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WRITING HOUSES

Bench looking out onto view of lumb valley
Our three writing houses are each historic, beautiful and peaceful but with a distinct character – from the lush meadows of North Devon and the forested hills of Shropshire, to the dramatic uplands of Yorkshire. Away from everyday distractions, these are special places where you can feel free to imagine, concentrate and write.

OUR WRITING HOUSES

The Hurst front

THE HURST, SHROPSHIRE

The Hurst is a place you can write, far away from daily distractions. The house and gardens, surrounded by the forest-covered Shropshire Hills, were the former home of playwright John Osborne.

Totleigh Barton pond and garden

TOTLEIGH BARTON, DEVON

Totleigh Barton, the first ever Arvon centre, is a 16th-century manor house in one of the most peaceful and idyllic parts of Devon.

Lumb Bank house

LUMB BANK, YORKSHIRE

Lumb Bank is an 18th-century millowner's house in West Yorkshire, which once belonged to Ted Hughes. It’s set in 20 acres of steep woodland with breathtaking views to the valley below.

The Clockhouse Writers Retreat Arvon

THE CLOCKHOUSE, SHROPSHIRE

The Clockhouse is Arvon's dedicated writing retreat. It sits alongside The Hurst in the Shropshire Hills.

Hebden Bridge IOU Hostel Exterior shot with patio

IOU HOSTEL, YORKSHIRE

As part of our exciting new Arvon North programme, we are offering Arvon retreats and live events in Hebden Bridge as we prepare for the redevelopment of Lumb Bank. Working with our partners at IOU Hostel in Hebden Bridge we will be offering the Arvon experience in a brand new setting.

ACCESSIBILITY

Arvon welcomes writers with disabilities. If you have any specific access requirements, please discuss with us prior to booking and we will do our utmost to accommodate your needs. All communal spaces, including workshop spaces, are accessible to people with mobility issues. Each centre can accommodate a personal assistant or carer if required, and if there are spaces available. Accessibility to bedrooms and bathrooms varies by centre. The Hurst has the most comprehensive facilities for disabled people, with wheelchair access to every room via a lift, with all rooms equipped with ensuite bathrooms, five of which are wetrooms equipped for wheelchair access. For detailed access information on each house and for our online programme, please visit our dedicated access page.