The Writing Barn, homestead of author Bethany Hegedus located in Austin, Texas, is situated on 7.5 wooded acres. With floor to ceiling bookshelves, open spaces for writing, entertaining or meditating, trails on the surrounding grounds, free wifi, and no television, The Writing Barn is the perfect spot to revise or begin something new.
We also now offer Gift Cards! These can be made out in the amount of your choosing and can be applied to any classes, retreats, or overnight stays at The Writing Barn. Put The Writing Barn on your season wishlist or give someone you care about the gift of creativity, any time of the year!
Whether you are looking for a quiet place to finish your novel, a place to gather with your writing group, or just 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. They offer 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.
“Writers deeply hunger for a beautiful space and the quiet where they can connect with themselves, others, and their work. Bethany (at The Writing Barn) must find her deep gladness in providing such a space.”
– Award-winning author, Sara Zarr
There are thwo lodging options: The Writing Barn or The Book House. Each may be rented individually or as a unit; the property sleeps one to 14. Other buildings may be rented out for dinners, gatherings, writing spaces, cocktail areas and more. Rates may vary depending on the season. To inquire about dates or to reserve a date, please contact us. 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.
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 Book House is best for large groups, corporations, or families on vacation.
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. Well-known authors included M.T. Anderson, Katherine Applegate, Garth Nix, Bob Shea, Maggie Stiefvater, Sara Zarr, Rene Steinke, Kathi Appelt, Rita Williams-Garcia, Matt de la Peña and more.
*The Writing Barn is best for good friends, small families with older children, or those on romantic weekend getaways. The Writing Barn library transforms into a classroom/lecture space for workshops and is perfect for parties: book launches, bridal showers, baby showers, or family dinners.
Buddha Hall
Rent out The Writing Barn’s newest banquet space, Buddha Hall. Perfect for Wedding ceremonies and receptions, large corporate retreats + lectures, birthday parties, baby showers, yoga retreats and more!
The main space of Buddha Hall is open and spacious, a blank canvas for you to set up your event whichever way you choose. Set it up for a wedding ceremony then clear the space out for dinner and dancing. Or perhaps you’re interested in the “think tank” arrangement for your upcoming business retreat or have standing tables and a bar for your corporate cocktail event or non-profit fundraiser. Add on the Lotus Conference room as a work space or staging area. Dim controlled lighting, big bay windows looking out into the wooded grounds, and the wood paneled interior make Buddha Hall a beautiful space for events both large and small.
*Buddha Hall is perfect for weddings, formal parties and gatherings, corporate retreats and lectures, non-profit fundraisers, yoga classes, meditation retreats, work functions and more.
Add-Ons
For additional rest and relaxation, add an hour-long private massage with one of Austin’s top massage therapists.
Or, if in need of new headshots or family photographs, book a sitting on the grounds with Sam Bond Photography.
The Writing Barn is the perfect place to retreat, create, and celebrate.
For booking event spaces at The Writing Barn please visit:
https://www.sangamretreat.com/event-retreat-scheduling
For information email
info@sangamretreat.com.