Plan Your Next Private/Group Retreat
Whether you are looking for a quiet place to finish your novel, a place to gather with your writing group, or just a place to create a getaway with good friends (mom’s weekends, bridal showers, board retreats), The Writing Barn’s private and group retreats will meet your needs.
The Writing Barn offers rest, relaxation, and a chance to do the work at hand, whether that be brainstorming new ideas, catching up on recreational reading, swinging in the hammocks, or watching The Writing Barn deer romp and play.
Enjoy being out in nature, while also being twenty minutes from the heart of downtown Austin. Get the best of both worlds on your next getaway. Our event spaces can be added on to our lodging to offer you or your group a larger space for workshopping, mingling, dinners, and more.
Learn more about our lodging options below.
The Writing Barn, homestead of author Bethany Hegedus located in Austin, Texas, is situated on 7.5 wooded acres. With floor to ceiling bookshelves, rows of instructional craft books, free wifi, and no television, The Writing Barn, its grounds, and its multiple entertaining spaces and lodging options are the perfect spot to dive deep into your work or spend a quiet weekend away from home.
We have multiple lodging options: The Book House, The Cabin, The Barn, and Full Property. Each may be rented individually or as a unit; the property sleeps one to twenty.
Discounts may be available and a 10% discount is awarded to members of the WLT, SCBWI, and graduates of the Vermont College of Fine Arts programs. Please mention these affiliations when inquiring.
Amenities vary depending on the buildings rented, but below is a sample list
of what’s typically included in a rental.
- Event chairs and folding tables
- Coffee maker, coffee urn, water kettle
- Various linens and tablecloths
- Buffet plates and wine glasses (additional glasses and plates for rental)
- Various silverware and serving utensils
- Custom serving platters, trays, beverage display tubs
- Large refrigerators with freezers
- Stove top + microwave (no oven)
- Restrooms
- Projectors (upon request)
- Speakers (upon request)
- Screened in porch (with two porch heaters, ceiling fans, and party lights)
- Porch furniture (including custom tables, chairs, and benches)
- Courtyard area with picnic tables and hammocks
- Fire pits (upon request)
- On-site parking for 30-40 cars (Additional street parking; possible rental of nearby church lot for shuttling guests.)
The Writing Barn: Features a floor to ceiling bookshelf filled with poetry, novels, picture books, and craft books. There is a galley kitchen with stove top, microwave, and small refrigerator (larger refrigerator on the porch). The bedroom has a sitting area and a queen-sized bed. The loft area has a comfy, full-sized futon and an over-sized reading chair. The large screened-in porch—dubbed the “party porch”—has autographs from traditionally published authors who have visited the grounds, either attending a literary party, retreating, or facilitating one of our many well-regarded workshops.
The Book House: Features five bedrooms: the Pulitzer, Booker, Newbery, Caldecott, and Printz, each with their own private bath. Retreaters may gather in the common areas of the living room—which features unique book accents—or on the full house wrap-around porch. The modern galley kitchen features all new appliances, including a dishwasher. The Book House sleeps 10 to 14, lap desks are provided for indoor or outdoor writing, and there are yoga mats for peaceful contemplation under the live oaks.
The Cabin: A comfy, quaint hideaway that sleeps 3 to 4, complete with unique lighting and accent furniture, a full tiled bathroom, and a galley kitchen with refrigerator, oven/stove, coffee maker, microwave, etc. There is a small indoor desk, as well as a screened-in porch for outdoor dining and writing. The Cabin is best for good friends, small families, or those on romantic weekend getaways.
Rates vary depending on the season, day of the week, and type of event.
Fill out a contact form below to inquire about a retreat.