STOP PRESS: Writing Retreat in Italy!

As many of you know, as well as creative writing courses and workshops I run residential retreats (a weekend or longer in a beautiful house, sharing meals, attending writing workshops, writing on your own). I’ve run very successful retreats for the past few years in beautiful Duncton Mill in Sussex (UK) – which has now, sadly, closed down, but today I’m pleased to announce that  I’ve found the right site here in northern Italy.

The house is above the Adriatic coastline between Venice and Trieste, in the village of Ceroglie (next to Malchina and above Sistiana) , 20 mins walk down to the beach and surrounded by woods – and with fabulous ozmizze and restaurants nearby.

The house – Casa Klarceva (a Slovenian name – and I can’t find the cidilla key for the c on the mac!) –  I’ll write a post about the history of the house later –  has been newly renovated by the fabulous Fabec brothers…

…seen here celebrating Carnevale (I’m hoping to persuade them to give us a duet on the trombone and accordion one evening..)

The house has six well-appointed (though still cozily rustic) bedrooms (all of which can be twin if so desired) . Each room has its own ensuite bathroom with fantastic modern shower, etc. Importantly, there is also wheelchair access to all the rooms on the first floor (including a bedroom with a wheelchair accessible bathroom).There’s a lovely large communal kitchen/ dining room and another wonderful cosy room with an indoor fire pit.

The house is centered around a small courtyard and the landlords sell their own salami, cheese and wine at the house (though they don’t live onsite). All rooms have wifi access and there are writing tables in each room.

So, you see why I think it’s perfect! and…. (now I feel like Steve Jobs)… the price will be roughly 100€ per day per person and will include:

• accommodation
• all food (breakfast and lunch provided and self-serve; dinner – a variety of home-cooked in-house, trips to local restaurants and a meal out in Trieste)
• one 3-hour workshop per week day – and a double workshop slot on weekends

There will be various options (weekend only; non-residential, etc).

You can get all details and a programme for the next retreat (coming up soon..June 17th-21st 2010) by looking under the heading Writing Holidays.

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