» Spring Valley Guest Ranch: Remote and Rustic

Long valued by writers and artists for its peaceful, quiet surroundings, the Spring Valley Guest Ranch is the site of the newest SWG retreat. Located in southwest Saskatchewan near Ravenscrag, the ranch lies approximately half way between Eastend and Cypress Hills Park.

The guest accommodations are located in a century old Eaton's catalogue house with four bedrooms, shared bathroom facilities and the dining room. Also on the site is an authentic log cabin with four bedrooms and shared bathroom and shower facilities (outdoor) close by. Internet access is extremely limited (high speed service will likely be available before the retreat), and high speed service is available, free of charge, at either Eastend or Maple Creek Public Libraries. Studio space is available for artists, as well as opportunities for “plein air” painting on the porch outside the saloon and in the area. An upstairs lounge and the retreat gazebo are available for recreation, games, or a quiet discussion with friends.  

Set deep in a valley, among the rolling Cypress Hills, the ranch is home to a variety of rare breeds of chickens and cattle as well as horses. The environment is especially quiet, and the landscape spare and solitary. The Spring Valley Guest Ranch was the site of the first ever Aboriginal Writers’ Retreat in 2011.

Local attractions include Cypress Hills Interprovincial Park, Fort Walsh National Park and the T-Rex Dinosaur Discovery Centre.

Saville Theatre

Of special note is the “Saville Theatre,” a heritage church moved from Consul Saskatchewan and renovated to accommodate theatre, musical performances and art exhibitions. The theatre would be of special interest to playwrights, who would have the opportunity to perform or read their work in a theatre setting.

Retreat Dates: TBA.
Deadline for applications: TBA

Retreat Fees 2012:
$300 per week for SWG and CARFAC SK members (Saskatchewan residents)
$475 (Out-of-Province residents, SWG or CARFAC members)
$550 (Out-of-province residents, non-members of SWG or CARFAC)

For more information about Spring Valley Guest Ranch, please visit the website at: http://www.springvalleyguestranch.com/mainpage.htm

For more information about the Spring Valley retreat, please contact skretreats@skwriter.com.