What is it?
The Writer’s Cottage is a small, historic cottage on the private property of Ben and Robin Pasley in the center of Woodland Park, Colorado. It has two rooms, each with antique Murphy beds, which can serve as private living or sleeping spaces. It has a small kitchen and a bath with a shower. It has the features of modern comfort with electricity, water, and heat but was built in the 1930′s and is filled with the charm and simplicity of that time…it is also in dire need of renovation to get it ready to host retreat guests! The pictures above show the cottage in relationship to the lot and the other buildings on the almost 2 acre property.
What is its primary purpose?
The purpose of the Writer’s Cottage is to host spiritually focused retreats for individuals and families of up to four people. These retreats will fall into three categories: creative retreats for authors and musicians, soul-care retreats for those in need of rest and restoration, and retreats for soul-searchers who need an escape to recalibrate their walk with God. Reservations at the Writer’s Cottage can be made for full days without overnighting (day retreats), or for any length of retreat the hosts deem appropriate. Most retreats will be a week or less.
What is the history of the Writer’s Cottage?
The Writer’s Cottage was originally constructed in 1935 by Freda Maytag, daughter of Frederick Louis Maytag, the founder of the Maytag Company which first began to dominate the innovation and sale of the powered washing machine in the 1920′s. Today, this historic property of about 2 acres, and three original structures: the main home, the Writer’s Cottage, and an outdoor entertainment building, all nestle in the very middle of Woodland Park as a jewel of the city, unlike any other construction in the area, and is the only home on the Woodland Park Honorary Historical Registry.
What services and amenities are provided at the Writer’s Cottage?
In terms of basic amenities, the Writer’s Cottage offers clean linens and towels per week. The Writer’s Cottage is heated in the winter, but it does not have air-conditioning as it is rarely needed in the cool, crisp Colorado mountains at 8,500 feet above sea level. Basic kitchen appliances, cookware, and serving-ware are provided along with a basic supply of paper products in the kitchen and bath. There is a gas stove, microwave, kettle for water, and a small refrigerator. A selection of tea and sugar is always on the kitchen counter. There is hot water. The grounds, with only some limitations, are open and available for walks, and prayer benches are nestled on the great property for enjoying the out of doors. Within a few city blocks, retreat guest can walk to local coffee, library, post office, restaurants, grocery store, micro-brewery and many quaint country stores and shopping sidewalks. Parking is available for one car per retreat family on the east side of the property just outside a small gate which opens almost immediately to the Writer’s Cottage, and does not intrude on the Pasley’s main home or drive.
What are the present needs for restoration?
The list includes: foundation repair, updating all mechanicals, heating, water heater, kitchen reno, new roof (optional), and interior finishes, to name the most important. The structure is in great shape, but the present foundation is the first and foremost job as the old pier and beams have all rotted away. We are getting great bids and professional consulting as we plan for the foundation repair when the ground thaws in the late spring. Some of the pictures here show the good and the bad.
How can I get involved?
The first way is to make a donation! Everything counts. The second way to get involved is to volunteer to come on sight and help. Skilled builders, excavators, electricians, plumbers and carpenters are needed for the project and even one day on the site could make a huge difference. Unskilled workers can also get involved in many phases of the restoration. Simply contact us and we will keep in touch.
We would like to say, “Thank you!”
For participating in our campaign to renovate the Writer’s Cottage we would like to offer these thank you gifts! We will keep provide your free CD’s and gifts to the address you provided during checkout, and we await your request for a retreat get-away. All gifts must be claimed before 2014. Contact us
Donate $1,000: Three Full Weeks of Retreat Booking that includes onsite counsel and conversations with Ben and Robin Pasley, plus inclusion in an honorary donor’s plaque displayed in the Writer’s Cottage.
Donate $500: Two Full Weeks of Retreat Booking, plus the entire Worship Circle recording catalog (9 CD’s)
Donate $250: A One Full Week Retreat Booking, plus the entire Worship Circle recording catalog (9 CD’s)
Donate $100: Four amazing Day-Retreats and 4 free Worship Circle CD’s
Donate $50: Two wonderful Day-Retreats and 2 free Worship Circle CD’s
Donate $25: A single rejuvenating Day-Retreat, and one free Worship Circle CD
PLUS! For all who donate their labor to the project: Please accept one day of free Writer’s Cottage retreat for every full day on the jobsite! Contact us.