The First Acorn Writing Retreat at Madeira in Fife
by Rebecca Maxwell Stuart
The Journey to Madeira:
Arriving at Writers’ Paradise
What if you could escape to a place where creativity flows, ideas blossom, and you are surrounded by natural beauty and a supportive writing community?
That is exactly what we experienced at the very first Acorn Writing Retreat at Madeira in Fife.
As I turned onto the winding driveway of Madeira, the world grew quieter, the air fresher, and the surroundings more peaceful and serene.
In this secluded corner of Fife, where tree-lined paths meander and the scent of fresh flowers and grass lingers, I arrived at what can only be described as a writer’s paradise.
Over three transformative days in May 2025, a diverse group of writers - each with their own goals, projects and stories – came together to nurture creativity, embrace camaraderie and make meaningful progress.
The Bothy & The Cottages:
A Home Away From Home
At the heart of the quiet estate, the Bothy became our main sanctuary for the three-day retreat. We gathered in this tranquil space for most writing sessions, and shared in the delicious meals and treats thoughtfully prepared by local chef, Taniko Blockley and her family.
With its rustic charm, sturdy wooden frame and glass ceiling, the Bothy felt both inviting and expansive.
Sunlight poured through dappled leaves, creating the sense of writing outdoors whilst sheltered from the elements.
Just a short stroll from the Bothy, the writers enjoyed their own private haven in beautiful terraced cottages.
Each was tastefully designed with a comfortable lounge, a well-equipped kitchenette, a private en-suite bathroom and a cosy bedroom - perfect for unwinding after a day of focused writing. These “wee homes” offered the ideal balance of community and personal retreat.
While no one stayed in the estate’s tranquil Tree Houses this time, we often mused about their magic. Tucked away at the edge of the grounds, these enchanting hideaways offer an idyllic escape for future retreats. Perfect for those bringing a non-writing partner or anyone seeking a secluded creative refuge amidst the trees.
Day 1: A Warm Welcome
Tara, our attentive and gracious host, welcomed us into her beautiful home, ensuring the retreat ran smoothly for everyone. Her care extended to thoughtful accommodations for a participant with dietary restrictions, thanks to collaboration with Taniko.
Before our first writing session, Taniko laid out a delicious spread of light bites and sweet treats to enjoy after travelling. There were freshly made wraps and sandwiches, bowls of crisps, an irresistible selection of homemade fudge, and an array of sweet treats to suit all tastes and dietary requirements. Fresh fruit juice, still water and a tempting variety of speciality teas, coffee and decaf options were all ready to enjoy.
Introductions & Goal-Setting
During introductions, each writer shared their personal goals for the retreat. Jacqueline, returning from a holiday, was eager to dive back into her novel and poetry. Ariane, a seasoned Acorn retreater, was tackling a complex co-authored paper alongside a grant application. Elena, attending her first Acorn Writing Retreat, focused on a series of grant applications and research projects. Avril, new to residential writing retreats, was working diligently on the final stages of her Professional Doctorate in Nursing Education.
We began with the “One Word” exercise, where each participant chose a word that summarised their thoughts and feelings about their writing project at the start (and end) of the retreat. This simple yet evocative activity provides a snapshot of each writers’ mindset, often transforming by the end of the retreat.
Words ranged from “resolved”, “stuck” and “hopeful” to “helpless”. Meanwhile, having recently sent off my PhD thesis corrections, I felt a welcome sense of “renewal” as I embraced facilitating this retreat in such an inspirational new venue.
Writing Sessions & Finding Our Flow
The first day featured two writing sessions: a focused 60 minute session from 2:30 - 3:30pm, followed by a 30 minute refreshment break, then 90 minutes of writing from 4:00 - 5:30pm.
Almost immediately, everyone found their rhythm, settling into the peaceful environment as the sun streamed into the Bothy. Writers claimed comfortable spots, and soon the rhythmic tapping of keys filled the space, punctuated only by the sounds of nature outside.
During writing sessions, the sounds of rustling leaves, chirruping birds and the rhythmic typing of keys created a gentle soundtrack as we each found our flow. Tara, ever considerate, ensured the driveway remained undisturbed during the writing sessions, preserving the peaceful atmosphere.
Checking In & Winding Down
At the end of the day, I invited the group to reflect on their productivity, rating it on a scale of 1 to 10 (with 10 being most productive). Two writers gave themselves a 7, one an 8, and one a 5. With more writing time ahead, I was confident their focus and flow would only grow.
Then, the writers returned to their cottages to decompress before dinner at 6:30pm. Meanwhile, Taniko and her family were busy preparing freshly cooked pizzas in the outdoor Dellonda ovens. Freshly made, including a gluten-free option, the pizzas were crisped to perfection with soft, pillowy dough. Served with fresh salad, coleslaw, and stuffed olives, they were met with delight! Truly some of the best I have ever tasted!
Dessert was equally exquisite: a fresh strawberry cheesecake and delicate, strawberry mochi balls, with a thoughtful dairy-free option.
By 8:30pm, everyone was well-fed and content, returning to their cottages for a well-earned rest. For most, especially the mothers in the group, it was a rare chance to turn in early and enjoy a peaceful night’s sleep.
Day 2:
Morning Conversations & Reflections
After a restful night in their cosy cottages, the writers gathered once more in the Bothy by 8:30am, ready to begin the second day of the retreat.
Taniko had worked her culinary magic yet again, laying out a tempting breakfast spread. Granola pots layered with fruit and yoghurt sat alongside flaky Danish pastries, buttery croissants & pain au chocolat, slices of bread for golden toast, a variety of cereals and bowls of vibrant, fresh fruit. Jugs of chilled fruit juice glistened in the morning light, alongside coffee, tea and herbal infusions.
Avril, her energy renewed, grinned and declared, “I woke up this morning excited to get stuck in!” - exactly the spirit our writing retreats nurture!
As we sat around the breakfast table, conversations meandered from light-hearted banter to thoughtful reflections. One thing that stood out was Elena’s penchant for the dark and unexpected.
As the group discussed a fairly light topic, Elena surprised everyone with a gruesome tale of alleged mass murder. Eyes widened, and I could almost hear the collective tightening of throats as we munched our granola.
Now, I should mention that Elena is a dear friend of mine that I have known for many years. So, I chuckled and gently steered the conversation back to lighter ground, remarking that Elena had a knack for adding unexpected twists, but we loved her for it.
Avril quipped with perfect timing, “It’s not that you talk about dark things - it’s just how quickly you go there!”
Everyone laughed and it was clear how much we all valued and embraced each other’s quirks, moods and perspectives. At each Acorn Writing Retreat, there is a collective spirit of kindness, embracing authenticity and lifting each other up.
By mid-morning, the sense of camaraderie was palpable. Writers supported each other with compliments, encouragement and thoughtful observations. No competition, no sharp edges. Just a shared respect and a growing sense of community.
Goal-Setting & Planning
Before the first writing session, the writers gathered in small groups to discuss their goals for the day. These mini conversations helped them focus their intentions and offered a layer of accountability, with some sharing tips and strategies.
Avril shared that she was working on three key themes in her analysis. She mentioned parking a more challenging section for later, but as we talked, I encouraged her to tackle it first thing: “You’re in a safe space here, it’s the perfect environment to face it head on”.
With a determined nod, she agreed, “I’ll stick to the plan.”
As a facilitator, I am aware that this is a common struggle. Writers often arrive with long to-do lists, overwhelmed by the magnitude of their projects. My role is to help them focus on just a few key aspects as not everything can be solved in three days. But I reassure them that what they can accomplish at these retreats will far surpass what they might have achieved elsewhere.
Facilitating Focus Amidst Distractions
As we began with goal-setting discussions at 9:15, Elena was nowhere to be seen.
While I am often known for my gentle approach and how I quietly help each writing group connect and stay on track, I also recognise the importance of maintaining focus and structure.
Much like Professor Rowena Murray’s occasional “formidable” style, I make sure everyone stays on track, protecting their valuable writing time. I have even been called “stern” on occasion, especially when participants stray from the schedule or disrupt the group’s flow.
Just as we were about to begin writing, Elena arrived and joined my goal-setting group with Avril. When asked about her plans for today, she rattled off a long list, “Oh, I’ve got an abstract to turn into a paper, two grant applications and a few other things.”
I then advised, “Okay that’s a lot of different tasks. Focus on just one key task for the next session - other things can wait.”
Another key point for a successful retreat is to switch off and focus. I had noticed the previous day that Elena’s phone had been her frequent companion during writing sessions. With a quiet word, I encouraged her to set it aside, which she managed (perhaps helped by the fact I was sitting directly across from her). But as notifications continued to buzz through, I reminded her to either switch off her phone or turn on ‘do not disturb’. This was for her own benefit as well as for the consideration of the group, ensuring everyone remained uninterrupted during the writing sessions.
Where Words Flow & Friendships Form
Ariane, embracing the glorious weather, chose to write outside at one of the tables near the Bothy.
Inside, the rhythm of typing from Avril, Elena and me echoed through the rustic space, interwoven with birdsong from the surrounding trees. Jacqueline, immersed in her poetry and novel, filled her notebooks with swift scribbles, her hand racing to keep up with her thoughts. Occasionally, she reached for her thesaurus or trusty book of rhyming words for inspiration.
After the first writing session, the group paused for a break. Laptops were closed, and conversation bubbled up as participants helped themselves to fresh coffee and more of Taniko’s sweet treats. Protein bars and fresh fruit added a healthy touch to the offerings. The large comfortable sofa and armchair in the Bothy provided a welcome spot to step away from the screens and switch off for 30 minutes before returning to the writing flow.
I often say that each retreat group becomes a writing dream team, and this gathering was no exception. It is a rare and precious opportunity to write, connect and build a supportive network in such a meaningful way. With every shared moment, the camaraderie grew stronger.
During the sessions, writers moved quietly, finding their perfect seat. Ariane continued writing outside the Bothy, soaking in the sunshine and the peacefulness of the surrounding trees as she concentrated on her challenging conceptual paper.
Halfway during the second writing session, Elena stood up from her bench, carrying all of her stuff and headed outside. I watched and noticed that rather than sitting outside the Bothy with Ariane, she went back to her cottage.
The Conductor Steps In: Keeping on Track
By the end of the writing session, there was still no sign of Elena. Meanwhile, Ariane had returned inside as we were wrapping up. We waited a few moments, and I glanced towards the cottages, hoping Elena would appear.
After no sign of her, I sighed, “It looks like it’s time to channel my inner-Rowena around Elena.”
I headed over to her cottage, peering through the window to notice she was sitting at the table in the lounge, looking a little lost in thought. I knocked and opened the door, “Hey, are you alright?”
She stood up with a wry smile and admitted, “Oh, I’m okay, I just came over here to wallow a bit…” Followed by what sounded like a stream of excuses.
I raised my eyebrows, “I get it but we all need to stay focused. You came on a writing retreat to be productive and part of a team, not sneaking off to wallow on your own. Come on now, let’s have a break and then you can get back into the flow.”
Elena nodded, and we headed back to the group. From that point on, she was present and engaged in every session, making steady progress on her projects.
Later, she shared that she appreciated me being “a bit like Rowena” to get her to write, recognising that occasionally she gets consumed in all her thoughts. She explained how her neurodivergent brain can sometimes feel like King’s Cross Station - so many trains and thoughts, it is hard to keep up. At the retreat, I found myself stepping into the role of conductor, helping her stay on track and focus on one train/task at a time.
Nature, Nourishment &
a Surprise Encounter
At 1pm, the ever-attentive Taniko arrived right on cue to set up lunch. Meanwhile, the writers strolled around the estate to catch some rays of sunshine and fresh air among the trees, away from their laptops and notebooks.
The estate offers plenty of pathways leading to secret natural nooks, with whimsical touches like wishing stones, a hedgehog path, and fairy doors tucked amidst the lush greenery.
After a refreshing walk, we returned to the Bothy for a nourishing lunch of perfectly baked potatoes with an array of toppings, homemade quiche and salad – just the fortification we needed to fuel our writing for the afternoon.
For a change of scenery, Tara kindly set up the Conservatory adjoining her house as an alternative writing space. This beautiful glass room, draped with vines and early clusters of grapes, was an idyllic place for an afternoon’s work.
Adding to the day’s delight, we got to meet Tara’s newest addition to her family: Chaskia, a nine-week-old Red Labrador with the sweetest nature.
Her name means ‘celestial being’ in Peruvian, and she sparkled with curiosity at her new world. Puppy cuddles provided the perfect energy boost before we returned to our writing.
An Afternoon of Flow & Achievement
The afternoon flew by as we wrote in the idyllic Conservatory. Ariane and Jacqueline basked in the sunshine whilst writing outside, joined by Tara’s two cats as purring companions.
During the break, the writers meandered through the private walled garden, heading back to The Bothy for delicious refreshments and a welcome stretch away from their screens.
By the end of the day’s writing, one writer rated their productivity a 10, the rest ranged from 7 to 9 - impressive scores for Day 2! Everyone had made significant progress on their individual projects.
I checked in with Avril to see how she got on with the tricky theme she mentioned earlier. She beamed at me and proudly declared, “I did it!” What an achievement! I celebrated with her, marvelling at how she had powered through it in just one peaceful, productive day.
Ariane, having spent the day wrangling her conceptually challenging article, dashed off to get ready to visit the local tidal pools. The rest of the writers headed back to their cottages to decompress before reconvening for dinner at the Bothy.
Tranquil Tidal Pools & Fabulous Fajitas
By 7pm, Taniko had prepared another healthy feast for us. The wooden table was covered with bowls of fajita fillings: chicken slices and peppers spiced to perfection; a vegetarian option of mushrooms, courgettes and peppers; fresh guacamole, salsa and sour cream; grated cheese; perfectly cooked potato wedges; vibrant salad and lime slices.
Avril, Jacqueline, Elena and I could barely wait for Ariane to arrive. I started to worry when her car was not in the driveway, knowing she had gone to the tidal pools alone.
Thankfully, she appeared just as we were about to dig in, apologising for her lateness. She explained, “I couldn’t leave, it was so nice, it was just sooo nice!”
To be fair, it must have felt blissful to swim in the ocean after an intense day of writing, helping clear her mind. The local tidal pools of Pittenweem and Cellardyke are a short drive away, and there is time during the retreat (particularly on four-day retreats) to enjoy a refreshing dip.
For dessert, Taniko treated us to exquisitely delicate macarons and Luvians ice cream from Cupar. Avril was in glee, delighted by the renowned local ice cream maker. By the end of dinner, everyone was content and ready for rest. Back in their cottages, the writers enjoyed Celestial Seasonings Sleepytime tea to help them unwind and switch off.
I am always aware that at residential writing retreats, it can be difficult to switch off at night.
Sleeping in a different environment can be unsettling and minds may be buzzing with all of the ideas generated during the day. However, at Acorn Writing Retreats, rest is a priority and at Madeira, the accommodation is truly blissful.
Day 3: Our Final Day of Writing Together
The final day of writing is always my favourite; a time for wrapping up, celebrating our achievements, and leave with a sense of progress and inspiration. Everyone was in good spirits, ready to dive into the morning sessions before heading home in the afternoon.
On the last day, there are two 90 minute sessions, giving us three solid hours to tie up any key sections and plan next steps.
At breakfast, conversations were both poignant and supportive. Everyone had slept well, some impressed by the assistance of the sleepytime tea. Despite the rain outside, the atmosphere remained upbeat, everyone seeming jovial although somewhat sad that it was our last day writing together.
Taniko laid out another glorious breakfast spread, this time including ripe avocados, homemade pancakes and crepes. I picked up a golden Danish pastry and gasped with joy when I realised it was still warm from the oven.
The morning’s writing took place in the beautiful Bothy, where the pitter-patter of rain added a soothing backdrop. Tara, ever the considerate host, checked in on everyone before we started writing and graciously lit the log-burning stove, filling the space with warmth and comfort.
During goal-setting discussions, I spoke with Elena and Jacqueline. Elena, who had been feeling a bit overwhelmed earlier in the retreat, seemed visibly brighter after some guidance, shifting from feeling “helpless” to purposeful and focused. Jacqueline was initially unsure of her focus, but as the session began, her pen once again flew across the page.
Starting with Pride & Ending with Purpose
Before diving into the morning’s tasks, I gave the group a simple but powerful prompt: “What parts of my project am I most proud of and why?”
This reflective exercise always sparks smiles as writers reconnect with their achievements. It is a lovely way to start the last day on a positive note, setting the tone for purposeful writing.
At 9:30, each writer settled back into their projects, determined to make the most of their final morning within this restorative setting.
During the break, I checked in with Ariane, who had spent the first session working on her challenging article alongside her co-author remotely. It was clear the project was weighing on her, and she admitted feeling a bit stressed. After a brief chat, she decided to set it aside and shift her focus to a new project that inspired her. It was a wise decision that helped her wrap up the retreat on a high note, with renewed energy.
A Nourishing End to the Writing Retreat
At 1pm sharp, Taniko arrived, right on cue to prepare our final lunch. She laughed, “It’s like I’m your personal alarm clock!” Truly, it was the best kind of alarm - a welcome signal to wrap up the session, bringing the writers back to reality after being so deeply immersed in their projects.
Smiles spread as everyone stretched at their desks. The retreat was complete. I could tell they were all satisfied and happy with their progress.
As everyone packed up, we gathered for a debrief and celebration of achievements, whilst Taniko served delicious toasties, Thai-spiced lentil soup and the softest leek and cheese bread.
Celebrating Milestones &
Moments of Transformation
I really loved facilitating this first Acorn Writing Retreat at Madeira in Fife. The venue was exceptional, idyllic and inspirational - the perfect setting for a productive and restorative writing retreat. Like previous retreats, it was wonderful to support everyone on their individual journeys and to witness them support each other as a small but ever so mighty writing dream team.
Jacqueline shared her wisdom and colourful life experiences. She began the retreat “stuck” but became “unstuck”, writing two new poems and progressing with her captivating book.
Ariane embraced the sunshine and natural surroundings, powering through her grant application and co-authored paper whilst finding inspiration for a new, exciting project. Her word at the beginning had been “resolved”, but she left feeling “renewed”.
Avril having arrived “hopeful”, completed all three themes of her Professional Doctorate, and left “excited” to continue wrapping it up before her deadline later this year. Her pride in her work was palpable.
Meanwhile, Elena kept us laughing, and together we all helped push away the shadows that threatened to dim her sparkle. She may have arrived feeling “helpless”, but she left feeling “nurtured.” I was so impressed by how much everyone achieved in just three days, two nights and eight writing sessions!
Final Reflections & Future Enhancements
After the writers departed and made their way home, I sat down with Tara to reflect. We were both beaming and “glowing” with how successful the retreat had been.
I was especially impressed by Tara’s dedication, particularly her efforts to ensure the writers were not disturbed during sessions. It was no small feat to wrangle a full household with a dog, a puppy, cats and three teenage girls. There was even “a gathering, not a party” on Wednesday with over 20 teens celebrating the end of exams - and not a peep was heard by the writers!
Tara and Taniko were both keen for feedback to enhance future retreats. There are already exciting ideas in the works, but for this retreat, it was a resounding success.
Jacqueline made a great suggestion about having a separate space for writing and dining. So, for the next retreat in June (24th -27th), the Bothy will be dedicated as the social hub for meals and refreshments, while writing sessions will move to the stunning vine-canopied Conservatory and a new “whimsical” Marquee tucked away in a quiet corner of the estate. Future retreats are destined to be even greater successes!
A Warm Invitation
As we wrapped up the first Acorn Writing Retreat at Madeira in Fife, I could not help but reflect on the magic we created together. A special place where words flowed, friendships formed, and creativity blossomed.
If you have ever longed for a few precious days to nurture your writing alongside like-minded writers, and soak in nature’s tranquility, I warmly invite you to join us.
We would love to welcome you at a future retreat, where your words and ideas can flourish and thrive.
Our next two Acorn Writing Retreat at Madeira in Fife will last for four days - allowing more time for focus, creative/conceptual clarity and rejuvenation! There is still space for you to be part of our next Acorn Writing Dream Team, experience the magic, and claim your own desk beneath the vines.
