St. Columba's Inverness - Inverness, California

Karl Gurney

Stayed for three nights during the week in late April. An absolutely worthwhile and beautiful experience. The staff are easy to reach and communicative, the room was cozy and quite comfortable (I slept like a rock which rarely happens away from home!) and the setting is captivating, just minutes from world-class hiking, birding, and sunset-watching. I definitely took advantage of the latter activities while here.

The church itself is a lovely wood-paneled building that feels lived-in from years of prayer and meditation. There are several large reading rooms and spaces where prayer and reflection are easy. A favorite touch for me was an entire library section dedicated to Thomas Merton and Mary Oliver each. The vicar, Vincent, and the local parishioners are lovely people who made me feel so welcome.

Some important details if you consider staying here (which I encourage you to do): Cell reception is spotty and that is a good thing. This is a retreat space after all, not a convenient AirBnB where you can do remote office work. The rate is quite reasonable when compared to other retreat centers I've visited, but they do not provide meal service, so take advantage of their stocked kitchen and large fridge and plan ahead. Finally, the isolation of Tomales Bay and the Point Reyes area means that it's best to fill up on gas and groceries in the San Rafael/Petaluma area (depending on the direction of your arrival). For someone my age, I'd liken the stay in logistical terms to a secluded cabin with a chapel and prayer space attached.

Heartily recommend this place and would love to stay again.

S Carpenter

My family and I went to this retreat house for years in the 70's. It is truly awe inspiring. Besides being a great get-away, one of the rooms has captain beds, a built in desk and a beautiful picture window on Tamales Bay! Every window you look out of, except one is nothing but forest. Walking just 3 minutes beyond the chapel area is a gorgeous walk. They have retreats, church services, and get-togethers. Wonderful people, beautiful place, their Sea & Land Feast in August was phenomenal. Highly recommend.

Rosemary Gallagher

Wonderful! This is a quiet retreat space with many reasonably priced rooms. We enjoyed a singing retreat together. The large kitchen was perfect for our meal prep. We had the choice of several rooms to meet and sing. Nearby beaches and bay. Walks up the hill were lovely.

Linda Williams

Father Vincent (Pizzuto) has brought the beauty and depth of the Christian contemplative and Celtic traditions to St. Columba's Church and in so doing, has attracted a growing number of spiritual seekers who long for personal growth and transformation supported by the stillness of meditative practices and the beauty of ancient liturgical expression. How rare it is to find a priest, ordained in the Celtic Christian Church, who possesses the intellectual depth of scholar, the heart of St. Francis, and deep faith in the sanctity of the natural world as expression of God's outpouring love.

If you are a person of modern sensibilities who hungers for an enlightened faithfulness to the mystery of ancient Christian worship, who yearns to be part of an engaged and thoughtful community, St. Columba’s might just be your new spiritual home!

Beannaim Chriost ionat! [I greet the Christ in you!]

Tom Eyres

Warmest hospitality from George and all the staff. Walk a few blocks to a dirt path that goes up the mountain to a tremendous view of the bay.

P Eckl

Just returning from a hike near the West Highland Way, Scotland, a search for Inverness + Shakespeare brought me here.

Heidi Bieter

What a beautiful place/building etc. Very nice people. Highly recommend.

Anna Haight

Historic, quiet and beautiful.