Room for Writing
Most writers I know – and this is certainly the case with me – sometimes need to get away from their usual routines in order to more clearly hear the stories growing in their head, and be uninterrupted in this work. I have gone on lots of writing retreats over the years, by myself or with other writer friends, and the change of scene as well as the break from my usual domestic duties and routines always proves invaluable, even when it brings up more questions than answers.
I am now very pleased, because a few of our birds have left the nest, to be able to offer two retreat spaces in our Tudor house on the High Street of Lewes, for any writers out there who might benefit from some time away.
Both our Writers Rooms are ensuite, with double beds, tea and coffee-making facilities, cupboard space for clothes, interesting bookshelves, and a desk to write at. Room M has a large walk-in shower; Room N a shower over a deep bath. Please see pictures below.
You are welcome to do your own thing when it comes to food, and cook in our kitchen with us, but we also offer fully (all 3 meals) or half-catered (breakfast only) retreats.
I am also available for mentoring sessions during your time in the house, should that be useful to you. (Fee based on amount of reading required and length of 1-2-1 session.)
You are welcome to write anywhere in the house you feel comfortable. (We might be writing there too!) We also have a lovely garden at the back of the house, which includes an outdoor writing cabin (and a bed).
COSTS:
Fully catered Retreats: 4 nights (Monday-Friday; Thursday-Monday). In these fully catered retreats, all you need to do is write! All meals are provided, either on a tray in your room, if you want to continue in your work undisturbed, or in the dining room downstairs. You should bring your own wine, and any extra snacks you’d like to have in your room. But besides that, leave the cooking to us. You can always elect to go out to one of the many fantastic restaurants in Lewes as well, one evening or lunchtime, and we won’t be offended.
£400
Bed & Breakfast Retreats: 4 nights (Monday – Friday; Thursday – Monday) In these half-catered retreats, we provide a continental breakfast every morning, as well as a cooked breakfast (porridge, toast, eggs), if desired. This can be brought up on a tray, or eaten downstairs in the dining room. The rest of your meals you are free to cook for yourself in our kitchen, or go out into Lewes for lunch and dinner.
£320
If you are wanting to come on a shorter or longer retreat, just get in touch and we’ll see what can be arranged.
This is our family home, and we want you to feel at home as well. My wife and I will be around living our lives, reading and writing and editing and cooking and watching television. Occasionally some of our twenty-somethings will also be in residence. But you will have peace and quiet and be in a house where every day a lot of writing goes on.
There are a lot of great walks in and around Lewes – you can borrow our Jack Russell, if you like – perfect for thinking through a storyline problem as you get up on the Downs. Lewes also has a plethora of lovely restaurants, pubs, independent cafes and micro-breweries, as well as antique markets and all sorts of artist-makers kinds of shops. But I’m not going to dwell on that because…you know, this is about you wanting to write.
The best way to get to Lewes is by train (1 hour, five minutes from London Victoria), and we’re a short walk from the station. If arriving by car, we do have one space in our drive for a car (which you might have to fight over if a second driving writer is in residence), and will also involve stopping to move your car if we need to get out with ours. So you might want to avoid being interrupted! There is a free parking on the outskirts of town.
