In the early spring of 2004, Tibetan Nyingma Meditation Centers was able to purchase Timberhill Lodge to become the new home of Ratna Ling Retreat Center as well as Dharma Mangalam Press, the Yeshe De  Text Preservation Project, and Dharma Publishing. Ratna Ling is seen as a gateway into our Nyingma organizations. Focusing on education, healing and the transmission of spirituality into everyday life, Ratna Ling is guided by the purpose of service to humanity. 

Since it's purchase in 2004, there has been extensive development of the facilities at Ratna Ling. Designed with a sense of place, it has been built to last the test of time. Timberframe construction has been utilized in the Conference Center, Library, Meditation Hall and surrounding walkways. Cedar siding, corten steel roofs and copper flashing enrich the architectural design. Fourteen cottages have been completed to provide for the comfortable housing of our retreat guests.

The rolling majestic landscape has been home to cattle, sheep and even exotic quail and peacocks. In the late 1960’s a group bought the property and founded a school based on A.S. Neil's progressive school, Summerhill. They named their school “Timberhill". The school ran for a number of years. Some of the students were encouraged to design and build their own cabins on the property. Many of these cabins still exist today as our "legacy cabins" Each one lends a creative charm and sense of history to our property.

In 1987, a foursome bought the property and turned it into a rustic resort named Timberhill Ranch which developed a reputation for great tennis and fantastic food. They built two tennis courts, eleven log cabins, the lodge and restaurant. Billy Jean King was even rumored to have played at The Timberhill tennis courts. It was a very successful resort which was always written up in the best travel reports.  When one of the partners passed away in 1999, the work load became very heavy for the remaining partners. The property was sold by the end of 1999.

When Thurston Twigg-Smith, whom also owned a well-known east coast resort, Twin Farms, purchased the property he changed the name from Timberhill Ranch to Timberhill Lodge.  The investors in Timberhill planned to develop it in the same model as Twin Farms. An extensive amount of planning and development went into the project. A new lodge and a prototype for guest cottages was built with plans for a Conference Center, Tavern and Spa. In the end, the financial plan did not meet the expectations of the partners.