The Honeywood Schoolhouse Artist Retreat

FAQ for retreat

How much does it cost? (This is an artist retreat centre and you cannot rent a room without the studio.)

Studio Accommodation PLUS 1 Dorm (up to 7)
Weekly 700 300 240 Contact us
Weekend 500 150 100 Contact us
Daily 220 75 50 Contact us
Hourly 25 n/a n/a n/a

How long can I rent the space?

In special circumstances, you can rent for up to 3 weeks IF there are 3 consecutive weeks available.

How big is the studio?

700 square feet with a naturally sprung wooden floor.

Do you provide linens?

We prefer that you bring your own. Linens can be provided for an extra fee of 50$ per person per week.

How do I get there?

We are approximately a 1:40 minute drive from Toronto, 30 minutes directly south of Collingwood.

There is no public transit here. You can take a GO bus from Toronto to Barrie and then an Uber (35 minute drive) to Honeywood. It is best to have a car here, but it is possible to come without one. Pick up or drop off fee from Barrie or Orangeville is $150 one way, 200$ from the airport one way. (Uber is slightly less but varies greatly.)

Is smoking permitted?

Smoking is permitted only outside the Schoolhouse at a distance. No drugs and moderate alcohol use. If drugs or alcohol are being abused, we will ask you to leave.

Do you take visual artists or writers?

We are focused on supporting performing artists and we do not have a ‘wet’ space. The floor is great for dancers, and we would like to keep it that way! Writers are welcome to apply, but priority will be given to people that need the large studio to create their work.

Can I make noise?

YES! We welcome all acoustic sound and some amplified sound within reason. The owners of the retreat centre live right next to the studio and share some of the spaces, but sound does not travel much between the buildings. Theatre, singing, loud vocalizing- are all welcome. It is not ideal for a fully amplified band and no loud sound after 10pm.

Can I invite people to a showing?

YES! We welcome this. We are new to offering retreats and hope in the future to have a mailing list of local people who would love to see what you are doing. At the moment, this would be up to the artist. (Meaning we do not have an audience base.) If you invite more than 8 people, there is an event fee that may apply.

What should I pack for an artist residency?

Artists are responsible for bringing their own groceries, toiletries, clothing (layers are suggested), linens, bug spray and art supplies.

Is there A/V available?

There is a blue tooth sound system available with speakers on the wall. There is no projection screen, but paper/cloth can be taped to the wall. There is a lot of light, making projections hard to see.

Is the schoolhouse accessible?

The Schoolhouse is not fully accessible, but it does have a ramp into the building and a washroom right next to the studio. The kitchen, one bathroom, two small bedrooms and the studio are on the same floor. The shower on the main floor is IN the bathtub, and one must step IN to the bathtub to shower. The shower in the basement is a walk in shower but accessible only by stairs.

Can I book the schoolhouse for an event or workshop?

Yes, the schoolhouse can be booked for events or workshops. Different fees apply. Contact retreats@batdorf.org with a detailed request.

What facilities are available for artists in residence?

The schoolhouse provides a 700 sq ft dance studio with wood floors, chalkboards, a full communal kitchen, 2 shared bathrooms with showers, laundry facilities, and Wi-Fi.

Can I swim nearby?

There are a variety of lakes and great swimming locations in three directions, all about a 30 minute drive.

Can I barbecue?

At the moment, we do not have a barbecue.

Is there outdoor space?

There is 3 acres of land, a fire pit, a small field and an area of bush/forest. One can work outside! Many artists that come here do. The fire pit is only available when it is fire safe (which in the summer season is rare). Fires are often outlawed due to fire hazard except in spring and late fall. NOTE: This is shared space and may sometimes be occupied by the owners of the property and their guests as well. Privacy outdoors is not guaranteed, but is often available.

Questions?

For more information about the Honeywood Schoolhouse Artist Retreat contact:

retreat@batdorf.org