About
Lorinda Bartlett
Welcome to the story of a life dedicated to service, growth, and community.
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At 65 years young, I've traversed a journey spanning four and a half decades, defined by a relentless commitment to aiding others in their evolution. My odyssey commenced as a personal trainer, nurturing women in a sanctuary of safety and love. This passion for healing extended into physical therapy, where I embraced each patient, colleague, and staff member with compassion and care.
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Transitioning into coaching full-time, I assumed the mantle of managing Ideal Coaching Global, a beacon of international certification in ontological, mindfulness and ecological coaching. Here, I share and impart wisdom in coaching competencies, ontology, mindfulness, and ecology, impacting students and staff alike.
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My origins were humble, shaped by hardship and scarcity. Yet, these trials fortified me, molding me into a beacon of resilience and empathy. As a mother of three adult children, I've weathered the storms, especially witnessing my eldest son grapple with an ongoing addiction. Through it all, I've remained a steadfast role model, advocating support and leading by example.
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My roles are manifold: daughter, sister, mother, trainer, therapist, coach, director, CEO, owner, breathwork facilitator. Each facet contributing to a kaleidoscope of experiences and insights.
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Passions and hobbies serve as my compass, guiding me towards fitness, health, meditation, and spirituality. Nature beckons me, with hiking, grounding and gardening serving as sacred rituals connecting me to the Earth and its creatures.
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A vision had ignited within me in my 30’s and became persistent during breathwork sessions, crystallizing into a tangible dream: the creation of a sanctuary, a communal haven teeming with love and healing. The perfect property materialized, a testament to divine orchestration, beckoning with its promise of a bed and breakfast manor, retreat center, and serenity gardens.
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Today, as I stand on the precipice of realization, I reflect on a life rich not in material wealth, but in friendships, love, and community. Every endeavor, every sacrifice, has been an investment in this dream. With unwavering resolve, my daughters and I have poured our hearts and resources into its manifestation.
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Our journey epitomizes the ethos of resilience and camaraderie. For we understand that true progress is a collective endeavor, fueled by collaboration and shared vision. As we embark on the next phase of our odyssey—a retreat center, serenity gardens, and more—we do so with the conviction that community is the cornerstone of our success.
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Join us in this saga of perseverance, faith, and unwavering commitment to building a world where healing, connection, and growth are not mere aspirations but lived realities. Welcome to our story.
The Property
Nestled amidst the serene landscapes of Roxboro, Person County, North Carolina, lies the enchanting Merritt-Winstead Manor — a timeless testament to love, restoration, and familial legacy.
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Constructed in 1915, this historic dwelling exudes an air of grandeur, seamlessly blending Queen Anne and Colonial Revival architectural elements. Over the years, it has evolved, bearing witness to the passage of time and the tender care of its stewards. In 1934, it underwent a transformation, expanding into a stately two-story abode adorned with a charming American Craftsman-style front porch, a hallmark of its enduring allure. The attic (3rd story) was converted to an open space used for family activities and movies.
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But it is not merely the physical structure that imbues this estate with its enchantment; it is the stories, the memories, and the devotion of those who called it home. Mary Lib Merritt-Winstead, a custodian of heritage and history, dedicated her life to the preservation of this cherished abode. Born within its hallowed walls in 1918, she inherited not just a house but a legacy—a legacy steeped in the traditions of her family, her community, and her beloved Roxboro.
With her late husband, Wharton, Mary Lib nurtured this estate, infusing it with life and vitality. Together, they raised their children amidst its hallowed halls, cultivating lush gardens and meticulous renovations that would earn the property a revered place on the National Register of Historic Places.
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Mary Lib's passion for preservation extended beyond her own abode; it was a testament to her reverence for the architectural tapestry of Person County. From log cabins to clapboard homes, she embarked on a journey of restoration, breathing new life into relics of a bygone era. For her, each structure was a vessel of history, a repository of stories waiting to be told.
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Through her tireless efforts, Mary Lib became a beacon of community spirit, serving not just as a steward of bricks and mortar but as a guardian of collective memory. Her legacy lives on in the whispers of the wind that dance through the corridors of the Merritt-Winstead Manor, in the laughter of children who played amidst its gardens, and in the hearts of all who are privileged to tread upon its hallowed grounds today.
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As we honor the memory of Mary Elizabeth Merritt Winstead, we pay homage to a life well-lived—a life dedicated to family, faith, and the preservation of heritage. May her legacy continue to inspire generations to come, as the Merritt-Winstead Manor and Foundation stands as a testament to the enduring power of love, community, and the bonds that unite us across time and space.
The Vision
Welcome to the heart of our vision—a space where community, connection, and personal growth intertwine to create a sanctuary for the soul.
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The Merritt-Winstead Manor Foundation stands as a beacon of hope and transformation—a for profit bed and breakfast, community retreat center and serenity gardens and a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization dedicated to fostering education, wellbeing, and mindfulness. Rooted in principles of compassion and collaboration, our aim is simple yet profound: to share, learn, develop, and thrive together.
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Our journey begins with the Merritt-Winstead Manor—a haven for like-minded entrepreneurs, coaches, and facilitators seeking to build a community grounded in intention and purpose. The Manor encompasses both a retreat center and a bed & breakfast, offering a multifaceted space for growth, healing, and connection.
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Central to our mission is our commitment to scholarship and empowerment that is managed by a dedicated Board of Directors. Through scholarships and programs, we seek to educate and inspire others in the realms of wellbeing, mindfulness, ecology, and personal development. With a focus on community, contribution, and collective growth, we aim to uplift individuals and communities, nurturing a spirit of resilience and interconnectedness.
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Our purpose is clear: to create a vibrant community that fosters personal and professional development within a supportive and nurturing environment. Through shared facilities and collaborative endeavors, we aim to elevate each other, pooling our resources to access higher-end tools and environments that foster growth and innovation.
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At the heart of our vision lies a commitment to sustainability and regeneration. Guided by the principles of whole-system design, we strive to create a flexible, resilient community that harmonizes with nature. From solar energy to organic gardening, we embrace eco-friendly living while nurturing a deep reverence for the natural world.
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But our community is more than just a physical space—it's a tapestry of shared experiences, connections, and aspirations. Through open communication, transparency, and a commitment to continuous improvement, we create a culture of belonging and empowerment, where each member is valued and supported on their journey.
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As we embark on this collective endeavor, we invite you to join us in shaping the future of the Merritt-Winstead Manor and Foundation. Together, we can create a thriving community where individuals and communities alike can flourish, grow, and thrive. Welcome to our vision—welcome home.