Down the end of a hidden Cornish lane…
We invite you to write with us…
Between the folds and the seams of the land,
Bracketed by hedgerows and trailing brambles,
Under the watchful gaze of the full moon…
Under the gaze of the full moon
A writing retreat for women with Kerri ní Dochartaigh and Lucy Beckley
Friday 16th August to Monday 19th August 2024 | near Newquay, Cornwall
ALL ROOMS NOW RESERVED | Please sign up to the cancellation / waiting list
Join Kerri ní Dochartaigh and Lucy Beckley under the gaze of the August full moon for a residential women’s writing retreat in Cornwall this summer.
- Four days and three nights accommodation in beautiful surroundings
- Peace and quiet to focus on your craft
- Inspiring spaces to write (private or shared)
- A supportive and nurturing environment
- A safe space to share your work (if you want to)
- An array of optional activities, workshops and artists dates
- Prompts, books and materials to help kindle your imagination
- Daily afternoon tea
- Evening candle-lit feasts
- Delicious food, drink and snacks throughout
The House
Nestled at the end of a private lane, Trevessa is Lucy’s family home. With colourful interiors, comfy reception areas, multiple places to write, cosy woodburners, a grand dining room, secret well room and rambling country garden, it is a hidden gem.
Tucked away at the end of a private lane, yet ideally located to reach all parts of Cornwall, the house is surrounded by open fields, close to beautiful beaches and woodlands. The house dates back to the 16th century and used to be a counting house for the mines. It is also believed to be the birthplace in 1342 of John Trevisa who was a Cornish Writer and Translator.
What to expect
The space to write, a place to sit and take a moment.
A chance to concentrate on your craft.
Gentle and encouraging workshops and sessions led by both Kerri and Lucy over the course of the four days as well as the opportunity to explore the local area.
While there are some set mealtimes and the option to join in activities, workshops with both Lucy and Kerri, we want you to use the time in whichever way you wish. There is no obligation to join any of the activities, if you fancy breakfast in bed one day (or everyday for that matter) we can make that happen, we just want you to feel comfortable and at home.
Lucy grew up in Cornwall and has lived here on and off over the past decade and is always happy to share recommendations, if you also fancy time away from the house or to explore the local area.
Your hosts
Kerri ní Dochartaigh is a writer, mother and grower.
Her first book, Thin Places, was published in Spring 2021, for which she was awarded the Butler Literary Award 2022, and highly commended for the Wainwright Prize for Nature Writing 2021.
In 2023, her second book Cacophony of Bone was published.
She lives in the west of Ireland with her family.
Lucy Beckley is a writer, poet and workshop facilitator based in Cornwall. She has an MA in Professional Writing from Falmouth University and a Postgraduate Certificate in Teaching Creative Writing from Cambridge University.
In 2021, she was shortlisted in the Renard Press New Beginnings Poetry Competition 2021 and in the Dementia Together Magazine’s poetry competition in 2023.
She regularly runs workshops for adults, children and organisations and loves to help inspire others to find the joy and magic in writing.
Dates
Friday 16th August to Monday 19th August 2024
Arrival will be from 15.00 on the Friday and departure from 11.30 onwards on the Monday.
Pricing
ALL ROOMS NOW RESERVED | Please sign up to the cancellation / waiting list
All rooms are single occupation, two have private bathrooms.
King bedroom separate from the other bedrooms (king-size bed, private writing area, downstairs bathroom and access to a kitchen and the well room) £795
Super king room (super king size bed, ensuite shower and toilet) £695
Double room with arch window (double bed, shared bathroom with bath only) £625
Double room (double bed, shared bathroom with bath only) £625
Small double room (double bed, shared bathroom with bath only) £595
What’s included
All food, non-alcoholic drinks, snacks and accomodation is included.
All activities and workshops during the retreat are also included but there is no obligation to take part in them.
Parking is available on site and Lucy can recommend a local taxi driver if you need a lift from the station.
What’s not included
You will need to make your own arrangements for travel and we recommend taking out travel insurance.
Alcohol is bring your own.
Location
The house is hidden away at the end of a bumpy private lane, we are surrounded by fields yet conveniently located to access all of Cornwall.
Closest stations | Bodmin Parkway and Truro
Closest airport | Newquay Airport
Closest towns | Newquay (approx 6 miles) and Truro (approx 8 miles)
Closest beaches | Porth, Watergate Bay, Fistral
National express coaches also travel from most cities to Truro or Newquay.
Things to note
We recommend bringing wellies or outdoor shoes and waterproofs as the grounds and garden can get rather muddy and slippy. Slippers and warm, comfy clothes are also recommended.
Due to our location, wifi and phone reception can at times be a little patchy, so please bear this in mind.
The shared bathroom for the three double rooms has a bath (a very lovely one) and a toilet and sink but no shower.
If you want to explore the area whilst you’re here, you will ideally need a car, as we live at the bottom of a country lane which has quite a few potholes. We do know a fantastic taxi driver in the village and there is a bus stop that is walking distance (down narrow country lanes).
Lastly, the house is very old (we love this fact) but it does mean it has many quirks such as a downstairs bathroom for the annex bedroom, small steps into some of the rooms and low ceilings meaning that it is not suitable for anyone with mobility needs.
How to book
A deposit of £250 is required to secure your spot and the remaining balance is due by 1st June 2024, unless the booking is made less than eight (8) weeks before the retreat begins in which case the total balance is due.
The deposit is payable by BACS, please email using the link below and state your preferred room. When booking a room, please include your room preference, your full contact details and please let us know if you would like to pay in two instalments.
Lucy will be in touch to confirm your booking and send you an invoice for the deposit.
Once the deposit is paid, you can choose to pay the remaining balance in two instalments with the remaining balance due by 1st June 2024.
Please ensure you have read all terms and conditions before booking.
We’ve been absolutely delighted by the response to our retreat.
All the rooms have now been reserved but if you would like to be added to the waiting/cancellation list please fill out this form. We’re also looking at the possibility of running another retreat later this year and you can put your name down for this below.
