The Clergy House at the Common Life Property is ready for use by families and small groups. The grounds are generally open field and woods, and the “barn” is available as a picnic shelter, but does not have washrooms or water on site. Donegal Lake access is across the road. Nearby are all the attractions of the Laurel Highlands. For information on reserving the property contact the Episcopal Diocese of Pittsburgh at 412-721-0853 or jrgunder@episcopalpgh.org.
Clergy House – Quick Facts:
Q. What is the clergy house capacity?
A. The main constraint for both day and overnight use is that the well is a shallow well. People need to conserve water. The well will not handle everyone taking a leisurely shower, the dishwasher being run, and multiple loads of laundry in one day.
Q. How many can stay overnight?
A. There are 4 bedrooms on the main level. Three of the bedrooms have queen-sized beds. The fourth has 2 sets of bunk beds (i.e. sleeps 4). There are two full baths on the main level. One bath is a whirlpool with no shower. The lower level has a queen sleeper in a quiet corner of the main room and an interior room equipped with two twin futons (72” X 30”) and two 6 inch thick foam twin size mattresses (75”x 35”) that are also twin-sized. This room thus adds another 4 sleeping spaces. The lower level has a ¾ bath (i.e. one with a shower only). All beds, sleepers, futons, and mattresses are fully supplied with linens, light weight blankets, pillows and a comforter. With no one sharing a bed, the house has 12 sleeping spaces.
Q. What about extra people during the day?
The house has a main floor great room with room for 8 at the dining table, and a folding table that will set another 8 (with plastic patio chairs) in the basement. The living room has seating for 5, and there is a large sectional sofa in the basement. The lower level “futon room” could easily be used in the day-time as a break-out room (if people were not sleeping there). In the warm seasons, the front porch and back deck offer additional break-out spaces. Maximum capacity for a day meeting is thus 16-20.
Q. How furnished is it?
The house is equipped with linens, bedding, and all kitchen equipment. There is one hairdryer. There is bottled water in 5 gallon jugs in case of power outages. There is a TV/DVD set up in the basement, but no television, cable or satellite service. There is no landline phone or internet, but all mobile services have service in the area.
