Oregon Writer

Staircase to south and west bedrooms

Looking up to west bedroom

Arch above kitchen door

Fireplace north wall

Staircase south wall

Colonyhouse is a writer's haven overlooking the Pacific Ocean to the west and Lake Lytle to the east. The house is just north of Rockaway Beach, and is within walking distance of the small town. Beneath the protective vinyl siding lies the warmth of a log home, with a massive stone fireplace. Built in 1941, the house sleeps eight comfortably in separate beds. There are four bedrooms, two full bathrooms, a well-equipped kitchen and ample writing space in front of windows with water views.
It is a special place to go to write; owned and managed by writers, for writers. The site of occasional workshops and retreats, it is also available for weekend and weekday writing use by Oregon Writers Colony members. Many critique groups use the house on weekends.
Everyone in a group using the house must be a current member of OWC. It is not available for use by the general public.

Colonyhouse

An oceanside retreat for Oregon Writers Colony members only.

You must have been a member for six months before being allowed to use the house. Those visiting the house with a group sponsored by a member are exempt from this six month rule, but still must become members of OWC before using the house.

House Management: Marlene and Bob Howard

About the house | |Testimonial | About Rockaway Beach | Photos of Colonyhouse in use--Founders Day, 2007

Photos of Colonyhouse in use--Sherwood High School Students | Writer-in-Residence Program |

This is my eighteenth year as an OWC member. Of all the great opportunities and services OWC offers, my most treasured is Colonyhouse. What a gift to Northwest writers and beyond. To date, I have written substantial portions of six or seven books there, savored the creative exchange and good cheer of colleagues and friends, introduced fifty writers and an agent to the haven, and caught up on dozens of editing projects. Thank you, thank you, thank you! Elizabeth Lyon, author of Manuscript Makeover: Revision Techniques No Fiction Writer Can Afford, (2008) as well as Nonfiction Book Proposals Anybody Can Write, The Writer's Guide to Nonfiction, The Sell Your Novel Tool Kit, A Writer's Guide to Fiction, National Directory of Editors & Writers.

"Whether you're seeking the solitude of a writing getaway or the energy of a workshop, Colonyhouse is a breeding ground for inspired ideas and a renewed commitment to the craft. With the sounds and smells of the sea in the air, a beautiful stretch of beach right across the street and the warmth of a rustic home built on the love of writing and writers surrounding you, 'writer's block' doesn't stand a chance."

Larry Brooks OWC Mentor and author of Bait and Switch, Pressure Points, Serpent's Dance and Darkness Bound

"For me, Colonyhouse is a hideout and a sanctuary, where ideas, possibilities, solitude, inspiration, nature, friends and words converge to produce art. Next to my home, it's my favorite place to be."

Marjorie Reynolds, author of The Secret Wars of Jonah Moran and Starlite Drive-in

Wendy and I spent a glorious weekend at Colony House. It was perfect. Wendy's a pastel artist and raved about the light and setting for her work in the sunroom. As a writer, I settled in front of the window facing Lake Lytle. The view of the dark green mountains and the quiet ripples of the lake across the street, were the perfect ambience for work on my novel. Finished 12 pages. When my book is published, I'll be honored to place a copy on the writers shelves in the great room. The beds (we used the room facing the ocean) were very comfortable and the sound of the surf made for a restful sleep. I highly recommend Colony House and look forward to staying there again. PS: They key is in the mail. Dave DeHart, Author of The Eye of the Viper and Terminated – With Extreme Pleasure.

RESERVATIONS NOW BEING ACCEPTED FOR 2009-2010. E-MAIL: RSVP. No phone calls, please. You must send a postal mailing address so that house forms and rules can be sent to you.

Weekends are Friday 5:00 p.m. through Sunday, 4:00 p.m. Weeks are 7 days and 7 nights.

June 1 - August 30: Weekend-$300, Week-$550, Per Night-$95

September 1 -- May 30: Weekend-$275 Week-$475, Per Night-$75

EMAIL MARLENE HOWARD FOR AVAILABLE DATES

About Rockaway Beach

It's a small coastal community, as yet unspoiled by too many tourists. Large enough for good accommodations and great food, but small enough not to be spoiled by too much traffic (except maybe on the 4th of July, when one of the best fireworks displays on the coast draws big crowds). OWC is happy to be a part of this community, and a supporter of the new library. For more information about Rockaway Beach go to www.rockawaybeach.net the website for the Chamber of Commerce.