, 2 single beds in an open area, 2 easy chairs and a desk (When a dog is accommodated, an additional fee is required). Wi-Fi available.
(Angle of) Love
Angels were an everyday reality for the Essenes. Angels were their spiritual friends who taught them Peace, Love and Joy. When we feel peace, that peace ripples out to others whether they are near or far. The Essenes viewed peace as a practice that could be cultivated and grown. The seven angels that they meditated with to grow peace are known as the Angels of Peace and each Angel of Peace brings its own gift of Peace.
- Angel of Eternal Life—Peace with the Heavenly Father
- Angel of Joy—Peace with the Earthly Mother
- Angel of Wisdom—Peace with culture
- Angel of Creative Work—Peace with humanity
- Angel of Love—Peace with our family
- Angel of Power—Peace with our mind
- Angel of Life—Peace with our body
Angel of Love brings Peace with our family.
Angel of Love was built and donated by friends from Wausau, WI and was originally located in Metta Trust where Henry Eisenhauer’s Dome is now located. When we sold that property in the 1990’s Love hermitage was moved to its current location. It has 2 single beds, desk, and easy chair, gas heat, air conditioning and ceiling fan. Wi-Fi available.
Love
Newly reovated, Love has 2 single beds, desk, and easy chair, gas heat, air conditioning and ceiling fan. Wi-Fi available.
Mooncatcher ~ Suncatcher ~ Starcatcher
Siloe is named after the pool just outside the south wall of Jerusalem, where Jesus gave sight to the man born blind. Pools were places of healing and purification in the Bible. The building includes the general Laundry and both Women’s and Men’s Bathrooms for those in rustic hermitages and for campers. The following three bedrooms are part of the Siloe building.
Mooncatcher, Suncatcher, and Starcatcher each represent a symbol of energetic transformation and life. Just as sunlight lands on crystal and creates a rainbow, each of these galaxy dwelling celestial bodies effect Mother Earth and guide our lives.
The sun “drives weather, ocean currents, seasons, and climate, and makes plant life possible through photosynthesis. Without the sun’s heat and light, life on Earth would not exist.”
The moon is “the brightest and largest object in our night sky, the Moon makes Earth a more livable planet by moderating our home planet’s wobble on its axis, leading to a relatively stable climate. It also causes tides, creating a rhythm that has guided humans for thousands of years.”
The stars “are very important because they guide life on Earth.” The first maps were made using the stars as guidance… “ancient sailors used the stars to help guide them while they were at sea.”
Star-catcher / Moon-catcher / Sun-catcher
Three single rooms located on the southeast side of the Siloe building. They have in-floor heat, 1 single bed, desk, closet and easy chair. Wi-Fi available. Sun-catcher is dog friendly.
The "Catchers:" Moon, Sun & Star
Star-catcher / Moon-catcher / Sun-catcher
Three single rooms located on the southeast side of the Siloe building. They have in-floor heat, 1 single bed, desk, closet and easy chair. Wi-Fi available. Sun-catcher is dog-friendly.
St. Clare
St. Clare hermitage is named after St. Clare of Assisi, an Italian Saint and one of the first followers of St. Francis of Assisi. She founded the Order of Poor Clare’s, a monastic religious order for women in the Franciscan tradition, and wrote their Rule of Life.
This hermitage is a unique, cozy, tiny house creatively constructed and donated by Henry Eisenhauer, a Board Member and Friend of the Christine Center, who owns the geodesic Dome in Metta Trust, and crafted and donated many of the metal sculptures found on the grounds of the Christine Center.
St. Clare hermitage has a single bed, a chair, a table and chair, electric heat and ceiling fan.
St. Clare
St. Clare, our simple tiny home hermitage, has a single bed, a chair, a table and chair, electric heat and ceiling fan.
St. Francis
An intimate space in a remote wooded area, this simple hermitage is named in honor of the Franciscan heritage of the Center. St. Francis, who lived a simple life in Italy from 1182-1227, founded the Franciscan Order that still exists today. The Christine Center is devoted to St. Francis and St. Clare and strives to emulate the values they lived.
St. Francis Hermitage has 1 single bed, an easy chair, and dresser.
Wi-Fi available.
St. Francis
St. Francis Hermitage has 1 single bed, an easy chair, and dresser. Wi-Fi available.
(Angel of) Wisdom
Angels were an everyday reality for the Essenes. Angels were their spiritual friends who taught them Peace, Love and Joy. When we feel peace, that peace ripples out to others whether they are near or far. The Essenes viewed peace as a practice that could be cultivated and grown. The seven angels that they meditated with to grow peace are known as the Angels of Peace and each Angel of Peace brings its own gift of Peace.
- Angel of Eternal Life—Peace with the Heavenly Father
- Angel of Joy—Peace with the Earthly Mother
- Angel of Wisdom—Peace with culture
- Angel of Creative Work—Peace with humanity
- Angel of Love—Peace with our family
- Angel of Power—Peace with our mind
- Angel of Life—Peace with our body
Angel of Wisdom brings Peace with the culture.
Angel of Wisdom contains warm wood-paneling and wall-hanging in an open area with a double bed, 2 easy chairs, a microwave, and small refrigerator (with tea packets and sugar furnished along with dishes and utensils), air conditioning and a screened-in porch. Wi-Fi available.
Wisdom
Angel of Wisdom contains warm wood-paneling and wall-hanging in an open area with a double bed, 2 easy chairs, a microwave, small refrigerator, air conditioning and a screened-in porch. Wi-Fi available.
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W8303 Mann Rd, Willard, Wisconsin