Having heard so many people talk about Windemere, I decided to visit in November 2024 as part of a holiday with my husband, Jim.  I was a little nervous as the terrain is somewhat mountainous and Jim has some mobility limitations.  Also, he is an absolute atheist with no interest in religion or spirituality.  What he does love is nature, people and flying.  Well, he could not have been happier at Windemere.

On arrival at the gate, we pressed the buzzer and were welcomed by David, Noah and Elmer Whitaker, along with Cary, in an electric terrain-friendly vehicle.  They asked us to follow them to the Bunk House, helped us with our bags and made us feel very welcome.  We had bought food with us, as guided, and found plenty of space for it in the large fridge and well-equipped kitchen.  The Bunk House has 2 bedrooms, 2 bathrooms and a large kitchen lounge with doors out onto a large decking with comfy furniture looking out on Santa Barbara.  At 2,000 feet above sea level, the view is spectacular, and we enjoyed the sun rises, sun sets and everything in between.  Jim especially enjoyed monitoring flights in and out of Santa Barbara Airport.

Inside there are lovely touches, like beautiful pictures painted on wood, suspended tree branches where you can hang your clothes and a rack by the door for boots and coats. My thanks go out to everyone involved in the decoration and refurbishment which included the new decking area.

The decking provided us with community space, and we had tea and homemade shortbread with Linda Whitaker and her grandsons and John and Lori.  Sitting in the sunshine chatting was wonderful.  Lori was singing and we had a dance together which was very special.  I knew John and Lori via the wonders of Zoom but to meet in the physical was a gift.

Leaving Jim, John and Lori to talk in the morning sun, Linda and the boys took me to experience Quelin.  We clambered over rocks until we found and felt the perfect perch and even recorded a moment of peace.  I do wonder if younger people are born with longer arms as I struggled to get four heads into one video.  We were able to have a meal together and Noah said grace which went something like “Yummy, yummy, yummy, ra, ra, ra!” something everyone could wish for when sharing roast chicken, vegetables and salad in such great company.

When you apply online to stay at Windemere you are asked what you would like to contribute in terms of volunteering.  Having only a couple of nights there we decided to feed the animals and did this twice.  David facilitated our presence by collecting us in his “all terrain vehicle” enabling us to feed the goats, donkey, chickens and cows and of course, meet the dogs.  While we were at the barn, we helped assemble a new bike and witnessed three of the four boys living at Windemere, learn the subtleties of 2-wheel bike riding.  These were relatively new skills, and I am trusting that the relationship between speed and cornering has improved since our departure! Kids learn fast.

Walking up to the ponds I got some beautiful quiet time watching the birds and fish as I sat on a bench contemplating the energy and changing light at the end of the day.

The energy of the place really is magical, and I have no words for that.  We shared food, friendship and loving during out stay.  As our departure time came closer, we found the prepared and labelled sheets, a clear departure list and were able to lovingly prepare the bunk house for the next visitors.  It really is a place of love, peace and sharing.

Special thanks to David, Ashley, Linda, Noah and Elmer for making us so welcome and ensuring we were able to join in with ranch activities.  Light to the Barn and Leigh for her birthday fundraiser celebration.

Love and Light for the highest good of all beings on the planet.

Caroline Khambatta

View the Photos from a visit to Windermere