Guest Book
See what our guests have to say about their experience
Yet another incredibly productive week at Kalewater. There is something about this place that is conducive to writing – maybe the work of everyone who has gone before is suffused into the walls. Kalewater is a special place. Thank you so much to everyone who makes it what it is and special thanks to Helen and Dave, and to Sam and Rebecca.
Karen Lane, academic
Had a very peaceful and restful stay at this lovely cottage. Enjoyed blustery walks spotting kestrels, fieldfares, stonechats, and wrens, and managed to get some work done too.
Polly Barton and Jozef van der Voort, translators
The perfect place for yesterday’s ‘Writing Place’ Workshop with Sam. We had a lovely cosy overnight stay and woke up to peace, powder-blue sky, and a pristine blanket of snow muffling everything. The sun is casting deep blue shadows and golden highlights on the hills. It’s like a Christmas card – what a treat.
Gillian Dawson and Neil Thomson, poets
What a warm, comfortable and peaceful place for a writing retreat. Helen and David were so helpful and welcoming. We had everything we needed, including space for yoga, bracing walks up the hills and a well-equipped kitchen. Decent chairs and a desk in every room helped us both have very productive days working on our next novels. We look forward to our next stay! Can also highly recommend Chris the taxi!
Jane Alexander and Viccy Adams, writers and researchers
A most productive writing week in this lovely, comfortable, spacious house. Every comfort provided. So peaceful. Such an open landscape.
Pauline Plummer, novelist
I spent a peaceful and productive week at Kalewater Cottage. You could not find a more tranquil place to immerse yourself in a writing project. The cottage itself is perfectly equipped and set in beautiful rolling Borders countryside. Wholeheartedly recommended!
Graeme Macrae Burnet, novelist and Booker Prize Shortlistee
I had such a productive week, and that is mainly down to how comfortable the house is! Everything works so well that you can really focus on your work. Such a lovely area to explore too, I had a couple of frosty sunny days to walk about which was great.
Maeve Redmond, artist, graphic designer, creative practitioner
I couldn’t have picked a better place for my first ever writing retreat, and the week now feels like it has been a perfect kickstart to what I hope will be a writing-filled 2022. I’m leaving feeling wonderfully energised, hopeful, and excited about my project.
Thank you so much, I hope to be back
Angie Harms, author and copywriter
Thank you so much for my stay at Kalewater. I’ve had a really productive time working towards a new children’s book. I look forward to returning soon. My great thanks to Helen & David for making me feel so comfortable. Hopefully I’ll be back soon.
Emmie McLuskey, artist, author, and creative practitioner
