In the New England town of Ashfield, MA, east of the Berskshire Mountains, lies Wellspring House, a retreat for writers and artists. Originally a carriage built in the 1890’s the house was renovated by Ann and Preston Browning, author of Affection and Estrangement: A Southern Family Memoir, in the late 1990’s.

When Preston, a retired English professor from Chicago, and his wife Ann, an architect and poet, decided to sell their house in Chicago, they couldn’t decide between being closer to their children on the West Coast or their children on the East Coast. “When the first grandson was born East, that made our decision easy,” says Preston. Ann immediately set out to find a suitable property close to Northampton. When she came back to Chicago after a trip East she told Preston that she had found the perfect place and that they would be opening a retreat for writers and artists. “The idea for an ecological retreat and retirement had been percolating for many years,” says Preston. “We had dreamed of getting back to the land and having a place where people could come and appreciate nature and reflect on the environmental problems facing the world.” But Preston was a little surprised by the news that they were to open a retreat for writers and artists and was even more surprised when he saw the state of the property they were purchasing. “The previous owner kept cows in the house!” exclaims Preston. But with the confidence in his mate that only 40 plus years can instill, he knew better than to question his wife’s judgement. “Ann is a genius. She holds two master’s degrees: one in physchology and another in architecture. In the 1980's, she designed new houses using passive solar technology as well as working on many renovations, often on 18th century houses.” Preston who holds a Ph.D. in Religion and Literature quickly warmed up to the idea and gave the new venture his blessing.

In operation for over 10 years, Wellspring house reflects a place infused by the quiet and cultured sensitivity of its founders. “The people who come and stay here truly love it,” says Preston. It’s easy to see why. Daylilies, hostas and bee balms line the path leading to the entrance of the house. Inside, one can find a main room decorated with art and antiques, stacks of books and bookshelves (well over 2,000 volumes), a stone fireplace and sitting areas for solitary contemplation, as well as seating arrangements for small or large gatherings. Adjacent to the main room is a meditation room and workspace that opens up onto a garden that contains fruits and berries and a nicely maintained green space bordered by towering trees. Surrounding the house are terraces, flowers and vegetable gardens. The kitchen is available for guests to use for preparing meals. Food that is for sharing or left behind by former guests is set aside for communal use. Upstairs guests utilize another sitting area, two bathrooms and rooms--all named after famous authors.