THE MARGARET AUSTIN CENTER

During the last twelve years of her life, Margaret Austin created a unique informal retreat center on her farm in Chappell Hill, Texas. She opened her home and invited retreatants to camp on her land, leaving a legacy that is a model of giving in support of the inner life. The Margaret Austin Center (www.macenter.org) is a public charity established to preserve this beautiful rustic facility as a quiet and inexpensive setting for retreats and meetings. The Center, a 40-acre site full of native pecan trees and views of rolling hills, serves primarily the spiritual communities of Texas. The Margaret Austin Center, located 65 miles from Houston and 95 miles from Austin, is a 501(c)3 non-profit organization.

ACCOMODATIONS

The Margaret Austin Center is not a hotel nor is it a campground.  Sleeping arrangements include comfortable bunk beds artfully arranged in small dormitory buildings.  The Margaret Austin Center is fully equipped with heat, a/c, shared but private showers and bathrooms.  There are arrangements for ADA accessibility as well, but keep in mind the setting is rustic. You will need to provide all your own blankets, pillows, towels, and toiletries.  Please understand that the dorms are communal.  You may want to bring earplugs at night if you are a light sleeper.  We limit the attendance so we will never reach the maximum capacity, ensuring that everyone will have room to spread out.  If you prefer other accommodations the best bet will be Brenham, TX – about 10 miles away from the retreat site.  Please visit the travel page for more information about hotels.