WORD HOUSE SUMMER WRITING RETREAT
July 17–19
Marlboro, Vermont
Photos: the farmhouse, the view, flowers, berries, writing.
Join us for a three-day Summer Writing Retreat in Marlboro, Vermont.
This intimate gathering is an invitation to slow down, immerse yourself in Vermont’s fields and forests, connect with other writers, and devote sustained, uninterrupted time to your creative work.
This will be the inaugural retreat at Word House’s new Farmhouse Retreat, located on Robin’s family farm in Marlboro, Vermont. The 1803 farmhouse sits on a quiet dirt road just uphill from a berry and vegetable farm (complete with a summer farm stand), surrounded by open fields, forest trails, a beautiful brook, and nearby swimming holes.
Over the course of the weekend, we’ll share meals, take walks, talk about our writing projects, gather for evening salons, and carve out deep, immersive stretches of writing time.
We’ve designed this retreat especially with caregivers and those working full-time jobs in mind—writers for whom long residencies or extended retreats are often impossible. This weekend offers nourishing community, slow time, and spacious hours to immerse yourself in your work without stepping away from your life for weeks at a time.
Though we’re tucked away on a rural Vermont back road, we’re easy to reach:
• Two hours from Boston
• Three and a half hours from New York City
• 15 minutes from the Brattleboro Amtrak station
• 90 minutes from Bradley International Airport in Hartford
We’re happy to help coordinate transportation from the train station.
What Our Days Will Look Like
Friday, July 17
12 PM – Arrival and fresh farm lunch (local salads and sandwich fixings; gluten-free options available)
1 PM – Opening circle: introductions, project sharing, and intentions
2–4 PM – Writing time (indoors or outside—choose your nook)
4:30 PM – Optional walk and berry picking (or continue writing)
5:30 PM – Cocktails in the backyard
6 PM – Simple farmhouse dinner (soup and salad)
7 PM – Evening Salon: optional sharing of works-in-progress
After 8 PM – Rest, write, or socialize
Saturday, July 18
7–9 AM – Quiet writing time; breakfast buffet available (coffee, tea, baked goods, yogurt, granola, fruit)
9 AM – Morning circle and intention-setting
10 AM – Optional walk or trip to the Brattleboro Farmers’ Market
10:30 AM–12 PM – Writing time
12 PM – Farmhouse lunch
1–4 PM – Writing time
4 PM – Optional swim at a local lake
5:30 PM – Cocktails in the backyard
6 PM – Dinner out (varied restaurant and budget options)
Evening – Quiet time, continued writing, socializing, or a concert at the Marlboro Music Festival
Sunday, July 19
7–9 AM – Quiet writing time; breakfast available
9–11 AM – Writing time
11 AM–12 PM – Closing Salon: reflection and celebration
Depart by midday.
Tuition
Tuition for the three-day retreat is $680, which includes:
All meals at the Farmhouse (except Saturday dinner out)
At least twelve hours of dedicated writing time
Facilitated discussions and salons
Access to the farmhouse, grounds, and surrounding nature
Word House believes that creative work should not be reserved only for those with financial ease. We recognize that caregivers, artists, and working writers often face economic barriers to retreats and residencies.
To support broader access, we offer a small number of need-based scholarships.
If tuition presents a challenge, we warmly invite you to reach out. You may request support through the registration form with a brief note. All inquiries are confidential and considered with care.
Accommodations
The Farmhouse has four bedrooms available (each with a double bed and shared bath), offered on a first-come, first-served basis.
Room rate: $300 for the weekend.
You are welcome to arrive Thursday evening or depart Monday morning if that better suits your travel schedule.
There are also several local inns and Airbnbs within a five-minute drive, and hotels in nearby Brattleboro. Indicate on your registration form if you’d like recommendations.
Where We’re Located
Marlboro sits in the southeast corner of Vermont and has long been a destination for artists and intellectuals. It is the former home of Marlboro College, founded in 1946 as an innovative liberal arts institution rooted in progressive education, and to the renowned Marlboro Music School and Festival, a world-class summer music program.
Fifteen minutes down the road, Brattleboro is a vibrant creative town with bookstores, cafés, swimming holes, restaurants, and a lively Farmers’ Market.
While our focus will be the Farmhouse and your writing, you’re welcome to explore the region during your stay.
What You’ll Receive
Distraction-free time devoted to your work
A supportive writing community
Structured opportunities to discuss and share your project
Nourishing, locally sourced meals
Time among berry fields, lakes, and forests during Vermont’s most beautiful season
At least twelve hours of dedicated writing time
This Retreat Is Especially Good For
Caregivers who deserve time to invest in their creative lives
Writers at any stage seeking community and accountability
Those longing for time in nature to slow down and enter a creative zone
Limited spots are available.
Please complete the short application form to request a space and room. Applications are reviewed based on intention and fit—not on publication history or writing experience.
You will hear from us within one week of applying so you can plan accordingly.