Retreat at Toad Hall

A pay-what-you can residency in midcoast Maine for artists, writers, and other creatives

re•treat

verb: to withdraw to a quiet place, especially from what is difficult, dangerous, or disagreeable; to change one's decisions, plans, or attitude.

noun: a place of privacy and safety; refuge

The Retreat at Toad Hall is intended for solo creatives / couples looking to reflect, restore, recharge, and gather new inspiration in the gorgeous serenity of midcoast Maine. You’ll be a 5-minute walk from the charming and historic Village of Bayside, with Victorian-era cottages, five parks, a public swimming beach, and a dock with a summertime lifeguard. An easy 10-minute drive will take you to the City of Belfast, which boasts a walkable waterfront, year-round farmers markets, a food-coop, coffee shop, plentiful shopping opportunities, 3-screen movie theater, banking facilities, and a community arts center. Grocery and restaurant options and an excellent hospital are also in town. The cottage, detached from the main property, features a sleeping loft, full bathroom, workspace, and kitchenette.

About the space

The tiny light-filled cottage is cozy and welcoming. In addition to basic cookware, the corner kitchenette includes a compact refrigerator, toaster oven, induction burner, French press, and an electric kettle. Sleeping options include a queen-size pull-out couch or a full loft bed under a skylight accessed with a sturdy wooden ladder. Full bathroom with shower. There is a wall-mounted electric heat unit and ceiling fan for temperature adjustments. You are welcome to roam the garden, hang out on the lawn (there's a croquet set at the ready) and use the grill on the main house deck.

How to get here

Bangor International Airport, with nonstop flights to and from New York, Newark, Chicago, Philadelphia, Washington, and Fort Lauderdale, is one hour away. Portland International Jetport, serving Atlanta, Baltimore, Charleston, Charlotte, Chicago, Denver, Minneapolis, Houston, Washington, Orlando, Tampa, and more, is 2 hours away.

How can I reserve a stay? And what does “pay-what-you-can” mean?

Look at the calendar below to view the available dates, then email me your reservation request. Residencies are available for up to 10 days. No pets, please. “Pay-what-you-can” means exactly what it says—YOU determine what is within your comfort zone to pay in exchange for your time at the Retreat at Toad Hall. You may make a donation payment with your payment preferences (credit card, Venmo, PayPal, check, etc.) before your stay. If you have questions about the space, location, etc. or want to see additional photographs, please don’t hesitate to ask.