Our place
Listen...and The Monastery will share lifetimes of warm memories...
The Monastery’s name is a celebration of this inspiring place and its rich history, rather than any religious connection. The Monastery has nurtured people since it was first built as a family home in 1906. After World War II, the home served as a peaceful retreat for soldiers returning from duty, then – as the name suggests – the house served as a monastery.
In 2005, the property was purchased by the Wise Group – a family of charitable organisations with a dream of creating fresh possibilities and services for the wellbeing of people, organisations and communities. For six years the restored villa and its expansive gardens were the setting of retreats for women experiencing stress, burnout, depression and the effects of trauma. Since the September 2010 earthquake many Christchurch women have used The Monastery as a place where they could rest and rejuvenate. Their feedback has been consistent. It was transformational for every single one of them.
Now, The Monastery is needed more than ever. Thousands of people - men and women, have been affected by the devastating Canterbury earthquakes. Many people have been traumatised; many have lost loved ones, homes and businesses. Hundreds of people have gone to extraordinary lengths, working long hours to support others through this time. We care and we want to help.
From April 2011 to April 2012 The Monastery's inviting rooms and peaceful gardens will be opened, free of charge, to men, women and families directly affected by the February 2011 Canterbury earthquake.
If you have been directly affected by the Canterbury earthquakes, please contact us to talk about how you could join us for a retreat.
In the meantime, we invite you to explore the beautiful features of The Monastery…
Shared spaces – from kitchen to lounges to sumptuous formal dining.
Bedrooms – Kingfisher, Pansy, Poppy, Pheasant and Hibiscus rooms.
Gardens – 10 glorious acres of inspiration.
History – a place of nurture, a place of peace.
