An annual series of select residencies led by award-winning storytellers
Rosemary’s House offers rare access to award-winning authors, poets, journalists, musicians, playwrights, and film and TV creatives. Under the guidance of a distinguished fellow, each cohort, limited to twelve attendees, will explore storytelling in depth. Our residencies will help you build creative community, develop your craft, and advance your career. Our admissions process is rolling; we invite you to apply at your earliest convenience to ensure that our team is able to review your application. Our first selection of admitted writers will have their choice of mentor and secure early-bird pricing. Spaces are limited. There will be a 2026 waitlist.
May 3 - 10:
Andre Dubus III
Residential Workshop
Andre Dubus III is a #1 NYT bestselling novelist. His nine books include New York Times bestsellers House of Sand and Fog, The Garden of Last Days, and his memoir, Townie, a #4 New York Times bestseller and a New York Times “Editors’ Choice.” His most recent novel, Such Kindness, was one of Amazon’s “The Best Books of 2023, Top 100.”
June 3 - 10:
Fatimah Asghar
Residential Workshop
Fatimah Asghar is an acclaimed poet, novelist, and screenwriter. A South-Asian American Muslim writer, they prioritize story over genre and are the author of If They Come For Us, When We Were Sisters, and the chapbook After. In 2017, they were a recipient of the Ruth Lilly and Dorothy Sargent Rosenberg Poetry Fellowship from the Poetry Foundation, and listed on Forbes’s 30 under 30 list.
June 3 - 10:
Safia Elhillo
Residential Workshop
Sudanese by way of Washington, DC, Safia Elhillo is an award-winning poet and novelist. She is the author of the books The January Children, Girls That Never Die, Home Is Not A Country, and Bright Red Fruit. Elhillo received the 2015 Brunel International African Poetry Prize, and was listed in Forbes Africa’s 2018 “30 Under 30.”
October 4 - 11:
Claudia Rankine
Residential Workshop
Claudia Rankine is the author of five books of poetry, including Citizen: An American Lyric and Don’t Let Me Be Lonely: An American Lyric; three plays including HELP, which premiered in March 2020 (The Shed, NYC); as well as numerous video collaborations. Her collection of essays, Just Us: An American Conversation, was published by Graywolf Press in 2020 and her most recent project TRIAGE is forthcoming with them in 2026. In 2016, she co-founded The Racial Imaginary Institute (TRII). Among her numerous awards and honors, Rankine is the recipient of the Bobbitt National Prize for Poetry.
October 4 - 11:
Maggie Smith
Residential Workshop
Maggie Smith is an acclaimed poet and NYT bestselling memoirist. She is the author of seven award-winning books: Dear Writer: Pep Talks & Practical Advice for the Creative Life, You Could Make This Place Beautiful, Lamp of the Body, The Well Speaks of Its Own Poison, and Good Bones, named by the Washington Post as one of the Five Best Poetry Books of 2017, Keep Moving, and Goldenrod.
October 4 - 11:
Megan Stielstra
Residential Workshop
Megan Stielstra is the author of three collections: Everyone Remain Calm, Once I Was Cool, and The Wrong Way to Save Your Life. Her work appears in the Best American Essays, New York Times, The Believer, Poets & Writers, Tin House, Longreads, LitHub, The Rumpus, and elsewhere.
October 12 - 19: Alisha Fernandez Miranda
Residential WOrkshop
Alisha Fernandez Miranda is a Miami-born, Scotland-based award winning writer of both fiction and nonfiction. Her latest book, the novel Someone’s Gotta Give, was a USA Today bestseller. Her first book, the memoir My What If Year, was featured on Good Morning America and was a People Magazine and Boston Globe best book. Her essays have been featured in publications including Vogue, Marie Claire, Today and Insider.
October 12 - 19: Gloria Calderón Kellett
Residential Workshop
Gloria Calderón Kellett is an award-winning writer, producer, director, actress, and cultural leader whose work sits at the intersection of storytelling, advocacy, and creative excellence. She is best known as the executive producer, co-creator, co-showrunner, director, and actress of the Emmy-winning series One Day at a Time, as well as the creator and showrunner of Amazon’s critically acclaimed With Love. She also executive produced The Horror of Dolores Roach (Amazon/Blumhouse), based on the hit podcast, reuniting her with longtime collaborator Justina Machado. Beyond her creative work, Gloria is a nationally recognized advocate for equity, sustainability, and inclusive storytelling.
More mentor announcements coming soon.
Life at Rosemary’s
Life at Rosemarys
Villa Views
Homegrown Stories
Housing & Tuition
All housing options are located on Olive Beach, a quiet stretch of coast where writers can walk to the sea each morning and return to shared meals and workshops in the evening. Each option offers a different relationship to space, privacy, and independence, while all writers receive the same core residency experience: workshops, mentorship, meals, local transportation, and group activities.
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Accommodation: Rosemary’s House (shared rooms)
Bathroom: Shared
Community Share offers the most accessible way to join the residency while living in close conversation with fellow writers.
Writers share a bedroom and bathroom in Rosemary’s House, a communal home designed to encourage exchange, collaboration, and shared rhythm. This option is well suited to writers who are comfortable with communal living and value proximity to the group over privacy.
Regardless of where you sleep, Rosemary’s House, its common spaces, private pool, and private beach are open to all participants.
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Accommodation: Shared Room in Villa
Bathroom: Shared w/ 1
Courtyard Share provides a quieter shared living experience with fewer people per space. Writers share a bedroom and bathroom with one other writer, typically in Levanda or our partner hotel. This option offers additional privacy while maintaining the ease and social atmosphere of shared housing.
Availability is limited.
Villa Levanda is a modern villa within a five-minute walk to Rosemary’s House. Enjoy access to a kitchen, pool, and laundry in the shared spaces, with the backdrop of the Aegean Sea.
Regardless of where you sleep, Rosemary’s House, its common spaces, private pool, and private beach are open to all participants.
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Accommodation: Single bed room in Rosemary’s House
Bathroom: Shared
Single Rooms offer a private bedroom with a single bed and a shared bathroom.
This option is ideal for writers who prefer their own sleeping space while remaining part of a shared household. It provides a balance between privacy and affordability and is available in limited numbers.
Regardless of where you sleep, Rosemary’s House, its common spaces, private pool, and private beach are open to all participants.
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Accommodation: Private room in Rosemary’s House or in Olive House
Bathroom: Ensuite (Olive House) / Shared (Rosemary’s House)
Private Rooms offer a private bedroom with either a shared or ensuite bathroom, depending on the house.
These rooms are located in Rosemary’s House or Olive House and are well suited for writers who want additional personal space while staying closely connected to the residency community.
Serviced by traditional Greek hospitality, Olive House apartments include access to shared kitchen and outdoor spaces. Olive House is located within a ten-minute walk of Rosemary’s House.
Regardless of where you sleep, Rosemary’s House, its common spaces, private pool, and private beach are open to all participants.
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Accommodation: Private room with Private balcony in Olive House
Bathroom: Ensuite
Garden Balcony Rooms are the most desirable rooms in Olive House.
These private rooms include an ensuite bathroom, a balcony, and generous natural light. They are especially well suited to writers who value quiet mornings, outdoor air, and a sense of retreat within the residency.
Only two Garden Balcony Rooms are available per session.
Serviced by traditional Greek hospitality, Olive House apartments include access to shared kitchen and outdoor spaces. Olive House is located within a ten-minute walk of Rosemary’s House.
Regardless of where you sleep, Rosemary’s House, its common spaces, private pool, and private beach are open to all participants.
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Accommodation: Private room in Villa
Bathroom: Ensuite
Villa Suites are located in the newly renovated main Levanda villa.
Each Villa Suite includes a private ensuite bathroom and access to a shared outdoor living space and pools that often becomes an informal gathering point. This option is ideal for writers who value comfort and proximity to the heart of the residency’s communal life.
Villa Suites are offered during select sessions and are extremely limited.
Villa Levanda is a modern villa within a five-minute walk to Rosemary’s House. Enjoy access to a kitchen, pool, and laundry in the shared spaces, with the backdrop of the Aegean Sea.
Regardless of where you sleep, Rosemary’s House, its common spaces, private pool, and private beach are open to all participants.
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Accommodation: Private hotel room
Bathroom: Ensuite
Private Hotel Suites provide maximum privacy and comfort in our partner hotels on Olive Beach.
These rooms include a private ensuite bathroom and are well suited to writers who prefer a more independent living environment while remaining fully engaged in the residency’s programming.
Availability is limited and subject to confirmation based on hotel inventory.
Regardless of where you sleep, Rosemary’s House, its common spaces, private pool, and private beach are open to all participants.
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Independent Stay is a participation option for writers who prefer to arrange their own accommodation locally.
Writers selecting Independent Stay receive full access to all workshops, meals, transportation, and group activities, but housing is not provided by the residency. This option is intended for writers with existing local accommodation or a strong preference for independence.
Independent Stay is a participation option, not a residency-provided accommodation.
Regardless of where you sleep, Rosemary’s House, its common spaces, private pool, and private beach are open to all participants.
All housing options are within walking distance of the beach and are assigned based on availability and confirmation date. While room category is guaranteed, specific room placement may vary.
What’s Included
Our tuition is all-inclusive, ensuring that once you land in Greece, there are no unexpected expenses. Here’s what your tuition covers:
Accommodation: 7 nights in a stunning villa or hotel, overlooking the Aegean Sea. Standard housing includes a shared room (with one other attending writer).
Private Transportation: Transport to and from the Thessaloniki airport upon arrival and departure.
Professional Mentorship: Receive unparalleled guidance from our fellows and mentors, deeply experienced in their fields and committed to your personal and professional growth.
Writing Workshops: Engage in multi-genre workshops led by pioneering mentors and writers-in-residence. To learn more about our programming options, head here.
Locally-Sourced Meals: Enjoy all meals included and catered by award-winning taverns and chefs, with options for various dietary needs and restrictions.
Yoga and Pilates Classes: Participate in restorative yoga and Pilates sessions included in our weekly programming.
Evening Readings: Share your work during open mic nights under the Greek stars with the Aegean as your backdrop.
Cultural Excursions: Explore ancient ruins, neighboring islands, and local vineyards.
Alumni Community Access: Gain lifetime access to our vibrant alumni community for continued support and networking opportunities.
Rosemary’s House was founded by Angelica Rose Toumbas in celebration of her mother Rosemary (1966-2015). Born in Thessaloniki Greece, Angelica is a songwriter and writer. She graduated from Columbia University with a degree in Political Science and Nonfiction Writing, studied History and Politics at the University of Oxford, and completed an MSt in Writing at the University of Cambridge. She received BMI’s Nashville Songwriting Award, which was selected byKacey Musgraves. Her debut EP is forthcoming.
Testimonials
“Rosemary’s House was the best writing retreat that I have ever attended. The group was so positive and inspiring, and I’m leaving this residency feeling energized and excited to create and write.”
— Writer, Cohort 1, 2023
“I learned so much during my time here at Rosemary’s House. Every writer was so generous and forthcoming with their work, and I truly feel like I’ve been able to grow and learn so much through the community that was created”
— Writer, Cohort 3, 2023
“Loved it. Best experience ever. Attention to detail was impressive. Amazing kitchen, professionalism & quality of experience. The best I have had”
— Writer, Cohort 6, 2023
This place was so incredible for my growth, the community, and just finding my voice. I felt like such an imposter coming in and was overwhelmed with kindness and grace in a way that has made me feel inspired.”
— Writer, Cohort 3, 2023
“I feel like I found my people here! Spending a week at Rosemary’s House with my cohort and the fellow was such an intensely transformative and inspiring experience.”
— Writer, Cohort 6, 2023
“I’m going to miss my family! This was such an amazing experience, both socially & creatively! ”
— Writer, Cohort 2, 2023
