The Invitation
Nestled in the ancestral lands of the Susquehanna River Valley, where ancient Pangean waters carved stories into stone, Spicebush Cottage offers artists a rare invitation: to rest and create in deep communion with the living earth.
Here in this forested haven, we've created a sanctuary for ecological artists to rediscover their wild within and experience personal restoration.
This ecological artist residency provides more than just space—it welcomes you to weave your creative practice with the rhythms of the land, to step back from daily life and sink into the slow, emergent pace of Nature, to become a co-creator with the earth herself.
As ecological artists, stewards of this land, and tenders of the boundaries between human and wild spaces, we are honored to extend this invitation for a unique and transformative ecological artist residency in our Place - Spicebush Cottage.
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The space
Spicebush Cottage emerges from a landscape rich with ecological stories. Named for the native spicebush that graces our woods with early yellow blooms and spice-rich berries—plants that have nourished the indigenous peoples of this land for generations—this historic farmhouse stands as a testament to the evolving relationship between humans and the land.
Today, the property hosts:
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Ancient oaks and walnuts creating cathedral-like canopies
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A meadow-in-transformation, showcasing nature's artistic process
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Native wildflower gardens humming with pollinator life
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Quiet woodland paths inviting contemplation
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Secret spaces perfect for creative practice
Though you'll feel held in nature's embrace, you're never far from modern conveniences. This uniquely beautiful place feels worlds away from the everyday, yet remains accessible to all needs—from local farmers' markets to several cities within an hour's drive.
The land becomes both muse and medium here, offering seasonal inspirations:
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Spring ephemeral wildflowers pushing through leaf litter
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Summer meadows dancing with butterflies
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Autumn's spectacular color palette
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Winter's stark sculptural beauty
the vision
At Spicebush Cottage, we believe that artistic practice can be a form of earth medicine—a way to heal both ourselves and our relationship with the natural world.
This residency offers more than just time and space. It provides an invitation to:
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Develop your practice as an ecological artist
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Experience deep listening with the land
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Allow nature's rhythms to inform your creative process
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Explore earth-based intuitive practices
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Connect with your work in new, more grounded ways
This self-directed residency is ideal for:
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Artists seeking deeper connection with natural processes
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Writers exploring ecological themes
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Researchers studying land-based practices
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Creators working at the intersection of art and environment
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Anyone needing space to develop earth-connected projects
While this is not a structured program, the land itself becomes your primary teacher, offering daily lessons in patience, presence, and the art of observing + interacting.
Sacred Spaces for Restoration
Your Private Sanctuary
Choose from three thoughtfully prepared spaces:
shared creative spaces
Our common areas are designed to support both artistic practice and earth connection:
Indoor Spaces
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Living room with reading nooks and library vibes
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Fully equipped kitchen for preparing local harvests
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Plant-filled spaces that bring the outside in
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Wifi available (though we encourage digital fasting)
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Workspace for your creative projects
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Bathroom and laundry facilities
Outdoor Extensions
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Wraparound porch for morning rituals and outdoor creating
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Direct access to gardens and woodland paths
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Quiet spots for meditation and reflection
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Natural spaces for plein air work
Practical Notes
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All bedding and towels provided
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Each room has a mirror, desk, chair, closet and shelves
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Kitchen equipped for preparing meals from local markets
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Please note: this historic space is not wheelchair accessible
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Allergy-sensitive environment (no pets, no smoking)
your hosts
+ The land
Spicebush Cottage is the private home of Tyler Yenna and Kendra Hoffman, ecological artists who have dedicated their lives to creating harmony between human spaces and wild nature.
As designers, land stewards, and pollinator protectors, they maintain this sanctuary with both scientific understanding and reverence for the mystical.
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This is a self-directed residency in a shared living space. While Tyler and Kendra live on-site in their private quarters, they maintain their own separate daily rhythms and are not available for socializing or mentorship.
This boundary allows both residents and hosts to maintain their creative practices and private space.
Practical Details for Your Stay
What to expect, what you'll need, what's provided, transportation requirements + local resources.
Duration & Rhythm
Your residency begins at 4pm on arrival day and concludes at 10am on departure day. While single nights are available, we strongly encourage longer stays to develop a deeper relationship with the land and your creative practice. The richest experiences often unfold over multiple days as you settle into nature's rhythms and your own creative flow.
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Location & Transportation
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Spicebush Cottage requires your own transportation. While it feels wonderfully remote, we're actually quite accessible:
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45 minutes from Harrisburg International Airport
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Several cities within an hour's drive
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Local farmers' markets and grocery stores within 15 minutes
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Emergency services readily available
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Multiple state parks and natural areas nearby
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What to Bring
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Essential items for your stay:
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Materials for your creative practice
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Weather-appropriate clothing for outdoor exploration
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Sturdy shoes for walking the land and roads nearby
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Journal or sketchbook
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Personal items and medicines
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Food for your stay (or plan to shop locally)
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Any specific tech needs beyond basic wifi
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What's Provided
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Your space comes equipped with:
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Clean bedding and towels
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Fully equipped kitchen
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Basic wifi access
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Workspace
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Laundry facilities
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Written guides to the house and local area
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Basic cleaning supplies
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Important Policies
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To maintain the sanctuary atmosphere:
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No pets
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No smoking anywhere on the property
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Allergy-sensitive environment - please no strong perfumes
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Not wheelchair accessible due to historic architecture
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Quiet hours observed from 10pm to 8am
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No additional guests beyond those registered
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Please respect host and other guest privacy
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Local Resources
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We provide a detailed guide upon arrival including:
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Recommended farmers' markets and farm stands
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Natural food stores and restaurants
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Art supply stores
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Trail maps and natural areas
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Emergency services
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Local points of interest
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Seasonal activities
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We've carefully curated this information to support your independent stay while maintaining the contemplative atmosphere of the space.
Additional details will be provided upon booking.
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Investment
+ Booking
Room Rates
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Rates vary based on your choice of room and length of stay. Please check our Airbnb listings for current pricing or contact us directly for extended stay rates:
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The Green Vintage Nest (full bed)
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Nature Lover’s Hideaway (queen bed)
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The Rugged Solo Den (single bed)
Extended Stays
We offer reduced rates for longer residencies. The longer you stay, the lower we can rate the room. Please contact us directly to discuss extended stay options.
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Securing Your Residency
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20% non-refundable deposit required to secure your dates
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Remaining balance due at the start of your residency (or preset intervals)
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Payment accepted via PayPal or CashApp
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Airbnb booking available if preferred
Note: If you message via Airbnb we will have to book you via Airbnb to avoid being flagged. This is fine if you prefer that platform!
Begin Your Residency Journey
How to Apply
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Email spicebushcottage@gmail.com with:
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Subject line: "Ecological Artist Residency"
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Your preferred dates and travel plans
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How you discovered this opportunity
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What you'll be working on during your stay
Next Steps
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After receiving your email, we will:
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Check availability for your requested dates
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Send complete booking information
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Provide payment options
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Share arrival details and local resources
WELCOME TO
Spicebush Cottage
Your time here is yours to shape. While this is our private home that we share with Airbnb guests, your residency is a self-directed opportunity to connect deeply with your creative practice in a space held by nature.
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For questions or to begin your application: spicebushcottage@gmail.com.
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~ Tyler Yenna + Kendra Hoffman
Stewards of Spicebush Cottage