Never in my life have I been so well nourished, that day after day
I could think and write with no worries, all my comforts provided,
quiet and goodness around. I poured out the story.

–Betsy Damon, Resident 1999

In a world sorely in need of fresh perspectives,
The Mesa Refuge is a touchstone for the values we hold true.

–Susan Page Tillett, Former Executive Director, Resident 2012, 2013

This place throws the gauntlet down.
Get real! What do you want to say, really?
What do you want your life to be?

–Stephanie Mills, Resident 2004

I feel like a member of a family that needs no reunions...
Writers I know and love, writers I would like to know,
others who are carrying on the good work.
A family whose stories reside in the house itself.

–Kathleen Dean Moore, Resident 2004

Everywhere something to stir the senses and ignite the mind.

–Elizabeth Herron, Resident 2000

About Us

Mesa Refuge brings transformative stories, ideas, and knowledge to the world by supporting a diverse community of writers and activists through residencies at its coastal California retreat.

Located in Point Reyes Station, California, an hour north of San Francisco, we sit beside the San Andreas Fault—literally on the edges between land and water, metropolis and wildness, busyness and quiet. Here writers enjoy time and space to connect with their muses and a supportive community, before going back into the world.

We welcome both experienced and emerging writers and creatives who are addressing the pressing issues of our time. It is our priority to support writers focusing on “ideas at the edge” of the areas we value: nature, economic equity and social justice.

Through public conversations and events, Mesa Refuge connects our leading-edge alumni from around the nation with West Marin, contributing to a rich tapestry of conversation that is helping to change our world.

Mesa Refuge welcomes residents without discrimination. We support a diverse community of writers and activists that represent a broad spectrum of race, ethnicity, gender identity, sexual orientation, age, immigration status, religion or ability.

Our History

The Mesa Refuge was founded in 1997 by writer and entrepreneur Peter Barnes. Peter wrote his first book while living on a ranch near Point Reyes Station in 1969. Later, he spent time at several writer’s retreats and saw, time and again, how a few weeks of “writing at the edge” could be transformational for emerging writers and rejuvenating for established ones. In 1995, after retiring as founder of Working Assets, Peter purchased the home and studio of renowned painter Sam Francis, which had been built by local architect Jon Fernandez. This property, with its beautiful gardens and breathtaking vistas, became the Mesa Refuge.

Susan Page Tillett was hired as the Mesa Refuge’s first executive director in 2013. She worked closely with Peter to develop a strong organizational infrastructure, obtain 501c3 not-for-profit status, and recruit the first Board of Trustees. Susan built a staff of gifted professionals and established a comprehensive fundraising program—including originating the flourishing Fellowship Program and the Legacy Circle. Susan welcomed more than 500 residents, encouraged their projects and forged strong ties in the West Marin community to bring their work and the role of the Mesa Refuge to a greater audience. She oversaw a major renovation of the house and grounds and the gift of the property from Peter Barnes to the Mesa Refuge. When she stepped down in 2022, she left the Mesa Refuge firmly established and ready for the current director, Kamala Tully.

Since 1997, more than 1,000 writers have lived and worked here. Our alumni include Michael Pollan, Terry Tempest Williams, Anna and Frances Moore Lappé, Krista Tippett, Natalie Goldberg, Raj Patel, Lewis Hyde, Daniel Ellsberg, Rebecca Solnit and Van Jones. Find out more about our alums here.