Black Thorn is a beautiful, welcoming, well-equipped dungeon located in the lovely Lake Merritt area of Oakland in the San Francisco Bay Area of California. Featuring five themed rooms and over twelve play stations, as well as offering safe, high quality equipment, Black Thorn is able to accommodate a diverse array of fetish interests, and lends a luxurious atmosphere to any private party or play date.

Black Thorn is also welcoming to photographers and videographers looking for a well furnished, elegant fetish photography studio or dramatic BDSM themed set design.

Other offerings include free parking, two bathrooms, a fully equipped kitchen, hardwood floors, well-appointed furnishings, dimmable lighting, heating, and AirPlay speakers for music in every room.

Black Thorn is available for private rental to artists, couples or groups seeking to refine their skills and explore unconventional relationships in a clean and safe environment.

Monthly gatherings are hosted at Black Thorn. If you’d like to be kept informed of these exciting happenings, please join the mailing list.

If you have an inquiry or comment, please send an e-mail to Jezebel (Me!) at kinkaware@gmail.com. To join the Black Thorn Fetlife group, click here.

Read more about our new play space, Sacred Muse!

Please note that no illegal activities are allowed on premises, and all play is safe, sane, and consensual between adults of legal age.

Donate to Black Thorn.

Private Rental FAQ

• How much does a Black Thorn rental cost?
• $60 an hour for 4 people or less (an additional $10 tip will be added to your invoice for our dear house maid for regular deep cleanings).
• $75 an hour for groups of 5 and over.
• Do I get to use the entire dungeon with my rental?
• Yes, all rentals are for private, exclusive use of the entire play house.
• Can I pay you to clean?
• Yes, the cleaning fee for events is $80, and for couples it is $60.
• Advance notice is required to schedule the cleaning.
• Respectful treatment of the space is expected at all times.
• What is the capacity of Black Thorn?
• Capacity is set at 30 people.
• How do I get started with my rental request?
• Fill out the rental form and wait for approval.
• Once approved, instructions will be given on how to confirm the reservation.
• How do I confirm my reservation?
• Confirmation requirements include signing an online waiver and making a payment within a given time frame.
• How do I pay you?
• A list of payment options will be included in your invoice.
• What is your cancellation policy?
• A 24 hour cancellation notice is required in order to receive a refund.

Offerings

Gift Card

Pre-paid

• Purchase here
• Pretty Printable card.
• Good for private rentals up to one year.

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Outside Rules

(Let’s keep neighbors happy!)

• Do not block anyone’s driveway ever, even temporarily.
• Do not loiter outside the gate.
• Do not speak in loud voices or engage in indiscreet conversation where neighbors can hear you.
• Do not wear inappropriate clothing while outside or in the neighborhood.
• Do not have BDSM gear sticking out of your bag while outside or in the neighborhood.

House Rules

• No non-consensual activities.
• No illegal activities.
• No illegal drugs.
• No performance enhancing drugs (can lead to medical emergencies).
• No one under 21 years of age.
• No play allowed with anyone inebriated or not of sound mind.
• No screaming or loud yelling, except in case of emergency.
• No unsupervised use of bondage, blindfolds, or gags.
• No non-consensual photography or video.
• No electricity play (violet wand okay) without permission from the host.
• No blood play without permission from the host.
• No wax play without permission from the host.
• No fire play (flash cotton okay).
• No gun play.
• No sharp knife play.
• No choking.
• No smoking inside, if smoking outside, use ash tray provided.
• No personal locks on the equipment.

Safety First!

• Always call 911 in the case of a life threatening emergency.
• In the case of an in scene emergency, yell “SAFE WORD”!
• Do not combine performance enhancing drugs and play!
• AED kit (defibrillator) is mounted on the kitchen wall.
• First Aid Kits are in all bathrooms and in the kitchen.
• Emergency Autodialers are mounted on the refrigerators.
• Fire extinguishers are mounted on the kitchen wall.
• Smoke detectors, emergency lighting, and flood lights are hardwired.

Play Party Etiquette

• Thoroughly negotiate consensual play activities before entering into a scene.
• Inform your play partner immediately of any relevant medical issues.
• Establish safe words before entering into a scene.
• Agree on clear limits and boundaries, including marking, before entering into a scene.
• Do not violate expressed boundaries. If you are unclear, ASK.
• Behave in a respectful manner at all times. Disrespectful behavior is grounds for expulsion.
• Approach a Host or DM (red arm band or vest) for any questions or concerns.
• Do not interrupt or invade the personal space of ongoing scenes.
• Do not hog a play station!
• Do not place toys bags in a way that blocks play stations or foot paths.
• No heavy cruising.
• Do not touch other people or their property without consent.
• No photography or video without explicit consent from the host.
• No cell phone calls or texts without explicit consent from the host.
• Do not use house related play items without explicit consent from the host.
• Do not go into closed off areas.
• Do not leave the front or kitchen doors open.

Play Party Cleaning Protocol

• Use the Cavicide spay or wipes provided to thoroughly wipe down all used surfaces.
• Thoroughly wipe up any floor messes or spills to avoid tracking and falls.
• Wash your hands thoroughly after scene play!
• No bare genitals outside of scene play.
• Use the gloves provided when handling lube or any biohazard material.
• Throw away used disposable materials in the garbages provide.
• Do not flush anything other than toilet paper down the toilet!
• Report anyone who did not clean up after their scene properly to the host or DM.