A Spiritual Education and Retreat Center
Sevenoaks is a spiritual education and retreat center dedicated to providing a safe,
beautiful,and tranquil haven for individuals seeking to awaken to a deeper experience
of body, mind, heart, and spirit. It is a place to connect profoundly with the natural world,
and with other people who are committed to authenticity and self-revelation.

Our Schedule & Staff
For over three decades, Sevenoaks has been offering a year-round schedule of workshops, retreats, and courses. We have become the spiritual home for the mid-Atlantic Pathwork and for many other spiritual groups who rent and enjoy our facilities. Sevenoaks staff is made up of professional and spiritually aware individuals who are dedicated to service.

A Little History
Sevenoaks was founded by Donovan and Susan Thesenga in 1972 as a center for personal and spiritual growth on land called “Sevenoaks” since the Civil War, in honor of the seven majestic 300-year old oak trees that crown a ridge overlooking the Blue Ridge Mountains. At that time the Thesengas were practicing Zen Buddhists and also psychotherapists utilizing a form of body-oriented therapy called bio-energetics and incorporating encounter group techniques from the human potential movement. They led weekend groups in the only building then on the property, Oak House, which also served as their home. Their passion to combine therapy with spirituality, led them to the Pathwork, a contemporary psycho-spiritual path. In 1976 they donated Sevenoaks to the non-profit organization of the Pathwork, which developed a strong presence and community in the mid-Atlantic region. Afterwards energy for giving in the community exploded, and all the buildings on the Sevenoaks campus were constructed with contributions and loans from members. Throughout the 1980s and 1990s Pathwork programs expanded, and Sevenoaks also attracted other compatible groups to use the Center. In 2001 a beautiful round sanctuary building (52' diameter), Light House, was erected which became the spiritual heart of the Center, and attracted many other groups—those training in acupuncture, meditation, yoga, sacred dance, shamanism, and spiritual healing—to enjoy our facility. Sevenoaks is now extending its base to include many other paths and groups as we seek to expand our mission of awakening light and love in the world.

120 Acres of Protected Natural Wilderness
Surrounding the central campus of the retreat center are 120 acres of mostly forest wilderness, untouched for over 35 years, protected by an Open Space Easement from any future development. The woods, pond and river are abundant with wildlife--including deer, fox, raccoons, beavers and otters. Sevenoaks is also a bird watchers' paradise--redtail hawks, owls, herons, & numerous species of songbirds are commonly seen. We honor the wisdom of this land and of its natural inhabitants, and know that the land provides a deeply nourishing environment for all those who come here for their own healing and awakening.

Buildings & Grounds
Indoor: Meeting rooms for groups of 12-125 • Dining room with serving capacity of 80 • Private & shared accommodations for 55 people • Private house with 3 bedrooms, 2 baths, and kitchen can be rented separately • Private retreat or counseling room • Bookstore • Studio space for yoga, dance, and meditation • 4 Break-out rooms • Small library
Outdoor: 10 acre beautifully landscaped central campus with 5 buildings and views of Blue Ridge mountains • 120 acres of woods and open fields • Miles of marked Hiking Trails • Camping areas • Sweatlodge • Sand-lined Bonfire Circle • Medicine Wheel • Swimming pond • Swimming and tubing in the Rapidan River • Organic vegetable garden •Benches for outdoor meditation • Meditation sanctuary in the woods • Hammocks and swings for relaxation