The Porch Writing Retreat

Outside view of residency

Outside view of residency

Communal meal space

Communal meal space

The Porch Writing Retreat

Sewanee, TN, United States

Save the date for November 6-7th, 2026 for the next Porch Writing Retreat! Join us at Rivendell Spiritual Center — formerly Rivendell Writers’ Colony — for a weekend of writerly communion and "a room of one’s own." Overlooking a cove in Sewanee, Tennessee, Rivendell is a place of uncommon beauty, with deep literary roots.

A stone’s throw from University of the South, Rivendell offers charming, writerly accommodations, breathtaking views, and a myriad of lovely perches for reading, writing, and musing. Imbued with the rich literary heritage and spirit of the Cumberland Plateau, it is a campus of pleasant surprises, inspiring writers to explore and to create.

Registration fees include lodging, meals (with exception of DIY Saturday lunch) and beverages, and interactive programming. Variable pricing dependent on room selection. Optional Thursday night add-on available! 

Contact

2811 Dogwood Place
Nashville, TN 37204
United States

Year Founded
2014
Context
Rural
Residency Structure
Stand-alone
Embedded in a non-profit inn and retreat center
Residency Program Type
Retreat
Residency Length
1 day
Languages
English
Average Number of Artists in Residence at a Time
10
Collaborative Residency
N/A
Discipline
Criticism
Fiction
Journalism
Literary Nonfiction
Literature
New Genres
Nonfiction
Playwriting
Poetry
Screenwriting
Storytelling
Writing
Companions
Pets are not allowed
Family Friendly
N/A
Stage of Career
Any stage of career
Additional Expectations/Opportunities
N/A
How does your residency program support artists?
Opportunity to be in another context
Unstructured time
Inspiration from natural environment
Opportunities to develop relationships with other artists/residents
Artist Stipend
Travel Stipend/Material Stipends
Residency Fees
455
US Dollar (USD)
Fee Details

REGISTRATION OPTIONS:

  • Manor House (5 rooms available): $600
  • Manor House Double Occupancy—two queen-sized beds in a spacious room (1 available): $825
  • Pond View: Private cabin located on the Rivendell property, located a short five-minute walk from the Manor House. Comfortable living space, a full kitchen, and a peaceful screened-in porch. Note: No wi-fi at this location. (2 rooms available) $455
  • Cove Lane: Private property located on the Rivendell property, located a short five-minute walk from the Manor House. Comfortable living space, a full kitchen, and a peaceful screened-in porch. (2 rooms available) $495
  • Pond Carriage House: Single-occupancy apartment adjacent to Pond View Cabin (1 available) $325
  • Day Rate: Excludes accommodations. Includes all meals, programming, and access to the many common spaces (4 available) $200
  • Thursday night add-on (Meals not included): $135
Grant/Scholarship/Other Funding Support
Application Fee
Application Type
Open application
What does your program provide during the residency experience?
Manual / handbook before arrival
Communication before arrival to discuss accommodations, medical conditions, or other health needs
Orientation upon arrival
Contact information and available accommodations for programs, events, and campus
Full description of accessibility on campus
Caregiver/Aide/PCA
N/A
Accessibility Contact Name
Marianne Manzler
Accessibility Contact Email
marianne@porchtn.org
Accessibility Contact Phone Number
Accessible Housing
ADA Compliant
Housing for Companion And/or Caregivers
Housing available
Accessible Communal Spaces
ADA Compliant
Computer/Internet Access
Computer and internet connection provided in common area (shared)
Wireless Internet (WIFI)
Studios/Special Equipment
Private Studios
Shared Studios
Printers + Scanner
Studio Support/Tech
Studio/facility orientation provided
Studio support provided by staff