Pepper Tree Retreat

Pepper Tree Retreat, an Ojai retreat with vegetarian cuisine, is the former guest house of noted philosopher J. Krishnamurti, who lived at nearby Pine Cottage (now the Krishnamurti Library) from 1922 to 1986.

Pepper Tree Retreat is located on 11 acres of orange orchards, gardens, and open space nestled in the foothills of Ojai’s magical east end. There are several outdoor patios and terraces, with a large veranda overlooking the front lawn and rose garden. Nearby are trails into the surrounding mountains and country roads ideal for early morning or late-afternoon walks.

A QUIET VEGETARIAN RETREAT TO RELAX AND REPLENISH

Pepper Tree Retreat is well-suited for retreats by individuals, friends, couples, and small groups. We welcome both overnight and extended stay guests. Special discounts are available for stays of a week or longer. The facility can also be booked by groups holding their own meetings and events.

FORMER HOME OF PHILOSOPHER J. KRISHNAMURTI

During his 64 years in Ojai, Krishnamurti welcomed thousands of visitors from around the world who were challenged by his penetrating inquiries into the fundamental questions of life. These included such 20th Century luminaries as Annie Besant, Aldous Huxley, John Barrymore, Greta Garbo, David Bohm, Dr. Jonas Salk, D.H. Lawrence, Jackson Pollack, Igor Stravinsky, The Beatles, and many others.

Today, the Krishnamurti Foundation of America (KFA) continues to operate the guest house as a retreat, for anyone wanting to get away, enjoy the beauty of the Ojai Valley, and reflect on life. The guest rooms are named after the Retreat’s historic visitors, some of whom stayed in the rooms that are named for them.

The original two buildings on the property, Pine Cottage and the guest house, have been designated historic structures by the Ventura County Historic Preservation Commission. These two buildings were constructed in 1895 and 1910 respectively, but gained historic significance as the home and teaching center for Krishnamurti.

The Krishnamurti Archives Building, offers a conference room suitable for small to mid-sized business meetings or planning retreats (20 people sitting and 30 standing maximum capacity).

The Krishnamurti Gazebo is an ideal place for groups to practice meditation, yoga or simply gather in a stunning setting. The Gazebo is 1280sqft and can comfortably hold 30 yoga practitioners. It is equipped with a complete audio-visual system and radiant floor heating for those colder winter mornings. With sliding glass doors and windows covering 5/6 walls, there is both open air and visual access to its beautiful surroundings.