Tell your stories your way.
Join our writing events in 2023 to gain experience with poetry or prose, with a like-minded group of supportive writers.
Events
Prose Residency
Celebrate National Novel Writing Month in November - aka NaNoWriMo. Ditch the distractions, and just write. Join us for this unstructured residency where all accomodation and meals are covered.
Each event is separate - you are welcome to join each individually.
Memoir Writers' Group
A new memoir writing group is being launched for writers local to the Chateau de Saint-Germain-des-Prés in Dordogne. Come to this regular group meeting to share your writing and take part in writing exercises designed to challenge your ideas and practice different writing techniques. Develop your ideas in a like-minded group of supportive writers. Whether you are aiming for a full book-length memoir, as short essay-length piece, a performance piece, or poetry, if you want to write your life story this the group for you.
No previous experience required. You only need an interest in the idea of writing your own memoir or life story, something to write with and something to write on. Tea, coffee and cake will be available in a short break.
Writing Residencies
Discover Poetry
Stay at private chateau with an experienced tutor who will help you find your way.
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October 16 - 21 2023: Whether you are at the beginning, or have already started your poetry writing journey, Kate Rose will guide you on your poetry discovery.
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Stay at a Private Chateau
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Enjoy the chateau common rooms and 15 ha of grounds during your 5-night stay.
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Bedrooms are generously sized, with a small seating area.
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Mix of en-suite and shared facilities - max 2 bedrooms share w.c. or shower.
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Rooms are first-come, first-served by reservation date.
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Double-occupancy with two single beds
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Stay with a small group of like-minded people - limit of 10 guests.
Authentic French Cuisine
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Meals prepared by our Cordon Bleu chef partner, Gourmet by Anne Stuart Folkes.
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Champagne reception on evening of arrival.
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Breakfast with pastries fresh from the boulangerie just steps away.
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Wine or non-alcoholic drink of your choice.
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Tea & coffee all day, plus snacks and aperitif too.
What to Bring
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Your favourite writing materials for a week's worth of writing.
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Good walking shoes.
Meet Your Hosts
Meet Kate
Kate Rose is a British poet, living and working in south west France. Her collection, Brushstrokes, was published by Mosaique Press in May 2022. Her poems have been translated and published in Italian and Romanian. Her work has been placed in a number of international competitions and has appeared in a range of on-line anthologies. She is the co-founder of Artemesia Arts, which hosts an annual poetry festival, poetry@treignac, each September in the Correze Department of France. Kate is a Fellow of the Royal Society of Arts. https://katerose.online
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Kate will encourage and nurture the poet in you. ​
Kate Rose (FRSA)
Meet Sara & Stephen
We are Sara & Stephen Cole, Canadians who dreamt of moving to France. We're excited to share our dream, our home, the Château de Saint-Germain-des-Prés.
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The tower of the chateau is from the 16th century, and features a broad spiral stone staircase. Built by a noble family nearly 500 years ago, the 'blazon' or crest of the family still shows on the tower.
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We created “Manor and Maker” to reflect the two sides of our adventure. One, to live as chateau owners with all the ups and downs and two, to pursue our passions as makers, creating art in all its forms. We invite others to come together, united by their passions, to share in this adventure.
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We will be available on-site all week to ensure you have a comfortable stay.
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Welcome to Manor & Maker.
Start Your Residency Today
Reserve your spot by making your deposit payment below. Prices are per person. Making your deposit confirms your agreement to the terms & conditions.
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We'll be in touch within 24 hours confirming all is well (don't forget to check your spam or junk folder).
Poetry Residency: October 16 - 21 2023
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EARLY BIRD SPECIAL UNTIL JUNE 26, 2023
Double Occupancy €2250 (Regular Price €2500)
Special Gift!
Something special you can use during your stay & take home after will be waiting for you!
Select Session & Occupancy and Pay Deposit
What's Not Included
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Transportation from your hometown to the pickup point, including airfare, train connections, or car rental
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Baggage, accident, cancellation, nor travel insurance ('cancel for any reason' strongly recommended to protect your investment)
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Passport and visa expenses
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Personal expenses, such as laundry, telephone calls
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Meals not served at the château
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Alcoholic drinks not served at meals at the château
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Any extra tours or excursions off the property, should you choose to roam
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and any other items not specifically noted as included
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Frequently Asked Questions
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I don't have a lot of experience writing poetry. Is this residency for me?
Yes! If you are willing to explore ideas and are ready to develop your writing skills this is the workshop for you. Your tutor will be an experienced teacher and writer who is looking forward to guiding you through your unique writing journey.
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Where are you located & how do I get there?
We are in the town of Saint-Germain-des-Prés, Dordogne, postal code 24160 (there are a couple of more places of that name in France). Here's our guide on how to get to us. We offer pickups from Limoges Benedictins Gare (may be scheduled with other guests' arrivals) or Thiviers Gare.
No. Your hosts can help you with all local needs. It’s always good to have the absolute essentials though so we can prepare you to say hello (bonjour) and thank you (merci beaucoup) before you set off to buy something delicious from our very near by French bakery!
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Do I need to speak French?
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Can I bring a partner?
Yes. If your partner is writing too, then you each register separately as double occupancy. If your partner is not writing, then book once as double occupancy, and your partner may stay for a €300 supplementary fee. In both cases, please send us an email clarifying so that we book you in the same bedroom..
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Do I have to share a room?
We will do our best to pair you with a similar roommate. What a great opportunity to build a new friendship.
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May I arrive earlier or stay later than the retreat dates?
Much as we love having guests, we aren't open as a B&B, so accommodation is only available on the workshop dates. There is lots to explore in our area, if you wish to make your own plans to extend your holiday.
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Can you accommodate my food sensitivity?
France is famous for its fine cuisine, fresh produce markets, delicious pastries and cheeses. Enjoy chef-prepared suppers all week; the taste of France is part of your immersive experience. Join your hosts for breakfasts & lunches and choose what appeals from the shared table dishes. Please notify us of any food restrictions and, where possible, we will accommodate your needs within our daily dining offering.
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What if I get sick and can't come? (Cancellation Policy)
We strongly recommend 'cancel for any reason' travel insurance. We do not offer last-minute refunds for any reason, due to advance planning costs. Check out the terms & conditions for other timing. Travel insurance protects your investment, and helps alleviate disappointment if your plans have to change.
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What will the weather be like?
Day time temperatures in October are around 19C (66F) with night time lows around 12C (54F). You can expect a mix of sunny & rainy days, with average monthly precipitation around 15mm (0.6 in). It's a great time for your favourite knitwear. Of course, these are averages, so temperatures could be warmer or cooler, rainier or sunnier during your stay. ​
Still Have Questions?
Drop us a line. We'll do our best to get back to you in 48 hours.
We welcome questions to your hosts or to the workshop tutors.