Writers & Books Gell Center of the Finger Lakes is our Retreat Center located in the Finger Lakes Region, about 10 minutes from Bristol Mountain Ski Center. With spring in the air, it’s such a refreshing change of pace to spend time here; whether it’s to work on your novel or memoir, attend a workshop, or just to recharge yourself for a weekend get-away!
We have four venues to choose from: The Gell House, which is a furnished “cottage” surrounded by a beautifully landscaped yard and acres of woodlands. It offers a quiet and welcoming environment for individual readers and writers, or for small groups. This rustic house consists of two separate living spaces –each have a bedroom, bathroom and sitting area. This 2013 project is a new facelift for the Gell House. The communal space consists of a fully equipped kitchen, dining room and outdoor porch areas. It’s also has WIFI. This retreat location is perfect to write, study, read and reflect. We also have a journal to capture people’s experiences while there.
The Gleason Lodge is located on a secluded hillside with a magnificent view of the Bristol Valley. The great room provides an inspiring meeting place with its stone fireplace, high ceiling and bookshelf-lined wall. A perfect venue for Yoga/Meditation retreats, corporate retreats and writing workshops. It can accommodate up to 74 people for a social gathering, 50 people for a day-long meetings/seminar/workshop. The dining area can seat 25 people comfortably around its four tables. It has a commercially equipped kitchen, and is completely handicapped –accessible.
Our rustic retreat facilities consist of a 200 square foot Treehouse, built in 2005 as a “green” project. It has an outside deck providing beautiful views of the nearby stream and surrounding woods. The Thoreau Cabin is the exact dimensions of Thoreau’s Cabin at Walden Pond, and is nestled in the woods not far from the Treehouse. Both facilities can accommodate one or two people that enjoy a rustic camping experience. Lastly, we have two tent platforms each equipped with heavy-duty muslin canvas tents, and each can accommodate up to two people.
Come see for yourself at our Open House on May 18th, or contact Kathy Pottetti, Gell Center Director of Operations & Programming at kathyp@wab.org or (585)473-2590 x 103.