The Pond Retreat Vision
In the fall of 2021, I was living in Oregon, where I had spent nearly two decades working as a trauma therapist and public health consultant addressing the overdose epidemic. My work was increasingly focused on burnout and the toll of sustained exposure to trauma on people working in demanding helping roles.
Maine had always been home, too. My grandparents discovered the Blue Hill Peninsula in the 1950s, and I grew up between Maine and Washington, D.C. I have always thought of this part of Maine as the heart of my heart.
By 2021, though, my life was in Oregon. I had built my career, raised my daughter, and had no plans to move back to Maine. Then, after a visit in September, Josh sent me a listing for three acres on Walker Pond. There was an unfinished fishing cabin, but no water, septic, or power. I had never bought property before. By December, I had bought it, with the plan that when I came home to Maine, I would camp in the cabin and spend time on the Pond.
In January 2022, we camped on the cabin floor. The Pond was frozen, people were ice fishing, and at night we lay in the middle of the snowy lake, looking up at an incredible winter sky filled with stars. I was thinking about the people I was working with—the people carrying so much—and wondering: What if this place could be for them, too?
I knew what Walker Pond and this part of Maine had given me over the years: a place to slow down, reconnect, and feel grounded. I began thinking about how to create a retreat space here and, more importantly, how to create opportunities for people who might not otherwise have access.
I didn't have a clear plan for how to do it. There have been leaps of faith, plenty of problem-solving, and an extraordinary number of people who have helped along the way. The vision has come into increasingly clear focus and continues to evolve. I am learning from the people who come here and from what this place makes possible.
Part of that unfolding is imagining how this place can be a place for children, too—a place to learn about living off-grid, growing food, native plants and birds, and the natural and Indigenous history of Walker Pond.
The Guest House was completed in the spring of 2024, and the property is now welcoming families, friends, practitioners, and people coming for retreats and time away. At the same time, I continue to discover and explore new ways for this place to serve people and the community around it.
As I write this, I am sitting in the original fishing cabin, and it still isn't finished. Outside, guests staying in the sleeping cottages are in the water swimming with their babies. We are getting ready to welcome new guests this evening.
This is what I had hoped for when I first began to imagine what this place could be: a place people can come, in all kinds of ways, and make their own. And the people who come here continue to shape what it is becoming.
I'd love for you to be part of it.
Testimonials
We had the most incredible stay at this beautiful guest house very close to Walker Pond in Sedgwick, Maine. From the moment we arrived, we were blown away by the stunning design and thoughtful details throughout the home. Every room feels warm, welcoming, and perfectly situated to take in the breathtaking views of the lake and the magical surroundings.
The setting is simply unforgettable — peaceful, serene, and yet full of natural beauty that makes you never want to leave. Plum and Josh, our hosts, were incredibly friendly and attentive, making us feel right at home while also giving us the space to fully enjoy the property. Everything about our experience was amazing, from the comfort of the house to the one-of-a-kind atmosphere.
This is truly a special place, and we can’t recommend it highly enough for anyone looking for a memorable getaway. Just a few short steps from the guest house is a lovely dock on the lake with kayaks, canoes, sailboats and paddle boards that guests are encouraged to use and enjoy!! During our last night, Josh and Plum met us on a nearby beach for an unforgettable lobster and crab dinner. It was truly magical watching the stars, listening to the incoming tide lap against the sand and eat the freshest seafood that Maine has to offer. We can not possibly thank you enough for a once in a lifetime experience!!!
-Teresa
We cannot thank you both enough for making our wedding the most special, grounded event we could not have even imagined. From the pre-planning to the days before, we were so relaxed going into what could have been overwhelming because we not only had amazing communication from you, but your property was absolutely perfect and calming.
It goes without saying, but must be said, every single one of our guests absolutely loved the home you've so carefully crafted and curated. Every single person walking into the space said they could not have imagined a more perfect place and were in awe of how cozy but airy it all felt, not to mention the scenery outside the windows.
As for Brenton and I, we may not have made it through the weekend without that sauna! What an absolutely magical way to decompress the night before everything began.
We are only sad it's over, but cannot wait until the next time we get to relive these memories in the space it all happened!
Photography by Andrew Petrich.What a wonderful week enjoyed by our entire family! The Pond Retreat was a perfect fit, offering both serenity and tons of activities - blueberry picking, ping-pong, paddle boarding and sailing, a lobster dinner, sunset walks and a Bingo marathon to wrap up the week.
-Anne
Photography by Anne Ross
Beautiful and peaceful. This location cannot be beat! Loved the kayaks & stand up paddle boards on the accessible pond. And absolutely gorgeous sustainable home.
Every detail —linens, decor etc. — so well done and a well stocked pantry enabled cooking family dinner! The sound of the loons a treasure and easy access to charming Blue Hill. We can’t wait to come back!
-Suzanne
Our stay at the Pond Retreat was absolutely wonderful. The home was beautifully appointed, with so many thoughtful touches that made us feel welcome from the moment we arrived. Every detail seemed carefully considered, making it both comfortable and relaxing.
The property itself is stunning. We especially loved spending time on the private dock overlooking the lake, and having access to the boating amenities was such a fun bonus. Evenings were unforgettable - watching the sunsets over the water and ending the night with incredible stargazing made for the perfect getaway.
If you're looking for a peaceful retreat with beautiful surroundings and a host who has truly thought of everything, the Pond Retreat is an exceptional choice. We would happily stay here again!
-Nell
