The Writers' Retreat in Folly Beach, South Carolina

Folly Beach is a barrier island, sometimes called Folly Island. Here, you will discover the warmth, beauty, and diversity of Folly Beach—fondly referred to by locals as the "Edge of America." The painted sunrises, sunsets, rich history, good cuisine, expansive beaches and its dedicated arts community makes this a unique and charming island.

Folly Beach is located on the Atlantic Coast, a 15-minute drive from Charleston, the most historically preserved city in the United States, and a 2-hour drive from Savannah, Georgia. 

The Writers' Retreat at Folly Beach is located on a shady, quiet street lined with palm trees and live oaks—just a three minute walk to the ocean, and just one block away from quaint shopping and restaurants. The Writers' Retreat at Folly Beach is part of a historic coastal complex built in 1940 where some of the late 40’s and 50’s famous musicians ate barbecue—Pat Boone, Ray Price, and even Elvis Presley, the King himself—to name a few. 

The two accommodations are truly charming and inspiring!  They offer all modern amenities, off-street parking, private entry, private deck. You'll find seacoast inspiration here!

Wireless Internet is throughout the retreat, so bring your laptop!

Online Reservation Form and Rates

The Guest Cottage features a cozy sitting area with built-in sofas where you can read and relax. Sitting at the writing desk, you'll enjoy the garden view. For your convenience, there's air conditioning and a kitchenette with a full-size fridge, microwave, coffee machine and toaster oven, a bathroom with shower. A spiral staircase leads to a sleeping loft with a comfortable queen-size bed. To accommodate screenwriters, a wireless TV/DVD player combo is provided. Adjacent to the guest cottage is a small garden area with lounge chairs and an outdoor hot/cold shower (great after the beach!). Off-street parking is also available.

The Guest Suite, annexed to the host cottage, offers as much privacy as the Guest cottage. You have your own private entrance, private patio, and deck. The Guest Suite features air conditioning, queen-size bed, writing desk and chair, bathroom with tub and shower, a mini-fridge, microwave, and coffee machine. To accommodate screenwriters, a cable TV with built-in VCR is provided. Off-street parking is also available.

Residents may borrow reference books and videos from the on-site library located in the workshop studio. 

On-site mentor in Folly Beach, SC:  Mary Ann Henry, writer.

Mary Ann Henry currently teaches creative writing at the Charleston School of the Arts. She is a member of the Board of Directors for the South Carolina Writers Workshop and the Director of the Lowcountry Writers' Studio where she conducts classes for both beginning and advanced writers in fiction, nonfiction, and screenwriting.  

She produced and sold many video/film projects including a half-hour comedy and a documentary that aired on The Learning Channel and PBS. She has published several short stories and just completed a novel and a nonfiction piece.

Calm and relaxed, Folly Beach is a great place to enjoy the waves or walk to the lighthouse. A fishing pier and beautiful views make Folly Beach an authentic beach town. 

"I came away from the week feeling as though every writer should experience going away by themselves. I learned so much about my creative process and learned so much from Mary-Ann. With people like Mary-Ann and places like Folly Beach, The Writers' Retreat offers a great deal. I know I will return to Folly Beach in the future. Thanks for this opportunity!" Patricia

Charleston is a city rich in history, tradition, and Southern culture, and is one of the top destination cities in the country.  Located 15 minutes from Folly Beach, residents have the best of two worlds: the culture and sophistication of Charleston, and the laid-back charm of Folly Beach. The Historic Downtown District has stood throughout Charleston’s history as the cultural capital of the South, and is considered by many to be a living museum. The New York Times called it the "Jewel of the South" for its fantastic restaurant scene and its low country cuisine. 

Online Reservation Form and Rates