A retreat for writers ready to move their work forward
Get immersed in your project in Suffolk, UK. Connect with a small, supportive group of like-minded writers. Escape chores <3
Four writing days: return home with renewed momentum, confidence and creative clarity to keep going.
2025 retreats
November 12th - 16th 2025 (4 nights). Bungay, Suffolk. (1 spot left)
September 16th - 20th 2025 (4 nights). Bungay, Suffolk. (FULL)
May 19th – 23rd (4 nights). Bungay, Suffolk. (FULL)
2026 dates: coming soon
(Only 6 spaces per retreat. They tend to fill quickly.)
“The retreat had a huge impact on the progress for my next book ”
Stunnin: one of the en-suite bathrooms
About the retreat
I’ve created my dream writing retreat: gentle structure, fantastic cooking, a beautiful peaceful Suffolk spot, connection with other writers, river swims & more.
You get every practical thing a writer needs: wifi, writing desks & table lamps in each room, extension leads for snaking laptop cords. Delicious meals cooked for you. Gently structured writing blocks. Plus, several baths to soak in with a paperback.
The house is a large, light-filled former mill, backing onto a river suitable for swimming. The house has many stairs and is not wheelchair accessible.
Despite being in a small hamlet, there’s a great bougie coffee shop right opposite the house. The retreat also includes one optional group riverside sauna and swim session.
What happens?
Start the day as best suits you. Breakfast is ready buffet-style. Gently structured (optional) 90 minute writing blocks begin at 9.30, to help you find focus without pressure. I ring a small hand-bell to signal break times (lol but also cute.) You might use them to pause for coffee and cake in the kitchen / by the river, or take a cuppa to your room if you’re in the zone.
After lunch at the kitchen table the writing blocks continue. You might also like to walk, rest, read, or take a bath.
Evenings bring delicious food, creative conversation, and – if you wish – a chance to share work-in-progress in a warm, low-stakes atmosphere of generous support.
Everything is designed to hand you expansive writing time, with just the right mix of solitude, structure, and creative connection.
“Stevie created a space for us to do what we needed to do. It was a thrill to just write – and be looked after while doing so.”
About your host
Hi, hello, that’s me, Stevie Mackenzie-Smith. As a writer, artist and facilitator, I know that the right environment (warm, unpretentious and creatively alive) leads to brilliant – and sometimes surprising! – creative progress.
I’ve designed this retreat to give fellow writers what so many of us need: uninterrupted time, gentle accountability and genuine connection & support that goes beyond the four days.
I’m there throughout: calmly holding space, ringing the bell for writing blocks, readying meals, coffee and cake. I draw on my coaching & facilitation skills to support creative progress that is stretchy and possible.
This writing retreat gives you:
Time to think, focus & reconnect with your writing project.
A focussed space away from everyday distractions.
The experience of being cared for with all cooking handled.
Support, connection & conversation in a group of six selected writers.
Quiet & space to work independently.
The chance to share the nuts and bolts, advice, tips and wisdom with both experienced and emerging writers.
Walking routes on the Angles Way, River Waveney and open countryside right from the door.
“I couldn’t have come up with my ending for book two without some seriously inspiring conversations that opened up new avenues in my mind.”
This retreat is for you, if:
You want focused writing time to progress a project, or you’re starting something new
You’re ready to deprioritise domestic responsibilities for you-centred writing time
You’d always rather conversations where you go deep quickly over small talk (especially about writing, books, and art that moves you)
You value inclusive, open, respectful & reciprocal spaces
You relish the idea of someone handling the cooking for you, and communal mealtimes
You don’t have to be published. You just need to care deeply about your work, and want to give it the time it deserves.
Let’s have a quick chat – a no-pressure call to say hi, hear what you’re working on, and make sure the retreat’s a great fit.
What we’ll be eating:
Meals are cooked by Henry Anderson Brown, formerly of top restaurants including Quo Vadis, Terroirs, Bar Buvette and The Steam Packet in Norwich, which won Restaurant of the Year at the Norfolk Magazine Food & Drink Awards 2024.
Henry’s cooking is honest, joyful and delicious. Good, nourishing food that’s relaxed in presentation, and a great foil to chatting over dinner.
Breakfast: Help yourself, buffet-style: boiled eggs, granola, yoghurt, toast & jam, fresh fruit, milk & oat milk.
Tea breaks: Homemade cake, tea, coffee (decaf options) and fruit for all-important writing snacks.
Lunch: Family-style: think hearty soups, big fun salads, sourdough sandwiches and tarts.
Dinner: Family-style stews, pasta, pies, big salads, pilaf rice, and something nice for pudding.
Dietary needs are catered for sensitively, with Henry designing a menu according to participants’ needs. No joyless alternatives! Bring your own alcohol or 0% drinks.
One thing to know: you’re gonna eat well
What happens when you invest in your writing:
Choosing to invest in your writing isn’t just about booking a few days away. It’s a powerful permission to yourself that your creative work matters.
When you’re in a creative and supportive space that prioritises your work, your focus and energy will naturally shift. I’ve seen it again and again: you will show up differently, with more confidence, clarity, and commitment to your project.
Your work matters and the world needs it finished!
Writers often share that the retreat sparked a creative breakthrough: what begins as a four-day stint becomes the foundation for renewed progress.
Think of it as an act of creative self-respect: a way of saying yes to your work, and to the writer you’re becoming.
Price: £1,100–£1,400 (depending on room choice. Instalments available.)
“I finally gave time to the idea that was insisting on itself and signed up for Stevie’s retreat. I wrote 23,000 words and doubled my manuscript! I had no idea there were so many hours in the day.”
Listen, I’m not saying you need to write 23,000 words (!?) Context: Hannah’s first retreat in a decade since having a kid and she absolutely got into a flow. But here’s a Q: what does the writer you’re becoming need in order to get there? Imagine where four glorious days of writing, with talented & supportive like-minded writers will take you.
What the writers say:
“I cannot emphasise enough how restorative the experience was – the kind of reset that improves your overall wellbeing long after you’ve left.”
“I made progress with my writing, had ecstatic reading sessions, and time to reflect & think away from paid work.”
“Stevie’s retreats combine all the best things: time to focus, beautiful surroundings, delicious food and great company (and a bonus sauna!). Did not want to leave and can’t wait to go on another one! ”
“A beautifully planned and incredibly inspiring retreat - such excellent company, such delicious food (!), such a beautiful house and such motivating and creatively productive conversation.
It felt very exciting and very important to me to have this time on my own terms. I feel so ready to write more now, and that really is down to you and the special environment you created.”
[Book your spot]
This retreat probably isn’t for you if:
You want to learn about writing or take workshops. This is a self-guided retreat to focus on independent writing
You’re seeking structure through group activities
You’d like formalised feedback or critique on your writing (there may be informal opportunities to share work, but this isn’t the focus)
You’re looking for a Hemingway-esque booze fest. Everyone is welcome to bring & enjoy alcohol, but this is not meant to be a boozy retreat.
Inside The Rooms
This Reel gives the full bedroom tour.
Choose from:
Standard double bedroom with a shared bathroom (3 available) £1,100
Double bedroom with en-suite incl. beautiful clawfoot bathtub (2 available) £1,250
Self-contained cottage next door; with open-plan kitchen-diner, double bedroom & en-suite, and small study. All meals provided together in the main house; this option offers even greater spaciousness and privacy. (1 available) £1,350
All bedrooms are private, you won’t need to share with anyone (thank GOD)
Getting There
The nearest train station is at Diss, a 26 min drive to the house. You can pre-book Goldstar taxis (Beccles). There are often multiple attendees coming via London, and I’ll put you in touch if you’d like to share a taxi and split costs.
Still Deciding?
You don’t have to be a published writer, or even confident you’ll finish your project. You just need the desire to write, and the willingness to give it focused time and attention <3
Many writers arrive nervous, unsure and daunted! But they leave with new confidence, creative momentum, and friendships & professional connections that last beyond the retreat.
If you’re drawn to it, trust that instinct. The writing, and the support you’ll find here, will meet you exactly where you are.
(Once we’ve chatted, and checked the retreat is a good fit for you, you’ll pay your deposit. You’ll receive a welcome email with travel details, packing tips, and everything you need to feel ready and supported from the moment you book.)
Hello, A Note From Your Host!
This retreat grew out of a simple idea: that writers do their best work when they feel supported, free and creatively fired up. That may sound obviously simple but it’s not often you get those ingredients in such a powerful four day block.
The balance of independence and connection is what makes it powerful, and what keeps writers coming back.
If you’ve been fighting (yourself! or the conditions!) to give your project your full attention, this is your invitation.
Hear about retreat dates when they’re announced