I’ve connected to the lineage of this place, all those writers whose names are inside the closet door. I’ve kept the door open the entire time to be reminded that I am a link in a chain going forward. -Tara Austen Weaver, Alum

The Mesa Refuge Experience

Imagine an inviting library, a generous kitchen and a room of your own in a house that sits above a vibrant wetland.

Now add colorful gardens and winding paths to explore on the way to your personal writing cottage, where you can work, undisturbed, stopping to observe birds flying above.

You have arrived at the Mesa Refuge: a place for retreating, thinking and writing at the edge.

There are no formal requirements except to pursue your work at your own pace, though many residents offer to interact with the larger Mesa Refuge community at public programs.

Accommodations

The Mesa Refuge houses three writers at a time. The common areas include a Gathering Room, kitchen, patio and gardens. The house is well equipped for the needs of retreating writers and other creatives. We provide some meals and supplies. Beyond that, each group of residents decides how they would like to handle meals, cooking or eating in one of the excellent local restaurants in West Marin. Find out more about the restaurants, shops, activities and services in our community here.

The atmosphere at the Mesa Refuge is one of retreat….and as if in support of this position, cell phones can have a frustrating way of not working reliably in our remote area (though we do have fast and reliable wifi).

Accessibility

The Mesa Refuge has some accessibility features and we are also located on wild, natural land. To enter the house, there is one step up as you walk in the front door. There is another step up as you enter the kitchen and the downstairs bedroom wing. We have wheelchair ramps for the steps as well as thresholds. The house has three bedrooms, one of which is upstairs. The other two bedrooms are on the ground floor, each have private bathrooms. One of the bathrooms is mobility-ready and has many accessible features including an accessible sink, toilet and walk-in shower with mobility bars. The grounds and gardens surrounding the property are well tended but there are many natural and rustic features throughout including uneven ground and rock pathways in the garden. There are handrails alongside most outdoor steps.