About The Barred Owl Retreat, Formerly The Wyman Estate, Built in 1920

When we purchased the home in 2011, the idea was to have a space where writers, educators, and students could gather. The Barred Owl Retreat was established in 2012 with our first workshop held by poet Ruth Foley. Over the years, many award-winning poets have visited, like Patricia Smith and Ilya Kaminsky. We have hosted local colleges, organizations, small groups, and individuals wishing to have personal or woods retreats in Central Massachusetts and Worcester’s backyard.

At the front of the home rests a 15 x 35 sunroom—The Gathering Room—where retreats and workshops take place. Guests can lodge in a rustic tiny house or in one of the five guest rooms.

The sprawling 16-room cottage sits on land formerly a 1750’s farm and before that sacred Nipmuc Indian land. The property is home to much nature—river otters, beavers, deer—with its two ponds and stream, and it is surrounded by Greater Worcester Land Trust conservation land. There are knolls and gardens to wonder; sit by the pond and visit the chickens or ducks; or find a quiet spot to write and reflect. Take a paddle in Southwick Pond, walk on many nearby nature trails, or visit world-class museums, concert halls, and restaurants in Worcester. We are just 45 miles from Boston and 40 miles from Providence, R.I. 

We offer The Gathering Room, where we host our workshops, for rental for small woods retreats, meetings, or events. Our lodging can be reserved for your stays or for individually curated residencies for writers, educators, or a small group of like-minded folks. Design your own residency or retreat, or let me help you curate your experience at The Barred Owl. Contact me at 508 963-3133.