Gaia House offers a warm, private, and home-like setting for small group retreats, gatherings, and intentional programs. Located within Ananda Village in Nevada City, California, this custom-designed house provides a peaceful environment where groups can come together in comfort, simplicity, and shared purpose.
Originally built as a large family home, Gaia House has been thoughtfully adapted to host intentional groups who value privacy, spacious common areas, and a sense of ease. With its natural materials, flowing layout, and abundant light, the house supports a relaxed rhythm that encourages connection, creativity, and presence.
Gaia House is located approximately two hours from Sacramento International Airport and is ideal for groups seeking a self-contained retreat experience within a spiritually energized setting.
A Home Designed for Gathering
Constructed with rammed earth and designed with tall ceilings and generous windows throughout, Gaia House has a grounded, open feeling that many guests find immediately welcoming. Views from the house extend into the surrounding landscape, enhancing the sense of space and calm.
With approximately 4,700 square feet, Gaia House comfortably accommodates up to 15 overnight guests, while common areas can host up to 35 participants for classes, meetings, or gatherings.
The layout naturally supports group life, offering both shared spaces for connection and quieter corners for reflection.
Outstanding Features
- Two-story, custom-designed retreat house located within Ananda Village
- Approximately 4,700 square feet of indoor space
- Seven bedrooms accommodating up to 15 adults
- Six uniquely furnished second-floor bedrooms, including three with ensuite bathrooms
- Spacious living room with flexible, re-arrangeable furniture
- Separate first-floor teaching room suitable for classes, yoga, or meetings
- Family-style dining room and fully equipped kitchen
- Air conditioning during the summer months
- Wireless internet throughout the house
- Towels and linens provided, with on-site laundry facilities available
- Organic coffee, tea, and fruit available throughout the day
Ready for an extraordinary group retreat?
We invite group leaders to connect with us and explore what hosting a retreat at Ananda Meditation Retreats could look like for your group.
To support your planning, we offer a complimentary overnight stay at either The Expanding Light Retreat or The Seclusion Retreat, hosted by Krishnadas LoCicero, Groups Manager. During your visit, you’ll enjoy an in-depth tour of available facilities, time to share your vision and program needs, and the opportunity to experience our nourishing vegetarian meals.
This visit is designed to help you determine which campus best supports your group’s intention and to begin shaping a retreat experience that feels both grounded and inspired.
Rooms and Facilities
Shared Living and Meeting Spaces
Gaia House is designed to support both connection and quiet focus. Shared living areas throughout the house offer a natural flow between gathering, conversation, and rest, making it easy for groups to settle into a comfortable rhythm together.
The main living room and lounge area features comfortable seating and easily movable furniture, allowing groups to arrange the space to best suit their needs. This area is often used for informal meetings, group discussions, or relaxing between sessions.
At the end of the house, a dedicated teaching and meditation room provides a quieter setting for classes, yoga, or contemplative practice. A door from this space opens directly into the gardens, offering a seamless transition between indoor practice and time outdoors.
Folding chairs, yoga mats, cushions, and a whiteboard are available for group use. A full bathroom located just outside the teaching room allows for convenient access during longer sessions.
Flower Suite
A lovely bedroom featuring a queen bed, private deck, and a spacious private bath with both a shower and tub. This room is ideal for group leaders or guests who appreciate additional privacy and comfort.
Tree Room
Facing west, the Tree Room offers two twin beds, a private bath with shower, and a generous closet. A calm and comfortable space well suited for shared or individual use.
Bird Room
The Bird Room includes two twin beds and a spacious closet. A hallway bathroom located just outside the room is primarily used by Bird Room guests, and features a vanity with sink, along with a shower and tub.
River Room
Offering peaceful views to the northeast, the River Room has two twin beds, a large closet, and access to a shared bath with shower. A serene choice for guests who enjoy morning light and quiet surroundings.
Star Room
Facing the bright southeast, the Star Room includes two twin beds, a spacious closet, and access to a shared bath with shower. Light-filled and welcoming.
Mountain Room
This room features two twin beds, a generous closet, and a private bath with shower. A comfortable option offering both simplicity and privacy.
Meeting Spaces
Gaia House has a large living room/lounge area with easy to move furniture to create the best arrangement for your group. In addition, there is a dedicated space at the end of the house with plenty of space for meditation and meetings. A door leads directly into the gardens and we provide ample folding chairs, yoga mats & pillows, and a whiteboard for you to use as needed. There is a seperate, full bath directly outside the suite for easy access.
Outdoor Area
Gaia House opens onto a peaceful outdoor area where guests can relax, gather, or enjoy quiet time between sessions. This space supports informal conversation, reflection, and connection with nature, and is often used for breaks, journaling, or small group discussions.
Additional Meeting Spaces at Ananda Village:
With advance reservation, Gaia House groups may also access larger meeting spaces within Ananda Village for an additional fee. These spaces are well suited for programs that include more participants than Gaia House can accommodate overnight.
For example, while Gaia House sleeps 12–15 guests, additional group members may stay at the nearby Expanding Light Retreat, allowing groups of up to 39 participants to gather together in shared meeting spaces.
Located a five-minute walk from Gaia House, the Living Wisdom Center is a modern, sustainably built facility featuring a state-of-the-art presentation hall with excellent acoustics. The main hall seats up to 140 and is ideal for music, dance, lectures, and recorded talks. Several smaller breakout rooms are also available. Parking is provided on site.
Located within Ananda Village, about a three-minute drive or a pleasant walk from Gaia House, Hansa Temple is a beautiful sacred space with an altar honoring the Kriya Yoga masters of the Ananda lineage. The room supports both floor and chair seating and includes a raised dais for speakers. The entry foyer provides space for shoes and coats, and restrooms are located downstairs. The temple comfortably seats up to 120 guests.
Serenity Lounge is a comfortable and versatile gathering space located at The Expanding Light Retreat, approximately a three-minute drive or a pleasant walk from Gaia House. The room supports both seated and floor-based gatherings and includes nearby restroom facilities. This space is well suited for group meetings, talks, and shared sessions.
Ready for an extraordinary group retreat?
We invite group leaders to connect with us and explore what hosting a retreat at Ananda Meditation Retreats could look like for your group.
To support your planning, we offer a complimentary overnight stay at either The Expanding Light Retreat or The Seclusion Retreat, hosted by Krishnadas LoCicero, Groups Manager. During your visit, you’ll enjoy an in-depth tour of available facilities, time to share your vision and program needs, and the opportunity to experience our nourishing vegetarian meals.
This visit is designed to help you determine which campus best supports your group’s intention and to begin shaping a retreat experience that feels both grounded and inspired.