The main L'Abri house is an old English Manor set in spacious grounds. It has two private apartments that accommodate workers (in-house term for members of the permanent community). This is also where students live and study. Additional to the Manor House is an Old School House, a converted Pumphouse, Wellhouse and Stable block that provide accommodation for the workers. These homes make up the L'Abri community, and are where students share many of their meals.

All students are expected to study for three hours and work for three hours each day. There is no formal curriculum. The study is primarily drawn from taped lectures from the various branches of L'Abri and from a wide array of books in our library. One of the workers will act as your tutor, meeting with you regularly to guide your studies and to discuss personal issues and to help you get the most out of your time. In addition there are two weekly lectures, and a study group.

Everyone is also expected to take part in the practical tasks involved in living in community. This involves anything from gardening to cleaning and cooking, as well as ongoing projects on the property. We view this aspect as an integral part of your experience here.

The mid-day meal is a time where lively discussions take place over the table. It is the moment where community life comes together – work (preparing and serving the meal), sharing food together, asking questions and growing in our learning as we listen to each other.

You must be at least 18 years old. We also have limited accommodations for married couples and families.

A pay phone is provided on which you can make and receive calls – 01420 538329. There is no wireless facility for laptops. We do provide limited access to one internet terminal during evening hours and days off. This is provided for a small charge and time is limited so as not to infringe on community life. We strongly recommend that you leave your laptop at home. You will not need it at L’Abri. We suggest this not because we are against technology. Rather we have observed that laptops all too often tend to be an unwelcome distraction. In coming to L’Abri, you are setting aside a period of time to focus on important questions related to the meaning and significance of your life. A laptop will not help further this objective. We do however welcome all musical instruments.

You may come for any length of time up to a full "term”. Day visitors are also welcome. Our terms are for approximately three months in length. There are periods between terms during which L'Abri is closed. See reservations for our open dates and costs.

You should not plan on touring the area (except on Thursdays, your day off), or leaving on weekends during your time with us. Long-term students have a week in the middle of term when they are free to travel. We will provide towels and bedding throughout your stay, and your laundry is done on a regular basis.

PLEASE NOTE that in all seasons some of the daily work is done outdoors, so bring plenty of old clothes and outdoor footwear. Informal clothes are virtually always appropriate here. Keep in mind that our homes are QUITE COOL most of the year, so bring plenty of layers for indoors and out. Plan to bring an alarm clock and a watch, as we will rely on you to keep to the daily schedule.

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