Updated Cottage Retreat

If you haven’t read him, we highly suggest Belden Lane – a contemplative outdoorsman…

“I need only the ability to glimpse the wonder in the ordinary…I marvel that nothing is ‘happening’ yet everything is happening. I rest in the container larger than myself… Whatever I experience in that moment is out of my hands. It’s none of my business. My task is simply to adore.”

“The Desert Christians knew that such clarity in being available to the present moment is possible only when one pauses to exercise awareness…Prayer does involve a discipline of practiced attentiveness ….Contemplative prayer is what gets you out of your head. (It) allows the world to surprise me. The universe becomes delightfully open-ended.”

Make space for your universe to become ‘delightfully open-ended’!

Nestled in The Layne’s back yard, Soul Care Seattle offers you a stand alone, fully equipped cottage that is available for your use in times of retreat, reflection, or preparation surrounded by leafy gardens and parks.

Beginning Summer 2025, The longer the stay, the less you pay per night.

A 30 minute spritual direction session is included, no obligation of course, retreat and prayer materials are provided, and… of course, rest.  

Please Note: “The  Cottage @ The Layne” is not a part-time Airbnb or short term rental. We ask that those booking the cottage do so in the spirit of solitude, stillness and silence. The cottage is not available for other good things such as Fwork, sightseeing or visiting. In this way we preserve the cottage as a place of prayer.

Availability and Reservations at the bottom of this page

The Details

Filled with light and charm, your cottage welcomes you with a cozy living room complete with  a large bay window, writing desk and clean, comfortable furniture. The cottage has a full bath with a tub/shower combination, sleeping area with full size bed, a full kitchen supplied with the basics (drip coffee, microwave, fridge, dishwasher, dishes, utensils, pots & pans, etc.) and an intimate eating area.  In order to protect the retreat environment and a return to simplicity, we do not offer TV or sound system.  Wi-fi is available.

Should your time of quiet reflection lead you to the outdoors Volunteer Park, Interlaken Park, Boren Park (scenic overlook), and Lakeview Cemetery are all a short walk away and are wonderful places to pray.  For more adventurous walkers, Lake Washington Arboretum is a mile down the hill.  The labyrinth at St Mark’s Cathedral and the sanctuary at St Joseph’s are just blocks away (10-15 min walk).

Spiritual Care: Your retreat is housed in a peaceful cottage that has been set aside for the sole purpose of spiritual and physical rest.  The space is not a guest house for tourists and visitors.  It is a “thin space”. It is a home bathed in prayer for the purpose of your ‘prayer’, or as St Teresa of Avila says your ‘terms of relationship with God’.

• Prayer materials and retreat guides are available in the cottage should you find them helpful.
• A 30 minute spiritual direction session is included in your retreat, should you wish to partake.  Additional sessions may be booked for an additional fee based on availability.
• Your retreat will be carried in our hearts.  Our job is to give you space and to simply pray for your time

Intended Occupancy:  Single, 1-Full Bed.  (If two people stay, it is necessary for both occupants to be intentionally “on retreat”, as the layout is not conducive to a retreat when another is not also on retreat.)

Amenities:  Full bed, writing desk, couch, full bath, blow-dryer, towels, soap, shampoo, drip coffee maker, fully stocked kitchen, washer/dryer, dishwasher, oven/stove, microwave, refrigerator, eating nook. Meals are not included.

Check In:  after 2:00pm  / Check Out: before 2:00pm

Transportation: The Layne is located on downtown Seattle’s Capitol Hill, roughly 25 minutes by car from Sea-Tac Airport.  Uber to The Layne is roughly $70. Light rail from the airport to the Capitol Hill station (40 minutes) is $3.00 each way. From the Capitol Hill station, it is a 1 mile pleasant walk, bus, or Uber.

Food Options: Order your meals from Hello Fresh! (We’d be happy to put them in your cottage fridge the day you arrive.)  Volunteer Park Cafe is lovely and literally across the street; a great spot for breakfast and lunch Wednesday – Sunday. Restaurants and groceries are within 10-20 min walks, or delivery is readily available through ride share apps such as Uber & Door Dash. There are plenty of electric scooters and bikes available throughout the neighborhood through the “Lime” app.

Address:  1252 16th Ave E Seattle, WA   98112

Parking:  Cottage parking is readily available on E Galer, along the north side of the property.

Note:  Because of the retreat intention of the property we ask-

• Quiet outside of the cottage
• No smoking

Booking:  When booking multiple nights, select the first night then click “Add a Time”.  Select the second night of your retreat.  Continue this pattern for each night you wish to stay.

Payment:  Your total will be automatically calculated.  Use the “Additional Amount” field, if you would like to support the ongoing care ministry of Soul Care Seattle with a financial gift.

Cancellation:  Cancellation within 48 hours of the check-in time will be subject to a cancellation fee equivalent to the first night of the stay.  Upon request, remaining donation amounts will be refunded, less the credit card transaction fee.

Availability and Reservations (please email us regarding longer retreats: office@soulcareseattle.com)

5  Night Retreat  $355: Click Here to View Availability and Reserve

4 Night Retreat  $295: Click Here to View Availability and Reserve

3 Night Retreat  $230: Click Here to View Availability and Reserve

2 Night Retreat $160: Click Here to View Availability and Reserve

1 Night Retreats are not available, but you are welcome to stay one night or give the second night to a friend. (There will not be housekeeping within the one booking)