VPT ~ Retreats, Conferences and Rentals

The lodging rates are based on a per person per night basis and are subject to change. NOTE: Special Rates for Quakers will be in effect during Friends General Conference week in July 2012. Otherwise, the following standard rates are in effect:
 
Rates per person per night: Ahimsa Lodge - $35/person/night up to ten people and $25 per night for each additional person.  Swann/Rachel Corrie: $35/person/night up to twelve people and $25 for each additional person.  $150 is the per building minimum.  For Chuck's Cabin the rate is $35 per night per person or $50 per night for two people.  In all sites: Children under 16: $15 per night.  Under age 2: Free.  For groups using other buildings, with rental fees totaling at least $300 per night, Muste is available at a rate of $50 per day, which includes the use of the kitchen.  Day rental for Muste is $100 per day, with an additional $50 for the use of the kitchen. Tenting around Muste with use of bathrooms: $15 for one night; $10/person/night for more than one night. 

Reservations can be made up to one year in advance.  Please call (860) 376-9970 and/or email voluntownpeacetrust@yahoo.com with any questions and/or if you wish to book a stay with us.

Ahimsa Lodge

Amidst the pines at the back of the VPT property, the rustic Ahimsa Lodge is the perfect escape from busy traffic and the daily grind. Situated a few yards from Bliven Brook which runs through the center of the property, the back deck of the lodge offers a place to contemplate the natural beauty of Southeastern Connecticut. Formerly part of a Finnish camp, the Lodge continues to be used as a retreat space and a summer camp for youth. Camp Ahimsa was purchased in 1993 following the acquisition of the rest of the property by Equity Trust, Inc. and the Lodge was renovated in the late 1990’s under the supervision of Chuck Matthei, Equity Trust Executive Director. The Lodge features a fully operational kitchen, dining room, and wood-paneled living room, as well as two bedrooms.  Dormitory style sleeping accommodations allow for a maximum of 20 people. Two bridges crossing Bliven Brook and a short trail through the woods connect Camp Ahimsa to the main property.  Ahimsa Lodge can also be accessed by car using a separate driveway off Forge Hill Road. (See directions at "Find Us" page)

Please click here to see interior images of the Lodge.
Click here for a video so you can see the interior and hear Bliven Brook from the deck.

Ahimsa Lodge 9/2009

Ahimsa Lodge 12/2009

Bliven Brook looking south from the brigde

Bliven Brook looking north by Ahimsa Lodge

Herbie Diaz Memorial cabin

The Swann/Rachel Corrie House

Named after Bob Swann and activist Rachel Corrie, this facility was built by Bob Swann in 1966 as a model for affordable housing. It was built with volunteer labor for $3000. The house features a fully furnished kitchen with gas stove and refrigerator, living room with a cathedral ceiling, one and a half bathrooms. The first floor bedroom (pictured) has 2 sets of twin beds, a double and a single bed. On the 2nd floor there is a bedroom with twin beds, and a loft room with a bunk bed, two singles and roll out bed. The Living room (pictured) has a double futon, and a roll out bed. There is bed space for up to 17 guests.

Muste Conference Center

Named after socialist A.J. Muste, active in the pacifist, labor, and US Civil Rights movements, the A.J. Muste Conference Center was built in 1969 by the New England Committee for Nonviolent Action. The Muste Conference Center features a large meeting hall with skylights, industrial kitchen, accessible bathroom, covered outdoor porch, and the historic Eugene V. Debs Memorial Library. A stereo system and large television with DVD/VCR are also available for groups to use.

Chuck's Cabin

Originally built as a Finnish sauna, the Cabin was renovated in the late 1990s during Chuck Matthei’s tenure as president of Equity Trust, Inc. The cabin is situated on the edge of the woods near the farmhouse and features two double beds, a table, a small fridge and a sleeping loft with two single beds. It is heated with a small wood stove.

The Campbell Farmhouse

Built circa 1750, the Farmhouse was built for Dr. John Campbell, the local physician, and is the central building as you enter the VPT property from Beach Pond Road (CT-165). The farmhouse is said to have been a stop on the underground railroad, with slaves hiding in the secret rooms built into the central stonework of the basement. The farmhouse features a traditional central chimney with a main hearth in the kitchen and fireplaces in a number of the bedrooms.

The Farmhouse has been renovated on numerous occasions, most recently in the mid-90s under the direction of Chuck Matthei, Equity Trust president. Please call 860-376-9970 to express interest in reserving a space or to receive a tour.

VPT community garden

VPT stone barn foundation

Some of the wild life on the property

A deer just outside of the garden fence Pink Lady Slipper

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