Bowen Island retreat fit for halflings, humans

By Meg Johnstone

That house was . . . 'a perfect house, whether you like food or sleep or story-telling or singing, or just sitting and thinking best, or a pleasant mixture of them all'. Merely to be there was a cure for weariness, fear and sadness. -- The Fellowship of the Ring, Book Two

Rivendell: a place of refuge, safety and healing, hidden away in the hills, well guarded and protected by the elves. Who upon reading The Lord of the Rings hasn't wished such a place existed?

The secret is it does exist -- right here on Vancouver's own Bowen Island. But getting there may turn out to be nearly as tricky for the would-be guest as it was for Frodo.

Rivendell is a Christian community and retreat centre newly opened in June on six and a half acres atop Cates Hill on Bowen Island with magnificent views of mountains, forests, and sea. Billed as a place of "peace and quietness away from the noise, distractions and pressures of the city," it aims to minister to those with limited resources and special needs. Yet getting there requires a written request to the centre's equivalent of the Elven Council -- the enigmatic 'Rivendell Society' -- who, like their elven counterparts, wish to remain in the shadows.

According to local lore, a Bowen Island developer first had the vision to develop land on Cates Hill into a retreat centre where questions of faith could be explored. He eventually became connected with a family of some means who took on the vision of Rivendell. Using local artisans, Rivendell was built in two years' time, complete with, if not carved ceilings, the best in local woodworking and masonry. Artwork from local artists was commissioned for each room. The four-storey building has a chapel, meeting room, well-equipped kitchen, lounge and dining room with a large stone fireplace. Fifteen bedrooms are complete with private baths.

The house is available for groups and individuals, and spiritual direction is available. However, reservations must be made by letter to the Rivendell Society, identifying who wishes to come and why, and why specifically to Rivendell. While there is a set minimum payment of $20 per person per night, guests are asked to pay according to their ability, as actual costs are more than $40 each a night. Guests provide their own meals, although individuals will be invited to share in some of the household chores and join in times of community prayer as well as in preparing and sharing occasional meals together.

Rivendell community is rooted in the traditions of prayer, silence, simplicity and hospitality. And in true elven spirit, there is an emphasis on availability to those with limited means, as well as on protecting the living sanctuary of the surrounding ecology. For more information, write to PO Box 402, Bowen Island, BC V0N 1G0.