An annual series of select retreats led by award-winning storytellers
Rosemary’s House retreats offer rare access to award-winning authors, journalists, and film and TV creatives. Under the guidance of a distinguished fellow, each cohort, limited to ten attendees, will explore storytelling in depth. Our retreats will help you build creative community, develop your craft, and advance your career. While all cohorts are open to all mediums and genres, we invite you to explore our list of 2024 mentors to find whose work and professional trajectory align best with your creative project and professional aims. Applications for our 2024 cycle are now open and will be accepted on a rolling basis. Spaces are limited, so we encourage you to apply as soon as possible. You can head to our 2024 programming page to read more about each fellow, retreat curriculum, and remaining spots.
The 2024 Mentors
Marisa Renee Lee is a bestselling memoirist, former political advisor, and award-winning advocate. She contributes regularly to publications like Elle, Vogue, and The Atlantic.
Krishan Trotman is the Vice-President and publisher of Legacy Lit, a trailblazing imprint she launched under Hachette Books in 2020. Legacy Lit specializes in amplifying marginalized voices and curating books that make an impact.
Jenny Zhang is an acclaimed essayist, author, and poet, with notable screenwriting experience for platforms like A24, HBO, Netflix, Apple, and Amazon. Her work appears in The New York Times, Poetry, and Harpers, among others.
Ben Taub is a Pulitzer-prize winning journalist and staff writer at the New Yorker. In 2020, he won the Pulitzer Prize for feature writing, for his work on the lasting effects, on former detainees and guards, of American abuses in Guantánamo Bay.
Adam Leipzig, a filmmaker and former executive at Walt Disney Studios and National Geographic Films, has been involved in a prolific catalogue of award-winning films and plays, which have won or been nominated for 10 Academy Awards.
Heather Aimee O'Neill, assistant director of the Sackett Street Writers’ Workshop, is an experienced poet, editor, and writing coach.
Sally Bayley is a fiction and nonfiction writer. She teaches creative writing, literature, and academic writing at the University of Oxford and hosts a highly successful immersive podcast.
Chloe Dulce Louvouezo is an author, narrative strategist, and advocate, currently serving as a Senior Communications Officer at the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation.
Life at Rosemary’s
Villa Views
What’s Included
Our tuition is all-inclusive, ensuring that once you land in Greece, there are no unexpected expenses. Our early-bird tuition rate is €3995—limited spots remaining, so apply soon! Our standard tuition rate is €4995 euros. Here’s what your tuition covers:
Accommodation: 7 nights in a stunning Greek villa or hotel, overlooking the Aegean Sea. Standard housing includes a shared room (with one other attending writer), with upgrade options available here.
Private Transportation: Comfortable transport to and from the Thessaloniki airport upon arrival and departure.
Welcome Dinner and Ceremony: Start your retreat with a welcome dinner followed by a traditional Greek ceremony.
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. While optional small-group workshops will be available to writers on our Individual Tutorial Retreat and Generative Storytelling Retreat, those retreats will include one-on-one tutorials and generative seminars at the core of their respective programming. To learn more about our programming options, head here.
Gourmet 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.
Leisure Activities: Enjoy paddleboarding, swimming, snorkeling, lounging, and dancing.
Balance of Activity and Rest: Experience a perfect mix of activities with ample time to rest and recharge.
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