Pine Manor IS...
Pine Manor is a gathering place for psychological and spiritual exploration and healing. Pine Manor is a learning center that hosts a variety of teachers and facilitators. We are located in the Cleveland National Forest between San Juan Capistrano and Lake Elsinore, California. In our busy and pressure-filled lives we need time away to connect with what is essential and to be renewed. What is needed for our soul is different at different times. It might be that we need laughter, understanding, empowerment, compassion, or strength. Or maybe we need quiet time or connection with others.
Pine Manor is an inspirational canvas.
In addition to the main house, Pine Manor features a unique cluster of small earthen buildings that have been built by many loving hands to demonstrate the use of various natural earthen building materials and possibilities. The first small building. Cob, Sr. is made of “cob,” a mixture of clay, sand, straw and water that is rolled into “cob” and used as building bricks. It is a delightful earth-building style that encourages the builders to dance in the mud. In addition to the three cob structures on the property, we also have a straw bale Round House and a Writer’s Den made with standard framed construction filled with light clay. Every building at Pine Manor exists to be enjoyed, whether they’re used for teaching purposes, gathering for relaxation or meditation.
Pine Manor is a facility .
Our facility is available for use by teachers and trainers. We have the capacity to host 10 to 25 people. The main house has 5 bedrooms and 4 bathrooms and includes the “tree house,” which is a separate apartment with its own kitchen and bath that can hold 4 or 5 people. We host a variety of groups including training groups, 12-step groups, Yoga groups, T’ai chi groups, spiritual groups. We also host planning retreats for businesses and churches. For further information about having your group at Pine Manor contact Gail Warner at 949-552-1633 or email her at catchgw@ca.rr.com
Mission Statement
Pine Manor is dedicated to an open-minded emotional and spiritual discovery and unfolding. It is a Guest House (as in Rumi's poem) to hold people's experiences with curiosity and compassion. The staff wants to serve in a helpful and respectful way. Pine Manor encourages quiet spaces, listening, and time for nature, laughter, and creativity.
Dream Weaver
Pine Manor has been the vision of owner, Gail Warner, MA, MFT, who wanted a place to hold her own workshops and retreats, as well as offering it to others looking for a breathing space and a place to meet other wonderful people. Gail has been a psychotherapist and retreat facilitator for over 35 years. As a person who benefited from the healing aspects of retreats, Gail wanted to provide a space for discovery, rest, and renewal that supports people on their own personal journey. She is the “dream weaver” who imagined a place for spiritual and psychological exploration. The ongoing weaving of that dream is what continues to develop and grow Pine Manor. Gail’s ability to give permission and encouragement has allowed people to find a second “home” at Pine Manor. It is Gail’s heart-centered care that has held the space, along with many others who share her vision.
The Staff
Pindey has offered his talent and heart-centered massage for the past 13 years at Pine Manor. His presence, loving heart and healing hands have been an important aspect of renewal for many people. Pindey has also conducted workshops on Shiatsu here at Pine Manor. He is a great teacher and a gift to Pine Manor.
Tacho is invaluable to Pine Manor as a all around “handyman.” He has many skills that we draw from. He helps manage the property and has helped with many building projects at Pine Manor. Tacho's son, David, was a special part of our staff until his recent return to Mexico. Tacho can do so many things from flooring, to drywall, to painting and plumbing.
Michael is our resident artist and builder. He has done most of the beautiful murals around Pine Manor and has been an important part of building and maintaining the earth buildings. Michael's artistic vision has brought a tremendous creative gift to Pine Manor over the years. Michael has a unique connection to the land and that is honored in his sculpted “Earthen Mama” next to the Round House.
Michael “Munz” is our resident builder and go-to-guy for problem solving. Michael has built an amazing small house out of 80 % recycled materials. He is skilled in traditional building methods as well as earth building. He has seen and worked on natural building projects all the way from Canada to Baja in the past several years.