Castello di Ristonchi

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Written in Brooklyn

present

Tuscan

Castle

Creative

Retreat

writers retreat tuscany

7-night Tuscany Writing Retreat

May 20-27, 2024 (spots available)

Escape to the enchanting Castello di Ristonchi, a picturesque castle and farm nestled within a lush forest, for a 7-day exclusive creativity retreat that promises to be an unforgettable journey. Located a stone's throw from the charming Pelago village and the historic city of Florence, Castello di Ristonchi is a haven for creative souls.

Savor culinary excellence with three wonderful and nourishing meals each day, meticulously prepared by our acclaimed Tuscan chef. At dinner enjoy a pairing with the finest regional wines to delight your palate.

"Beautiful property full of historical charm, lost amidst the Tuscan hills. The view was second to none and the food was one of the best Italian food I’ve ever had." - Brice

Picture yourself in a cozy nook, with inspiration in every sunbeam and a panorama that could stir sonnets from stones. Whether you're just now dipping your toes into creativity, a dedicated journal writer, or published author, let Written in Tuscany be your playground.

Your time is delightfully yours. When the words need to rest, why not meander through the olive groves, chat with other guests over an espresso, unwind at the pool, or share laughter and a glass of Chianti on the terrace? At Castello di Ristonchi, every moment is a page waiting to be written—come author your own unforgettable chapter.


“The place has a magical atmosphere and the food is amazing! The owners go above and beyond to make it a magical experience. It’s an authentic place with fun activities and wonderful light and surroundings. I can’t wait to return!” - Anna

writing retreat italy
  • This retreat is designed for anyone with a creative spirit seeking time, space, and inspiration to focus on their art. It's perfect for writers of all genres, artists who wish to capture the Tuscan light in their work, photographers looking for breathtaking landscapes, and musicians inspired by the harmony of nature. Whether you're a professional looking to advance your practice, a hobbyist seeking to deepen your skills, or simply someone on the quest for a creative spark, Castello di Ristonchi provides an inclusive, nurturing environment to explore and expand your creative boundaries.

  • Writers of varying experience levels are welcome to attend. Whether you are a beginner or more advanced.

  • Absolutely! We understand that each guest may have unique dietary needs, and we are more than happy to accommodate them. Whether you have specific food allergies, follow a particular diet, or have other food restrictions, our talented chef will ensure that your meals are not only safe but also delicious and tailored to your preferences. Just let us know in advance, and we'll take care of the rest, allowing you to fully enjoy the culinary experiences during your retreat at Castello di Ristonchi.

  • Yes,! At Castello di Ristonchi, we provide Wi-Fi/internet access throughout the retreat both inside and outside to ensure that you can stay connected whenever you need to. Whether it's to research, stay in touch with loved ones, or share your retreat experiences on social media, we've got you covered.

  • Prices include: Room, 7 breakfasts, 6 lunches, tea and coffee, 6 dinners, three group reading and feedback sessions, morning meditations, three afternoon prompt sessions, use of Ristonchi facilities including the pool, Templar Hall, WIFI, garden and terraces as well as pick up and return from Florence.

    Prices do not include: One-to-one mentoring sessions, flights, additional transfers if you want to leave the property during the retreat, drinks apart from tea and coffee in the morning/afternoon and 1 glass of wine at dinner.

  • Our cancellation policy ensures that both our guests and our retreat can plan effectively. If you need to cancel for any reason, we offer a 50% refund up to 60 days before the retreat start date. Unfortunately, within 60 days of the retreat, we cannot offer refunds due to the commitments we've made in anticipation of your stay. We recommend that all our guests purchase travel insurance to protect against unexpected changes to their plans.

  • If you need a break from writing there’s a lovely swimming pool onsite.

    There are short or long walks in the hills. We provide maps and directions

    Complementary tea, coffee and biscuits are available at all times.

    A glass of wine, a cold beer, cocktail or gelato are available for purchase.

  • The setting at Castello di Ristonchi is a picturesque blend of historic charm and natural beauty, nestled in the rolling hills of Tuscany. The castle itself exudes a timeless allure, surrounded by lush forests, olive groves, and vineyards. Expect tranquil surroundings, with the gentle hum of nature and the rustic elegance of the castle's stone walls.

    To prepare for your stay, we recommend packing comfortable clothing suitable for both writing workshops and leisurely explorations of the countryside. Include layers to adapt to Tuscany's warm days and cooler evenings. Don’t forget a good pair of walking shoes for strolls through the estate or nearby hills. Bring along any writing materials you prefer, like a laptop or notebook, as well as any adapters for charging devices, considering Italy's power outlets.

    Most importantly, come with an open heart and mind, ready to soak in the inspiring atmosphere and the creative spirit that the retreat is designed to foster.

  • Staying in touch with fellow writers after the retreat is a wonderful way to keep the spirit of collaboration and support alive. We encourage all participants to exchange contact information, whether that be email addresses, phone numbers, or social media handles.

  • the retreat at Castello di Ristonchi celebrates creativity in its myriad forms, extending beyond the written word. It's a haven for any creative pursuit, be it writing, painting, photography, or music. The tranquil surroundings, steeped in natural beauty and historic wonder, provide the perfect canvas for artists to delve into their craft. With an atmosphere that sparks inspiration, this retreat is an ideal setting for anyone looking to deepen their artistic expression, no matter the medium.

  • Start by filling out the form above. To officially book you’ll sign a contract and send the first payment. Payments are as follows:
    1. 500€ to reserve your spot at time of booking.
    2. 50% of your total is due by February 1, 2024.
    3. 100% of your payment is due 60 days before your arrival (March 20th, 2024).