Private Rentals at Shantigar

​

The Shantigar Foundation is located on a beautiful old farm in Western Massachusetts. Founded by the late playwright Jean-Claude van Itallie (1936-2021), our not-for-profit foundation is dedicated to creativity, meditation, and engagement with nature. Programs include workshops, book talks, a film festival, and varied outdoor experiences.

 

Shantigar is also available for private group rentals, including professional gatherings, artistic residencies, and meditation practice. People grow ideas and relationships at Shantigar, getting close to what matters while immersed in natural splendor. 

 

Groups have access to seven bedrooms and three cabins, most with queen or double beds. Bathrooms are shared. Meeting space includes two kitchens, living room, movement room, library, and windowed sunporch. Shantigar also offers ample fields, hills, forests, ponds, and public walking trails. Seasonal swimming is close by at Pelham Lake.

 

 

OCCUPANCY
Overnight rentals are available for a minimum of 3 people staying at least 2 nights. Our farmhouse and cabins can house 10 – 21 people (depending on single or shared occupancy). 
Daytime rentals are available for groups of any size.

 

 

JOIN THE SHANTIGAR COMMUNITY

When your group gathers at Shantigar, you become part of this farm’s colorful history. In the 19th and early 20th century, the Davenport Dairy Farm was known for its hospitality. School teachers lodged here, and Mrs. Davenport hosted Sunday potluck suppers. For a time, the farmhouse even served as the local post office.​ 

 

In the late 1940’s, the van Itallie family purchased the farm, following their wartime escape from Belgium. In the 1960’s, when Jean-Claude’s anti-war play “America Hurrah” broke new ground in the Off-Broadway theater, he purchased the farm from his parents and the house became a creative hive for his international circle of colleagues and friends. Posters, paintings, photographs, and theater memorabilia evoke their creative adventures.

 

The house also became a haven for Chogyam Trungpa, Rinpoche, Jean-Claude’s Tibetan Buddhist teacher. In the 1970s, he wrote his renowned Shambala teachings here and gave the farm a new name – Shantigar – meaning Peaceful Home. Drawing from his own practice, Jean-Claude curated a selection of Tibetan bells and art objects which contribute to a contemplative spirit.

 

Before his passing in 2021, Jean-Claude ensured that Shantigar would continue to serve as a peaceful and nourishing home. Shantigar now hosts many groups, including theater artists, dancers, somatic therapists, community college students, and activists in the indigenous and environmental communities. 

 

​

FEES

Overnight Rentals: For groups of 10 people or fewer, the rate is $80/person per night and $30/day for commuters. 

Note: In 2027, the overnight fee will rise to $90/person per night. The commuter rate will remain the same.

 

For groups of 11 or more people staying overnight, the house fee is $1000/night, with no extra charge for commuters.

This rate will remain the same in 2027.

 

Day Rentals: Shantigar is available for day rentals (without use of bedrooms) for $300/day.
This rate will remain the same in 2027. 

 

​

DEPOSITS
For overnight rentals, an advance deposit of $200 is required to secure the dates. If the dates are cancelled more than two weeks from start date, the deposit will be returned. For daytime rentals, an advance deposit of $75 is required, with the same cancellation policy. If the rental proceeds, your deposit will be returned after departure and review of the house and grounds.

 

​

MEALS
Many groups build community by preparing meals together in our well-equipped kitchen. For those who prefer catered meals, we can offer a list of local chefs and restaurants.

 

​

AMENITIES 
•    Bed linens, blankets, towels 
•    Soap and shampoo 
•    Well-equipped kitchen 
•    Wi-Fi 
•    Yoga blankets, pillows, and props 
•    Hand weights 
•    Vegetable garden (in season) 

 

​

CONTACT INFORMATION 

For more information or to visit Shantigar, please contact:

Deb Katz, Shantigar co-director at (413) 834-3280 or

Peter Columbus, administrator: email@shantigar.org.