Writers Retreat on the Oregon Coast

Colonyhouse Provides a Haven for Creativity

Apr 30, 2009 Marilyn McFarlane

What writer doesn't dream of a quiet, comfortable retreat at the beach, a perfect place to hone that novel or compose poetry, stories, or a memoir?

Colonyhouse, on the scenic northern Oregon coast, is exactly that. This writer's haven is just north of the town of Rockaway Beach and within walking distance of its shops and cafes. The log home, built in 1941, stands on a ridge overlooking the Pacific Ocean on the west and, on the east, Lake Lytle. Beneath its vinyl siding is a warm, inviting interior of thick logs, wide windows, and a huge stone fireplace. Colonyhouse has four bedrooms and can sleep eight people. There are two bathrooms, a well-equipped kitchen with a breakfast nook, and a sunporch.

Oregon Writers Colony Brings the Dream to Life

The house is owned and managed by Oregon Writers Colony, an organization founded in 1983 by writers Lola Janes and Marlene Howard, with the goal of supporting the work of writers and establishing a coastal retreat. For six years, OWC members held conferences and workshops, raising funds while they searched for the perfect place.

In 1989, they found it at Rockaway Beach and, with a generous gift from author Jean Auel and a bequest from co-founder Lola Janes, they bought and named Colonyhouse. Every August, on Founders' Day, members and friends gather at the house for festivities celebrating this extraordinary retreat.

Low-cost Lodging and Stimulating Workshops Offered

Colonyhouse is open to Oregon Writers Colony members only, but anyone can join for $35 a year. You must be a member for six months before using the house. It can be reserved for a weekend (5 p.m. Friday through 4 p.m. Sunday), a week (7 days and 7 nights), or by the night. Many critique groups reserve it for a weekend.

The costs are:

June 1-August 30: weekend, $300; week, $600; per night, $90
September 1-May 30: weekend, $225; week, $450; per night, $70

Throughout the year, OWC holds workshops, led by experts in their fields, on all manner of topics connected with writing: how to write query letters, manuscript makeovers, the publishing world, writing graphic novels, editing, marketing your work, and more.

OWC also offers occasional Writers-in-Residence weekends. For $125 (plus OWC membership cost for non-members), participants get shared accommodations, two breakfasts, two community dinners, and instruction and individual consultations, as well as 10-12 hours of writing. Each person is responsible for helping with one of the community dinners.

Accessibility Campaign Underway for Colonyhouse

A lively campaign is underway to make Colonyhouse, which has steep stairs, accessible to all. Fundraisers include a wine tasting dinner, a splashy calendar, and a conference for travel writers.

Rockaway Beach, strung along Highway 101, the coastal road, has friendly pubs and cafes and shops selling kites, candy, and souvenirs. Charters offer deep-sea fishing and whale-watching expeditions. Most popular is strolling on the sandy beach and watching the Pacific surf roll in. The town is a quiet spot except for the 4th of July, when crowds flock in for a grand fireworks display. Oregon Writers Colony is a part of the community and a supporter of the town's new library.

The copyright of the article Writers Retreat on the Oregon Coast in NW U.S./Alaska Travel is owned by Marilyn McFarlane. Permission to republish Writers Retreat on the Oregon Coast in print or online must be granted by the author in writing.