Sandstone Experience Book

Sandstone was the model for modern swinging and the many commercial clubs that are now across the world. Founded by John and Barbara Williamson in 1969, it was situated on 15 acres, with a large house, pool and other amenities, in Topanga Canyon. It was a unique and safe environment for people to experiment sexually and lasted just 4 years, but each weekend hosted 200 or more 'experimenters' - some simply sunbathing naked others playing and fornicating together wherever they could. Perhaps it was the natural evolution of swinging that doomed it to failure, but other groups like Family Synergy and Live the Dream sprang from its roots and still exist today, decades later. The Sandstone Experience book is an erotic and detailed account of this exclusive California resort whose premise was a utopian and complete sexual freedom. Written by the co-resident manager, Tom Hatfield, it is built up from what he experienced and from interviewing the many singles and couples who visited and stayed. Although public and group-sex were the norm, people coupling off and having more intimate and experimental (e.g. tri-female bisexual) sexual liaisons was also frequent while naturism was universal and the expression of polyamory open. Along with other New Age & Dionysian locations such as 'Plato's Retreat' and the naturist 'Elysium Fields', it inspired many contemporary adult and swinger's resorts such as Hedonism. Unlike the other clubs, Sandstone had not just a sense of community, but a feeling amongst attendees that they were participating in something important. Lectures and seminars were held, and there was an air of intellectuality. It was about more than just sex, and people became friends. Also unlike at other venues of the time, people used their real names and became close friends with their fellow members. Attendees included Gay Talese, Robert Rimmer, Iris Bancroft, Art Kunkin, Marty Zitter, Sammy Davis Jr & Altovise, Marilyn Chambers, Judith Boyd, Dean Martin...Read More