STONEHAVEN RANCH
4999 Hillard Rd. San Marcos,Texas 78766

Stonehaven Ranch is a private non-profit retreat center located 8 miles west of San Marcos in the beautiful Texas hill country. It is a project of the Foundation for a Compassionate Society.Originally conceived as a working example of a gift economy, is used primarily by non-profit groups working for social change, especially in the areas of peace and justice, and issues concerning women. Stonehaven is a drug-and alcohol-free space which is owned and operated by women and for women and is an attempt to explore more feminist ways of doing everything. However, both men and women who are working together to effect social change are welcome here.

The gift of Stonehaven to the women's movement began in 1984, hosting a conference of international women working on peace issues. Since that time hundreds of groups dealing with social justice, peace, domestic violence, sexual preference, women's spirituality and many other issues have used the space at low cost. The ranch is on 171 acres, surrounded by 500 more acres of wooded land. The main house can sleep 20 to 25 people in primarily single beds. A separate apartment can house 5 more people.

The facility is completely equipped; linens, silver, etc., are all provided. Your kitchen is complete, cookware, dishes, and even spices are generally on hand. We offer all groups the option of doing their own cooking. Stonehaven offers picturesque walking trails, a swimming pool, and jacuzzi.

Our organic garden provides flowers and vegetables in season for the groups who come here. We are most interested in serving non-profit organizations which are working to find better, more compassionate ways to treat our world and all people. We reserve the right to limit the use of Stonehaven to groups which will respect and enjoy the peaceful and natural quality of life at the ranch.

Unfortunately, we are unable to serve individuals. Stonehaven Ranch is operated under the support of Genevieve Vaughan and the Foundation for a Compassionate Society. It was conceived as an example of a gift economy. The economic base of our present society creates scarcity in an otherwise bountiful environment. There would be enough of everything for everybody if women were in charge of distribution.

List of groups who have used Stonehaven

For more information, please contact Margie First at (512) 353-8701 FAX (512) 392-7577
or write: 4999 Hillard Rd. San Marcos, Texas 78766

Photos of Stonehaven