Carmel House of Prayer

Notre Dame's Villa Angelica and House of Prayer in Carmel offer a beautiful environment to rest, pray and reflect on God's goodness. Located just over a mile south of Carmel along Highway 1, this sacred space invites prayer in the midst of expansive views of the ocean.

The ocean is just steps away.
The ocean is just steps away.
The property and Villa Angelica were the extraordinary gift of Lady Maria Antonia de Munras Field to the Sisters of Notre Dame in 1928 in honor of her friendship with Sister Mary Angelica Cronin. Lady Field wanted to give the Sisters a place for renewal and recreation. In the 1960s, a second building was constructed on the property. Serving as a House of Prayer, it provides an ideal communal environment for contemplation. During the 1970s the property was opened to friends and co-workers. Now, each year Sisters and other guests of diverse faith, ministries and cultural perspectives enjoy use of the Villa or the House of Prayer.


Villa Angelica

The Villa courtyard invites you to relax and enjoy God's creation.
The Villa courtyard invites you to relax and enjoy God's creation.
For groups who want to create their own retreat, the hacienda style of Villa Angelica offers a meeting room, courtyard, and combined living-dining room. Available for day, evening, and overnight use by groups of men and women, the Villa also has nine double-occupancy single-bed rooms accommodating up to 18 people. Bathrooms are communal. A fully equipped kitchen is available for food and meal preparation that are the responsibility of each group. A non-refundable deposit is required one month prior to the reserved dates.

Past visitors share their thoughts:

"We keep coming back to Villa Angelica because of its beautiful location, comfortable accommodations and relaxing atmosphere…thank you for always making us feel very welcome."

"A stay at Villa Angelica restores my spirit."

"Thank you for the warm reception. Each one of us found the serenity and beauty of Villa Angelica therapeutic."

House of Prayer

The huge deck is a perfect spot for sunset watching and meditation.
The huge deck is a perfect spot for sunset watching and meditation.
For women seeking a personal retreat, the House of Prayer provides a comfortable, quiet space. Downstairs, there are single-bed rooms and a communal bathroom. Upstairs the large common area provides a setting that invites prayer, quiet and a magnificent view of the Pacific.

Past visitors share their thoughts:

"The love, peacefulness and serenity felt within the walls of this house and the surrounding area brings me back to the House of Prayer over and over again."

"Heaven. I’m in heaven! That’s the way I feel when I come to the House of Prayer. No other place affects me in this manner."

Booking Information

Individuals and groups in need of spiritual renewal may contact the administrators for information about accommodations and cost.

Please note: To maintain an atmosphere of serenity and sacredness, tours are not given, nor is accommodation given to the casual traveler looking for a room.

Sr. Ruth Ella & Sr. Michelle Henault, Administrators
Villa Angelica & House of Prayer