The Wayfarer's Cottage

Also called "The Quiet House," the Wayfarer's Cottage is a place for a contemplative retreat for an individual or married couple. It is an exquisitely designed stone cottage on a hilltop on the H. E. Butt Foundation property. Many have come to this quiet place for solitude and prayer.

The Quiet House provides assistance with the gift of silence and allows the retreatant to "be still and know that I am God."



The Need
Wayne Oates, Ph.D., often referred to as "the Grandfather of Pastoral Counseling," says, "If we do not take our Sabbaths when they come, we will take them all at once." The late Henri Nouwen, a priest, author, lecturer, and visitor to Laity Lodge, once said that running tired is a status symbol in our culture.

Quiet may be the greatest need in our society. Most of us are overscheduled, and the part of life most often neglected is the time for reflection with God. Jesus developed the strong rhythm of time alone, time with a few, and time with the crowds. For us, that rhythm could be time alone with God, time with our families and friends, and time with our work. Most of us have difficulty with time alone. A life of prayer is often difficult, but silence has its own unique ministry.

The Answer
Coming to a quiet place to pray is a means of inner renewal. Many who have given themselves to the silence are witnesses that God reveals Himself in it. The Quiet House provides assistance with the gift of silence: an opportunity for stillness, meditation, and prayer.

We encourage you to bring your own books, especially if they relate to spiritual formation and a contemplative retreat process. Selected books are available to Quiet House guests as supplemental reading.

Reservation Information
The Quiet House is available for one or two adults who desire the gift of silence and time for prayer and meditation.  Reservation dates may be requested for two to six days, except for some holidays.  You may call 830-792-1210 or fill out our online contact  form to confirm its availability.

• Sunday arrivals are only available during the summer months of June, July, and August.
• Fee effective June 1, 2007, is $100 per night, paid in advance prior to arrival.  A nonrefundable deposit equal to one night's stay is required to secure your reservation.
• Check-in time is 3:00-5:00 p.m.

Destination point for arrival is the Camp Office
There you will be met by the Manager of Guest Services who will transfer you, your food, and luggage into our 4-wheel drive vehicle and transport you up the mountain to the Quiet House.

Guests are responsible for providing and preparing their own food.
The one-bedroom house is furnished (including bedding and linens) with a living room, small loft, one bath with tub and shower, kitchen, and breakfast room.  The kitchen is equipped with a microwave oven in addition to a conventional oven and stove, coffee pot, utensils, and dishes.  Some basic items are provided such as salt, sugar, coffee, tea, and paper goods.  Also available is a gazebo, porch swing, hammock, and barbecue pit with charcoal.  Each guest is responsible for leaving the house clean.  

There is no phone or cell reception at the Quiet House.  In case of emergency, there is a two-way radio that will put you in contact with guest services.

The Quiet House is located on the H. E. Butt Foundation property on Highway 83, 12 miles north of Leakey, Texas.