Design Your Own Writing Retreat

It was a blessing to do a DIY Mesa retreat with two other mesa alums. We ran it just like a typical Mesa residency, honored each other’s privacy and writing time, kept interruptions/guests to a minimum, and read aloud in the evenings. Once again I got some very significant writing done. There is nothing like the Mesa environment for bringing out the best in people, as writers and as human beings.

—Katy Butler, author, The Art of Dying Well and Knocking on Heaven’s Door: the Path to a Better Way of Death (a New York Times bestseller)

We welcome you to design your own DIY writing retreat at the Mesa Refuge. Staying at the house is an experience in immersion into the concentration and community of more than 1,000 writers and other creatives who have come before you—many of whom have left their signatures in the closets and their mark on the world. Among those who have worked here are Michael Pollan, Terry Tempest Williams, Raj Patel, Frances Moore Lappé and Van Jones.

The house was built by Jon Fernandez for the abstract expressionist painter Sam Francis. He spent summers here with his family and entourage, painting and visiting the nearby Point Reyes National Seashore. The house itself is light, colorful, spacious, and full of interesting architectural details. Throughout it are original artworks, antique rugs and vintage furniture that add to its charm.

Everything You Need Is Here

The Mesa Refuge is perfectly appointed with everything you need for a productive and restorative writing retreat, work team retreat, or “think tank” retreat. In addition, it is one of the most beautiful houses in the Point Reyes area, enjoying a breathtaking view of the constantly changing marsh that flows into Tomales Bay. Herons, egrets, hawks and many different kinds of wild fowl can be seen and heard from the decks and gardens around the house.

The Refuge has three bedrooms, three and a half bathrooms and sleeps six adults. The master bedroom (20 x 14 ft) is in a tower and has a queen bed and en-suite bathroom. The view of the bay, from the balcony off the tower bedroom, is spectacular. The other two bedrooms (16 x 14 ft) are on the ground floor. Each bedroom has a queen bed, an adjoining bathroom and a private deck overlooking the garden.

The living room (15 x 20 ft) has an intricate wooden cathedral ceiling, an extensive library along one wall, comfortable chairs and sofas and a wood-burning stove. There is a large, fully-equipped modern kitchen (20 x 18 ft) with a Viking range, sub-zero refrigerator and a dining area. This opens onto a rose-covered deck with views of the garden and bay.

The house is surrounded by beautiful, mature gardens which include an apple orchard, a rose garden, and a wood-burning brick oven—perfect for grilling fish and making pizza. Halfway down the bluff is a deck for observing birds or setting up an easel or camera. Two writing cabins are hidden in the garden for people who want to write or dream. There is also a tennis court available for your use. The village of Point Reyes Station with its cafes, bookstores and restaurants is a ten-minute walk away.

Cancellations: If you cancel 30 days (or more) before your arrival, there is a $200 admin fee which will be deducted from your deposit. If you cancel with less than 30 days before your arrival, you are liable for the full amount.