The Dogstar Residency
Shape pages of your work in progress during this self-guided residential writers' retreat. Limited to two participants, stays of 7 to 28 days are available. Write in focused blocks, then cycle to the beach to keep the conversation about craft going. Chef-prepared meals, bicycles, and beach badges are included. This private residential retreat is NOT open to the general public and is available only by prior arrangement.
Weekly Agenda
Arrival
Tuesday Kickoff
Check-in begins at 2 PM. We start with a brief cottage orientation and a welcoming community dinner to set intentions for the week.
Routine
Wed - Sun Flow
• Dawn to Noon: Deep focus blocks in silence. • 12 PM: Chef-prepared light lunch. • 1 PM to 6 PM: Open time for rest or research.
Evenings
Dinner & Rest
• 6:30 PM: Communal dinner and creative debrief. • 10 PM: Soft silence begins throughout the cottage to ensure early morning focus.
Freedom
Monday Breaks
This is a fully unscheduled day for coastal exploration or intensive drafting. No meals are served; feel free to enjoy local shore dining.
Intimate Residency: Space and Nourishment for Your Craft
Dogstar Cottage welcomes select writers to an intimate environment designed for deep focus. With a maximum of two residents at any time, you are guaranteed a serene atmosphere and personalized attention. Stays range from one to four weeks, allowing you to settle into a rhythm that honors your creative process. To enhance your experience, our chef provides nourishing meals from Wednesday through Sunday, ensuring your only job is to write.
THE CULINARY EXPERIENCE
CHIEF CULINARY DIRECTOR: ELIAS VANCE. OUR MEALS ARE PREPARED WITH A FOCUS ON LOCAL, SEASONAL INGREDIENTS AND TRADITIONAL TECHNIQUES. EACH COURSE IS DESIGNED TO PROVIDE THE NUTRITIONAL ENERGY REQUIRED FOR SUSTAINED CREATIVITY AND FOCUSED WRITING BLOCKS.
Community & Connection
Collaborative Blocks
THE RETREATS ARE DESIGNED TO ENCOURAGE COLLABORATIVE WRITING BLOCKS WHERE WRITERS SHARE THEIR PROGRESS AND INSPIRATION IN A TRANQUIL ENVIRONMENT.
Shared Rituals
WE CREATE A SENSE OF BELONGING THROUGH SHARED RITUALS, FROM THE PREPARATION OF CHEF-READY MEALS TO THE COLLECTIVE ACT OF WRITING AT DAWN.
Residential Spirit
THE COMMUNITY ENGAGEMENT IS ROOTED IN A RESIDENTIAL SPIRIT, WHERE EVERY VISITOR IS INVITED TO PARTICIPATE IN THE CREATIVE AND COLLECTIVE SPIRIT OF THE COTTAGE.
RESIDENT VOICES
“The quietude of Dogstar Cottage provided the perfect environment for a creative breakthrough. It was a sanctuary where the mind could finally settle and the words began to flow.”
Sophia Vane
Travel Guide
Getting to Dogstar Cottage: A Car-Free Journey
We encourage a car-free arrival to preserve the peace of Dogstar Cottage and the surrounding shore. Located just a short distance from major transit hubs, your retreat begins the moment you leave the city behind. Whether you prefer the rhythmic pulse of the rails or the refreshing sea breeze of the ferry, your journey to creative clarity starts here.
By Rail & Road
Take NJ Transit to the local shore station. From there, a quick ride-share or taxi will bring you directly to our gate.
By Sea
For the most scenic route, board the Seastreak Ferry from Manhattan. A short transit from the ferry terminal completes your coastal arrival.