The best writing retreat at Starcroft Farm Cabins
My review of my incredible writing retreat at Starcroft Farm Cabins was in part written the morning before I left and in part written months later as I look back on such a brilliant week of writing, nature and joy.
I am sitting at my desk at the window, looking out at the yellow buttercup filled field and woodland ahead. The birds are singing their morning song, a magpie hopping along the picnic bench where we sat and ate our sensational Victoria sponge a few days ago.
It’s my final hour on this writing retreat and I want to make it count. I have learnt I can write 1000 words relatively quickly when I remove all other distractions. I just focus on the words, the memories, the moments and nothing else.
What Hannah has created at Starcroft Farm Cabins is nothing short of magical. Each cabin unique and personal, with far more finishing touches than any other place I have visited. From the books by authors who have stayed here, to the old brown brogues peaking out from under the arm chair, or the black and white photos clipped to a string hanging above the hat rack. As if I have moved back in time and am in the home of someone who is about to leave for a 1920’s party. Pink silk dress and robe at the ready.
I think back to when I arrived five days ago, squealing with excitement as I explored my little cabin for the week. Finding the frozen pain au chocolat in the freezer, one of which I am munching into as I write this. Having cooked it in the small oven just minutes ago. There is everything you need here for a week or longer and I really don’t want to go.
Cookie and I will miss our morning walks through Powder Mill Woods, listening to the Robins and Blackbirds as we get lost in the many paths across the forest.
A small framed poster by the kitchen says ‘A Room of One’s Own’ and I think, yes, this is what I have had this week. Not just a room, a whole cabin, complete with bedroom, kitchen dining area, ensuite and balcony.
I can’t recommend Hannah’s writing retreats enough, they are the perfect mix of free time to write (or not) to your heart’s content, but with a small activity each day to break up your day and plan a routine around.
What to expect on a Writing Retreat at Starcroft Farm?
The writing retreats at Startcroft Farm cabins are the perfect escape to focus on nothing but your writing. It doesn’t matter if you are writing a book, a blog, a Substack or just some letters to family and friends. This is your solo escape for focused YOU time!
There are three cabins and though the cabins each fit two people (each have a double bed) the likelihood is there will be two other people on the retreat in the cabins beside you.
You book your own cabin, which comes with everything you will need, including en-suite bathroom, kitchen with sink, stove and microwave oven, a dining table/writing area and a bedroom with a window writing desk too.
Read how I structured my retreat and what I learnt about my writing on my Substack
Each cabin also has its own decking too where you can sit and enjoy your breakfast or an evening hot chocolate.
The retreats are structured to allow as much writing time as you wish, but each day includes one small activity. The retreat I went on included:
- A 1 hour 121 session with writing coach, Joanna Norland, who came to my cabin
- Afternoon cake from the local farmshop. This was a great time to share how our writing was going and chat with the other writers, including Hannah, owner and fellow writer
- A back and shoulder massage in your cabin. This felt like the ultimate luxury with Mollie Florence bringing her massage chair into your cabin.
- Hot chocolate by the camp fire on the final evening, with delicious local hot chocolate drops brought to your door to make and bring to the firepit.
There are also some extra treats on arrival, including a book chosen by local bookshop Rother Books.
Hannah also took us on a welcome walk through the local woods, to show us the way to the local farm shop, Great Park Farm, and the walk into Battle so we could explore during our stay. I had Cookie with me so we went for a walk into the woods several times a day, including a couple of longer walks to Battle and the farm shop.
Why book a writing retreat at starcroft Farm cabins?
Starcroft Farm writing retreats aren’t about perfecting your craft, learning new skills or being guided on various writing activities. Though you could get some of that through your 121 with Joanna Norland if you want it.
The writing retreat at Starcroft Farm Cabins are about time and space.
Time and space to get away from the every day tasks and distractions of life and to focus fully on your craft. To dedicate your time and energy to writing. To remind yourself ‘You Are a Writer’ and that with time and space and focus, ‘You Can Write’.
More about my schedule I prepared for the week (and stuck to)
In the fast paced digital lives we lead it is difficult to find the head space to just sit down and write. I certainly struggle. A few days at Starcroft helped me move my writing project, a book about my Walk in the Parks, forward. I wrote over 6000 words and spent time working on my book proposal and book structure. It helped me move my book forward and reminded me I can write!
And for that I am truly thankful!
What are the cabins really like at Starcroft farm?
The cabins at Starcroft Farm are absolute perfection! There are tree cabins, Lucy, Matilda and Catherine, each named after local women from in and around East Sussex. They are each unique and filled with elements that represent the women they are named after, from old shoes and books, to quotes and quilts, or black and white photos.
Each time I woke up I would find a new item in the cabin I hadn’t noticed before.
The cabins are bespoke made with local designers making the stained glass windows and medieval inspired arched doorframes.
Each cabin has an en-suite bathroom with flushing toilet, shower and sink. They also have power, wifi and luxury toiletries.
I was in the Lucy cabin and my bed was super comfy with a huge skylight where you can gaze up to see the stars at night from the comfort of your cosy bed.
The little kitchen had everything I needed too and the local farm shop make delicious ready meals or you could go a step further and cook up a feast from the fresh local ingredients they sell.
My favourite spot to write was the high window seat and table in the bedroom. With the window open I spent most of my week looking out at the field and woodland ahead, letting bird song wash over me as my fingers typed ferociously on the keyboard.
If you like to move around you could also write at the dining table or out on your balcony where there is a table and chairs too.
Are the Startcroft Farm Cabins dog friendly?
Yes! two out of three of the cabins are dog friendly, including Lucy, the cabin where I stayed. Cookie even had some special dog treats waiting for her when we arrived.
The cabins are a short walk from where you park your car and the area where the cabins are is fenced off so I was able to let Cookie wander a little too.
How do I book a Writing retreat at Starcroft Farm?
My four nights at Starcroft Farm were amazing. Hannah runs a few writing retreats a year and also does creative retreats and more specific weekend writing retreats, like nature writing or historical fiction.
I loved the balance of small activities alongside spacious time to write, rest and be close to nature. Knowing other writers were just a stones throw in the neighbouring cabins gave me an extra oomph to keep going with my writing too.
Find out more about Hannah’s upcoming retreats or just book a regular stay for some rest and recuperation. They are bookable all year round.
I was offered a discount for my review of Starcroft Farm , but as always my words are honest and true.
