Writer's Refuge: A place to achieve your best work
- Minimum stay:N/A
- Internet:Yes
- Pets allowed:Yes
- Wheel chair accessible:No
The Writer's Refuge is a group of accommodations that offers respite from the distractions of everyday life, so you can focus on your work. If you've longed for a place like Thoreau’s on Walden Pond, but haven't been willing to give up amenities like Wi-Fi and indoor plumbing, the Writer's Refuge is for you!
The Foxglove Cabin, Sandpiper Beach Suite, and Ravensea Loft are located in the artist's community of South Whidbey Island, and you're sure to rub shoulders with like-minded people whenever you venture out for a little change of scenery.
Our accommodations get results (see our reviews). In addition to amenities that make living comfortable, all our accommodations feature amenities for writing, including Wi-Fi Internet access, a printer, desk, chair, bookshelves, and office supplies. For more detailed information about each accommodation and its amenities, see our website.
Our policies
• We do not allow smoking.
• To see which accommodations allow pets, see our website.
• Because creativity of any kind is typically a solitary activity, we do not offer double occupancy.
• Our accommodations are available only to writers and those who need to get away to focus on a project, they are not available to the general public.
More information
For more information, or to book your stay using our automated booking calendar, see our website.
Keywords: writer, writers, refuge, writer's refuge, writer's retreat, artist, artists, artist's refuge, artist's retreat, musician, musicians, musician's refuge, musician's retreat, writer's cabin, writer's loft, writer's rental, writer's suite, artist's cabin, artist's loft, artist's rental, musician's cabin, musician's loft, musician's rental, artist's suite, musician's suite
Property Type
- Cabin
Accommodation Type
- Vacation Rental
Suitability
- Non Smoking Only
Bedrooms
- 1 Bedrooms, Sleeps 1, Beds for 1
- Bedroom 1
Bathrooms
- 1.0 Bathrooms
- Bathroom 1
Kitchen & Dining
- Cooking Utensils
- Microwave
- Refrigerator
Amenities
- Linens Provided
- Parking Off Street
Other Amenities
Communications
- Wireless Internet
- Broadband Access
- Mobile Phone
Outdoor Features
Location & View
Activities
- Cinemas
- Hospital
- Laundromat
- Massage Therapist
- Medical Services
- Mountain Biking
- Sailing
- Freshwater Fishing
- Pier Fishing
- Groceries
- Scuba Diving Or Snorkeling
- Surf Fishing
- Hiking
- Golf
- Fishing
- Swimming
- Snorkeling/Diving
- Kayaking
- Cycling
- Sound/Bay Fishing
- Racquetball
- ATM/Bank
- Sight Seeing
- Live Theater
- Health/Beauty Spa
- Restaurants
- Museums
- Churches
- Library
- Marina
- Winery Tours
- Fitness Center
- Beachcombing
- Scenic Drives
- Walking
- Whale Watching
- Wildlife Viewing
- Boating
- Antiquing
- Shelling
- Shopping
- Bird Watching
- Wind-Surfing
Other Activities
Reviews
Write a review-
Guest comment entered by owner
- Guest Luanne B.
- Date of stay 11/14/10
- Review Submitted 01/25/11
"Just got tons of work done at the Writer's Refuge. I highly recommend it as a place of solitude where you can focus solely on getting your story on the page. One of the most productive experiences in my life!”Did you find this review helpful? Yes | No Helpful votes: 0/0
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- Guest Caitlin6
- Date of stay 01/25/10
- Review Submitted 01/25/10
I never realized that one of the things that inspires me to keep writing is to feel like a serious writer. From the minute you book your stay until you leave reluctantly, you are treated with respect and the assumption that you will be productive in your time here. Everything is set up for one person--you do not have to accommodate anyone else, the kitchen is only for you, there is only one chair, one desk, etc. There aren't just pencils provided, they are sharpened. You don't just have internet connection, it's wireless and easy to connect to. In other words, you matter, you're important, and the solitude you need is supported. I can't guarantee that everyone will have a breakthrough in their writing as I did, but it sure helps to have a steady message day in and day out that nothing else matters more than your work, your real work. I am very grateful for this refuge and will return--possibly tomorrow.Did you find this review helpful? Yes | No Helpful votes: 1/1
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Guest comment entered by owner
- Guest Craig E.
- Date of stay 01/20/10
- Review Submitted 01/20/10
"The cabin is neat and tidy, everything at hand and well crafted, which gave me a sense of self-sufficiency. Both the view (nothing but trees from the desk window), and the silence (I heard little more than an occasional dog and raindrops), greatly aided my concentration. This is an ideal place to think and work."Did you find this review helpful? Yes | No Helpful votes: 0/0
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- Guest Tamara Sellman
- Date of stay 01/11/10
- Review Submitted 01/11/10
I would definitely return to this space. It's just the right size, quiet, comfortable and outfitted for the needs of a writer. The price is reasonable and the owner is friendly and will honor your solitude. I take 2-3 writing-related trips annually, and one of them is always solo; I would recommend this for the solo writer who needs to just hear themselves think.Did you find this review helpful? Yes | No Helpful votes: 0/0
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Guest comment entered by owner
- Guest Blythe S.
- Date of stay 01/01/10
- Review Submitted 01/01/10
"The Whidbey Island Writer’s Refuge is exactly what it advertises itself to be—a comfortable, well-equipped cabin, free of distractions from the outside world. If it sounds too good to be true, rest assured everything is just as promised. It’s perfect for a writer who needs to get away and clear a creative space in their head, or for someone with a project they need to finish undisturbed."Did you find this review helpful? Yes | No Helpful votes: 0/0
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Guest comment entered by owner
- Guest Chris P.
- Date of stay 01/01/10
- Review Submitted 01/01/10
"The Writer's Refuge is a delightfully useful option if you have a project where focus and dedication are needed. It is very quiet and the owner is committed to your project’s success as much as—or more than—you are. I enjoyed the surrounding farm and woodland atmosphere and even had the pleasure of spending two evenings with a friendly deer foraging just outside the cabin window."Did you find this review helpful? Yes | No Helpful votes: 0/0
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Guest comment entered by owner
- Guest Alice D.
- Date of stay 01/01/10
- Review Submitted 01/01/10
"I found the cottage to be very cozy and warm, and I liked the layout and the simplicity of the decorations. It was a welcoming abode, nestled among trees, and I appreciated being so close to Nature in that way. One outcome of the experience that surprised me was how comfortable I was living in a 15’x15’ cottage for several weeks. Again, the simplicity of the environment allows you to focus on what you are about without distractions. Petra and Adrian are wonderful hosts, available if needed and never the least bit intrusive. I plan on coming back and I am spreading the word about how wonderful it is to my friends."Did you find this review helpful? Yes | No Helpful votes: 0/0
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Guest comment entered by owner
- Guest David B.
- Date of stay 01/01/10
- Review Submitted 01/01/10
"The WIWR is a phenomenal opportunity to get away and focus completely on a writing project. I got a month and a half's worth of work done in the six days I was there. It is a perfect mix of solitude coupled with walking trails and isolated country lanes to clear your head. I absolutely loved the WIWR, and I recommend it unreservedly to anyone wishing to get some work done."Did you find this review helpful? Yes | No Helpful votes: 0/0
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Guest comment entered by owner
- Guest Eric L.
- Date of stay 01/01/10
- Review Submitted 01/01/10
"I stayed at the Writer's Refuge on two separate occasions and found both of my visits enjoyable and productive. On the whole, it provides a nice combination of nature, comfort and charm, while keeping the focus where it should be: on productive writing. "I found the location--in a small forest about a mile from any stores or major roads--to be remote and quiet enough to provide a sense of solitude without making the average city-slicker feel isolated or vulnerable to being eaten by imagined bears or monsters. Likewise, the cabin is simple and small enough to be affordable and non-distracting; yet features enough amenities and even a few small luxuries (e.g. a very comfortable bed; good lighting; stylish and super clean interior) to allow one to focus on writing rather than basic survival. "Finally, I found Petra and Adrian to be great hosts. They were friendly and helpful without being intrusive. In terms of service, it's sort of like a Bed & Breakfast minus the inquisition and relentless boosterism. You'll never feel obliged to buy a ceramic Hummel; nor will you be required to sample the latest baked confection and pretend to like it. None of that. They pretty much leave you to your writing, but are happy to help should you ask for anything. "That said: you may want to ask about the hens--the make damned good eggs."Did you find this review helpful? Yes | No Helpful votes: 0/0
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Guest comment entered by owner
- Guest Diane K.
- Date of stay 01/01/10
- Review Submitted 01/01/10
"I found everything I needed at the Writer's Refuge to make fabulous headway on my work. I literally did feel as if my every need had been anticipated and met. I will come again when I need space and time for my work. "I work well in cycles of solitude and discourse with others. When I got to the point of needing community, Petra (a life coach) provided a coaching session that got me back on track."Did you find this review helpful? Yes | No Helpful votes: 0/0
Rates
The Foxglove Cabin: $425 per week (6 nights) The Ravensea Loft: $570 per week (6 nights) The Sandpiper Suite: $600 per week (6 nights) Check-in is at 3 PM Sunday and check-out is at noon on Saturday Accommodations are available only by the calendar week We offer a discount on onthly rentals from September through May (see website) When you stay for longer periods, Saturday nights are free
Note: Until confirmed, rates are subject to change without notice.
This owner accepts: Credit cards.
Call the owner directly to confirm reservation details and pay with an approved method (credit card, check, or bank transfer), to protect your payment up to $1,000.
Calendar
Sorry this information is not available. Please contact the owner/manager for more information.
Owner info
About the owner: Petra Martin owns the Writer's Refuge, a business that serves writers and other creatives by making affordable accommodations available to them. The individual properties that make up the Writer's Refuge are privately owned. Petra also owns Heron Lake Press and created the Mixed Emotions card deck, a tool that helps people put their feelings into words. Before moving to Whidbey Island, Petra spent 15 years as a writer, editor, and print production specialist in the public relations and software industries.
Why the Owner Chose Langley:
Adrian was only a few months old when Petra discovered that he stopped crying whenever she took him outside. She knew then that Seattle wasn't the place for him, and that nature would play a huge role in his life.
Architect Ross Chapin once told Petra, "Whidbey Island is a calling." She felt more than called—the pull to move to the island was so strong that she felt as if she'd been caught in a tractor beam. Adrian was two and a half when they moved to the island in 2001, and it felt like home from the moment they arrived.
Contact us
- Primary: (360) 321-4733 (Washington State, USA)
Links to more information:
Photos
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The Foxglove Cabin looks like it sprouted out of the forest that surrounds it.
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You'll eat well in the Foxglove Cabin's full kitchen.
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At the Sandpiper Suite, you have access to the beach and a bird sanctuary.
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At the Ravensea, you'll enjoy sitting in the rocking chair by the stove to read
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The Foxglove's desk includes a printer, Wi-Fi, and even basic office supplies
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The Sandpiper Suite is on the shores of the Puget Sound and welcomes your pet.
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The largest place we offer, the Ravensea Loft gives you room to spread out.
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The gardens at Ravensea were part of the Whidbey Island Garden Tour.
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This listing was first published here in 2008.
Date last modified - Thursday, April 11, 2013