Gourdchard House Retreat

Gourdchard House started as an idea between artsy-scientist Aunt Fannie and whimsical working artist Colossal Sanders as a way to bring dynamic and creative people to Vermont. They wanted to share the inspiring and special place where they lived in a state known for its small-town charm, slow pace, and open space. Through sharing their land with residents, they hope to feed their own creativity while helping others explore theirs.

Both Aunt Fannie and Colossal Sanders arrived in Vermont with different and unrealized career ambitions. Vermont and the land on which they live changed that. They know that change is possible for residents too, free from everyday distractions, an opportunity to immerse yourself in creativity, and to explore new ideas and projects, surrounded by chirping birds, flashing fireflies and the occasional deer, coyote, or bobcat.

Our shared vision is to provide solitude and space for
creative and/or scientific processes on our special slice
of land in Vermont’s Champlain Valley.

What does the retreat offer?

Lodging: Accommodations are in our private Gourdchard House residence, a 176-square-foot tiny house with a composting toilet and greywater recycling system. Residents have 24-hour access to their private accommodations and parking area. The residence includes a kitchen where residents are responsible for making their own meals and maintaining their living space for the duration of their residency. Laundry services are available. Access to the grounds, gardens, wild meadows, walking trails, and on-site recreation equipment is available. There is also access to Lewis Creek, which runs adjacent to the property, for fishing and reflection.

Space: While your hosts live on site and are available for any issues or guidance during your stay, the experience at Gourdchard House is designed around independent, country living using the outdoors as your studio. Our property is a working gourd farm with plentiful gardens and woodland space for you to explore.

Guests will bring all necessary materials and supplies to the retreat. Indoor storage space is available for equipment/supplies, which can be shipped prior to your arrival, if necessary. Note: There is no access to specialized production facilities, technical support, or equipment loans. To get a better sense of the living quarters and what artist projects may best fit this space, check out the Gourdchard House FAQs.

Local delights: During the growing season, residents have access to a small CSA fridge where they can purchase produce grown on site (seasonally). The nearest full-service grocery store is approximately 9 miles away. Gourdchard House has a fully equipped kitchen for cooking meals. Vermont is known for small family farms with delectable homegrown food - we can provide directions to a nearby grocery store, meat shack, or farmers market.

Friendliness: As your hosts, we invite you to a visit with us throughout your stay to learn more about Vermont culture and answer any questions you may have. We love getting to know our guests and supporting their creative visions.

Who should stay at Gourdchard House?

Independent retreats at Gourdchard House offers artists time, space and an inspiring environment for the development of their work. The retreat welcomes writers, poets, small-scale sculptures and painters, drawers, cartoonists, computer illustrators, scientific analyzers, and observers of nature at any stage of their creative career.

We invite artists whose projects fit within the footprint of our property. Studio space is limited to the outdoors and those that do not require additional production support. Artists of all ages (21+), cultural backgrounds, gender identities, and expressions are encouraged to apply. Please note Gourdchard House requires steps to enter and is not wheelchair accessible.

Read more about the living space in Gourdchard House FAQs

Availability: Due to our sustainable water recycling system, retreats are available May 1st through October 27th annually. Residencies must be a minimum of 3 days in length with a 25% discount offered for stays of 30 days or more. All rates are also subject to Vermont room and board taxes, currently 9%.

Retreat Rates: Visit our booking website for current rates.