The Cottages

Our six hand-crafted cottages were designed by architect Chuck Dougherty, who worked with the Amish in Pennsylvania. While all the cottages have a similar design, they are built of a variety of woods and have unique color schemes and furnishings.

Stained glass windows, pottery sinks, and other features were designed and crafted by local artisans. Each cottage has an upstairs sleeping loft with a hand-built double bed, lamps, rocking chair, chest of drawers, and a small closet. 

The main floor has a work area with ample desk space, a sitting area with a window seat looking out into the woods, and a comfortable, overstuffed armchair. Bookshelves have space for the writer’s personal library, as well as a cottage journal in which each resident is invited to make entries during her stay. With entries dating from Hedgebrook’s genesis in 1988, the journals are the cottage’s living legacy – and a way for writers to connect with those who have come before, and those who will come after her stay.

A small half-bathroom and a stocked kitchenette including a toaster oven, hot plate, and small refrigerator finish out the main floor. All cottages have electricity and are heated primarily by wood stoves. Writers sign up for time in the centrally located bathhouse equipped with two showers, an old-fashioned bathtub, two sinks, drawers for each cottage, heated floors, and a washer/dryer.

All meals are prepared by Hedgebrook’s chefs, using organic food from our garden and local farmers, when available.

Cottage Call Outs?

❋ Beveled Glass Windows

Modules are sequenced to build competencies progressively, ensuring concepts are retained and applied with confidence.

❋ Holding Space for Women

Presenters employ evidence-based techniques, pairing theory with real-world case studies for immediate relevance.

❋  Inclusivity

Workbooks, templates, and analytic tools are structured for quick integration into daily workflows.

❋ Nurturing the Creative Fire

Meals feature balanced macronutrients, locally sourced produce, and allergen-conscious options.

Cottages

“Hedgebrook isn't a retreat… it's an advance.”

–Gloria Steinem