Gaia House
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Gaia House
Gaia House is a meditation retreat centre offering silent meditation retreats in the Buddhist tradition. We warmly welcome people of every age, ethnicity, cultural heritage and religious background, socio-economic group, sexual orientation and gender identity, and we are actively working to investigate and remove barriers to inclusion.

Join us to explore the teachings of the Buddha, guided by experienced Dharma teachers from all over the world. We are now open for residential retreats! We are currently looking for people to join our residential staff team in the administration, household and maintenance departments. Our Online Sitting Group meets every Monday at 8pm UK BST, facilitated by Gavin Milne and guest teachers.
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Gaia House is a silent meditation retreat centre, a sanctuary of contemplative calm set amongst the gentle hills and quiet woodlands of South Devon. Founded in 1983, we are a registered charity committed to preserving, protecting and enhancing emotional, psychological, physical, and spiritual health through meditation.
Our environment is one of silence, rural tranquillity, simplicity of lifestyle, sensitivity to the needs of others, and a commitment to ethical behaviour, compassion, loving-kindness and generosity. As an Insight Meditation centre, we are affiliated to the 'Vipassana' (Insight) movement that began in the Theravada schools of Buddhism at the beginning of the twentieth century.
According to the Domesday Book of 1086, 'Wogwile' (the manors of East & West Ogwell) belonged to the Peytevins (or Pictavensis). The very wealthy local Reynell family married into the Pomeroys, so the Ogwell estates then passed into the hands of the Reynells. At one time they owned most of the land between here and Newton Abbot.
Insight Meditation (Or Vipassana: literally translated as 'seeing deeply or clearly') is the practice of developing a calm and mindful investigation into the nature of experience, leading to wisdom, compassion and the end of suffering. Download or listen on-line to an Introductory Guided Meditation by Insight Meditation teacher: Yanai Postelnik.
Gaia House is a dedicated retreat centre for sustained meditation practice and Dharma teachings. Maintaining silence and reducing activity to a minimum is the best way to support retreats, by creating a calm, quiet and simplified environment with minimal distractions. Spending time in silence is a very powerful way to support the deepening of meditative calm and insight (Vipassana).
Reviews (11)
Emma Smith
Emma Smith
Jan 14, 2022
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Went to this coffee shop for the first time today and the genuine warm welcome and connection was amazing. I was so impressed with all the community work and inclusion work. So much more than just a cafe. Highly recommend 👌
Kestrel Montague
Kestrel Montague
Apr 01, 2020
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One of the most wonderful dharma centers in the world, run by the most beautiful humans. ♥️
Chantal Jolivet
Chantal Jolivet
Jan 30, 2020
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I'll always be grateful to this place for having given me the most gentle nudge to step on the path, some decades ago now
Nina Fotara
Nina Fotara
Dec 06, 2019
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Amazing place. Wonderful time spent with like minded people. Everything was so well run and everyone so friendly from the co-ordinators to the teachers to everyone visiting or helping. Highly recommend.
Lisa Andronova
Lisa Andronova
Jul 26, 2019
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Very special silent meditation centre. Sittings are guided by exceptional teachers. Would be my recommendation for beginners as it's so well led.
Tara Mountain
Tara Mountain
Mar 30, 2018
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Went to my 4th 1 day retreat last weekend - this place fills my heart with peace. An opportunity to be nobody for the day, priceless
Richard Tollafield
Richard Tollafield
Feb 22, 2018
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Beautiful, wonderful place ! Would like to spend more time there, but I don't live in England. Like a second home. My sincere thanks to all those who make Gaia House possible !
AndyP Smith
AndyP Smith
Oct 19, 2017
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Love this place. Offers so many relaxation techniques set in beautiful Devonshire countryside
Maria Love
Maria Love
Sep 08, 2017
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I miss this place with all my heart. A place I found joy again, connected with nature, the garden holds all our pain, the house is a sanctuary and filled with love and care, my spiritual home, safe wonderful beautiful place. Thank you <3
Hana Galperin
Hana Galperin
Jun 26, 2017
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Gaia House is insight retreat center offering silent retreat. Very well organized, wonderful teachers, good healthy food,, beautiful people come here. If you want to enjoy life more go there.
Kate Honey
Kate Honey
Jan 20, 2017
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Wonderful place. Come here if you need some rest, joy and beauty in your life.