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 creatively driven writers.
Escape chores <3

Four writing days: return home with renewed momentum, confidence and creative clarity to keep going.


2026

Spring
Mon 23- Fri 27 March 2026
Mon 18 - Fri 22 May 2026 [Sold out]


Autumn/winter
Booking opens 1 June
Mon 7 - Fri 11 September 2026
Mon 9 - Fri 13 November 2026

Ready to give your project the TLC and clarity it deserves, instead of just thinking about it?

Doors open to the waitlist on 1 June 2026.

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Retreats

The retreat had a huge impact on the progress for my next book
— Rebecca May Johnson, writer and author of Small Fires, An Epic in the Kitchen

(Only 6 spaces per retreat.)


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.
— Hannah Jane Walker, writer, theatre maker, poet and author of Sensitive

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: holding a generous, creatively exciting and rejuvenating space, ringing the bell for writing blocks, readying meals, coffee and cake. As a trained RD1st coach, I draw on my listening & facilitation skills to support creative progress that feels 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 beautifully-cooked meals

  • Support, connection & conversation in a group of six select writers who are going places.

  • Quiet & space to work independently.

  • The chance to share the nuts and bolts, advice, tips and wisdom with both experienced and emerging writers.

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.
— Emily Buchanan, author of Send Flowers

This retreat is for you, if:

  • You want focused writing time to progress your book project.

  • 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, getting published, and caring deeply about your work.)

  • You value inclusive, open, respectful & reciprocal spaces

  • You relish the idea of someone handling the cooking for you, and communal mealtimes



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, focaccia sandwiches and tarts.

  • Dinner: Family-style stews, pasta, pies, bakes, big salads, pilaf rice, and pudding always.

Dietary needs are catered for, with Henry designing a bespoke menu for every retreat.
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 getting a few days away to write.
It’s also a deeper statement of intent: that your creative work matters, and you’re actually really to do the work.
When you say this, a powerful shift happens.

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. (It’s the best)

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 are.

Price: £1,100–£1,350 (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 doubled my manuscript! I had no idea there were so many hours in the day.
— Hannah Jane Walker

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.
— Rebecca May Johnson
I made progress with my writing, had ecstatic reading sessions, and time to reflect & think away from paid work.
— Sarah Trounce, writer and editor shortlisted for White Review Short Story Prize 2019
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!
— Hanna Thomas Uose, writer and author of Who Wants to Live Forever
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.
— Katie Bowden, writer and editor

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 1:1 formalised feedback or critique on your writing (although there are opportunities to share work in the evenings in a group setting)

  • 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.

  • If you’re in an emotionally fragile place about your work or prone to comparison spirals, this retreat isn’t going to offer the kind of support you need right now.

  • You take deep satisfaction in debating, deeply analytical conversations where you get to argue your case, or you find yourself zoning out after you’ve said your piece.


Inside The Rooms

This Reel gives the full bedroom tour.

Pricing

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)

Payment plans are available. Once you’ve secured your spot from £275, you’re all signed up :)


Getting There

The nearest train station is at Diss, a 26 min cab ride from the house. Once you’ve applied I’ll share more details and I’m always happy to put attendees in touch to share a taxi and split costs.

Still Deciding?


You don’t have to be a published writer to attend, but you do need to be serious about writing. You need a desire to write, the ambition to get it into the world, an understanding of the importance of writing in your life, 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 feeling down to join us, trust that instinct.
The writing, and the support you’ll find here, meets you where you are.

Join the retreats waiting list

Be first to hear when applications open to the waitlist.


Hello, A Note From Your Host!

I really believe that writers do their best work when they feel supported, free and creatively fired up. And that was the starting point for this retreat. 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 it’s 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. Based on what other attendees have said, I know you’ll surprise yourself.