Retreats

Owned and operated by Boston College, the primary mission of the Connors Center is to provide a venue for contemplative retreats. Our 80-acre estate offers a serene environment for reflection.



Indoor Spaces

Main Parlor


This magnificent formal parlor features wood paneling, French doors, and a large fireplace. The Main Parlor can also be combined with the Dover Parlor and Estate Room for larger receptions and overlooks a garden terrace, which can accommodate a labyrinth.

  • Dimensions: 38' x 23.5'
  • Capacity: 70 (theater); 36 (circle of soft seating)
  • Ideal for: mid-size retreats or quiet reflection
Formal Parlor at the Connors Center

Estate Room


The Estate Room, located off the Main Parlor, provides a beautiful space for large retreats.

  • Dimensions: 57' x 31'
  • Capacity: 160 (theater); 100 (circle); 90 (crescent rounds)
  • Ideal for: large retreats, labyrinth space, prayer space
Estate Room at the Connors Center

Dover Parlor


A grand carved mantle is the focal point of this elegant parlor.  Standard furnishings include soft seating couches. Retreatants can take advantage of an outdoor patio attached to the space - or walk to the serene St. Cecilia’s Garden.

  • Dimensions: 25.5' x 19'
  • Capacity: 35 (theater); 18 (circle of soft seating)
  • Ideal for:  small retreats or quiet reflection
Dover Parlor at the Connors Center

Charles River Meeting Room


The Charles River Meeting Room offers fully modern amenities and traditional accents. The multipurpose space can be configured to serve a broad range of needs.

  • Dimensions: 25' x 53'
  • Capacity: 50 (theater); 36 (u-shape); 40 (hollow square)
  • Ideal for: student retreats
Charles River Meeting Room at the Connors Center

Garden Terrace Room


This bright and airy space features high ceilings and large doors that open onto the expansive grounds. With exceptional light and a cheery color palate, this room is an ideal setting for daytime and evening events.

  • Dimensions: 18’ x 28’
  • Capacity: 16 (square); 40 (dinner); 45 (theater)
  • Ideal for: board retreats, artspace
Garden Terrace Room at the Connors Center

Sun Parlor


The Sun Parlor offers a bright and cozy space to connect and relax.

  • Dimensions: 29' x 16'
  • Capacity: 20 (circle of soft seating)
  • Ideal for: small retreats and staff lounge
Sun Parlor at the Connors Center

Hospitality Suite


This modern room offers guests an opportunity to rest and relax on soft seating furniture.  Many guests take advantage of the outdoor deck attached to the suite, as well as all the complimentary snacks and beverages.

  • Dimensions: 25' x 56'
  • Capacity: 20 (lounge)
  • Ideal for: quiet reflection and evening socials
Hospitality Suite at the Connors Center

Reflection Room(s)


These cozy spaces forgo traditional furniture and instead offer plenty of pillows for relaxation and reflection.

  • Dimensions: Varies
  • Capacity: Varies
  • Ideal for: personal reflection and spiritual direction
Reflection Room at the Connors Center

Siena House


Need an all-in-one retreat or meeting space with a kitchen to cook your own meals? Siena House offers basic retreat facilities for value-conscious groups.

  • Capacity: 24 (lounge)
  • Ideal for: student retreats, immersion trip lodging
Siena House at the Connors Center


Outdoor Spaces

Pavilion


After a quiet walk along the trails, enjoy a debriefing session in the Pavilion while surrounded by Mother Nature. The Pavilion offers a covered, open-air space.

  • Dimensions: 26.5' x 62.5'
  • Capacity: 80 (seated at picnic tables)
  • Ideal for: outdoor retreat activities
Pavilion at the Connors Center

St. Cecilia's Garden


Originally designed by Olmsted and Vaux, famed landscape designers of New York City’s Central Park, St. Cecilia’s Garden features beautiful fieldstone pathways and picturesque flower beds.

  • Dimensions: 69' x 58.5'
  • Ideal for: Nature walks, outdoor prayer services, labyrinths and quiet reflection
St. Cecilia's Garden at the Connors Center

Lower Garden and Arched Terrace


The expansive lower garden positioned adjacent to the archways and stone staircases that make the Connors Center truly distinctive. Appointed with cafe tables and wicker rockers, this is a favorite area among all our guests.

  • Dimensions: 142' x 53'
  • Ideal for: Nature walks, outdoor prayer space, labyrinths and quiet reflection
Lower Garden at the Connors Center

Charles River Landing


Visitors who take the five-minute walk through wooded trails arrive at the rustic Charles River Landing. This undeveloped riverside spot offers a serene break from the day to day.

  • Ideal for: reflection, nature walks
Charles River Landing at the Connors Center

Anchor

At the Connors Center, our serene setting is only half the story. To ensure the success of your retreat, our staff will support you every step of the way and tend to every detail.

Main House

The Main House of the Connors Center offers a broad range of amenities and resources, including: 

  • Access to our Hospitality Suite, with a piano, foosball table, air hockey table, and other entertainment
  • Fitness center
  • On-site professional event coordinator
  • Free parking
  • Wireless internet

Audiovisual and technology costs are included in the rental fee for the property. The following items may be placed on reserve for your group on a first come, first serve basis:

  • LCD projector
  • Projector screen
  • Easels
  • Flipchart paper and markers
  • Lectern with microphone

     

    Siena House

    Amenities offered in Siena House are limited to a LCD projector and screen.  

    The Connors Center works with outside vendors to provide many specialty amenities and services not listed above. Visit our vendor page for more information.

    Signature Suites (main house)

    The Connors Center offers six finely appointed guest suites. Each room offers a queen-size bed, a private bathroom, cable television, and wireless internet.

    Guest Wing Suites (main house)

    The Connors Center offers 21 additional suites with queen- or full-size beds, private bathrooms, and wireless internet.

    Guest Bedrooms (main house)

    The Connors Center offers 36 guest bedrooms with shared bathrooms.

    Siena House

    Siena House offers two-, four-, and six-person bedrooms. Linens are provided and groups are expected to make their own beds.

    Please speak with our staff for more information about lodging options. All lodging fees are subject to the Massachusetts lodging tax.

    Bedroom at the Connors Center

    The Connors Center provides all catering arrangements and is able to offer you a wide range of dining options and flawless on-site execution.

    Main House

    Our menus are custom created to meet your individual needs. In addition to traditional selections, we have experience accommodating a range of special dietary and allergy needs.

    Siena House

    This small retreat house is the only on-site facility that offers the flexibility for groups to bring and prepare their own meals. Catered options are also available.

    Facility Rental

    As meeting sizes and requests are highly variable, all meeting and conference facility rates are determined based on space use and number of guests.

    Deposits

    An initial nonrefundable deposit is due when the contract is signed.

    Cancellations

    If the reservation is cancelled, the sponsor will be responsible for a cancellation fee as outlined in their contract.

    Payments

    Payments for events are by check made payable to Boston College or with a credit card.

    Catering

    Since all menus are specifically created for each event, catering costs will vary depending upon menu selections. A 20 percent administrative fee will be added to all catering costs. This fee is used to supplement the operation of the center, including setup, breakdown, and cleaning costs; it is not a tip, gratuity, or service fee.

    Other Fees

    Any additional services required will be charged directly to the client.  These may include damage fees, police services, valet parking, coat check, etc.