Retreat
“There is a voice that doesn’t use words. Listen.”
The Abbey is ready to be your refuge
The Abbey is a welcoming, beautiful, and sacred sanctuary in Marblehead, Massachusetts. It is a lovingly restored 1900s summer cottage, one of the few left in town, and sits on a private way overlooking the water. The Abbey is fully furnished, with two bedrooms, kitchen, full bathroom, sitting room, and meditation room. This is the place where you can disconnect from everyday stress and have time to slow down, rest, and center yourself in your own true nature.
Explore what nourishes your heart and soul
The Abbey is designed as a personal healing and creation space. A meditation room and yoga mats and props give you the ability to sit quietly in meditation or prayer, practice yoga, or practice and deepen your own spiritual traditions. The master bedroom has a desk that overlooks the ocean if writing is part of your retreat intention.
You will find inspirational books, cards, and healing instruments to play on your journey, including singing bowls, gongs, chimes, and drums.
The Abbey offers beautiful views of Salem Harbor and beyond. There are also serene walking paths through nearby conservation trails a few minutes away.
This is your time to pause . . . and exhale
Retreat, reflect, recharge . . . at a time that works for you
The Abbey offers both daytime and overnight retreats to make the sanctuary available on a flexible schedule.
Day of Rest and Healing
A 12-hour Daytime Retreat
A Day of Rest and Healing may be right for you if you need a quiet space and time without distractions during the day. A day of retreat can be used for resting, practicing meditation or yoga, journaling, or deepening your own practices. This is a gift of time and space you give yourself, not only for resting and healing, but also for dreaming, reading, planning, learning, or creating. The day starts at 7:00 am and ends at 7:00 pm.
Investment: $120
Overnight Stays
From One to Seven Nights
Overnight stays at The Abbey give you the opportunity for additional resting time. Take a long nap, go to bed early, or sleep late. It’s up to you because this time is about listening to yourself and what you need. You can use the daylight hours to enjoy all the amenities available to you inside and outside The Abbey. The minimum stay is one night and the maximum stay is seven nights. (There is some flexibility for longer stays.) Check-in is at 3:00 pm and checkout is 11:00 am.
Investment: $200 one person, additional $100 per person (maximum 3 people), plus $60 cleaning fee
My vision of financial inclusion
I am striving to create a refuge where the space for reflection and healing exists for all of us, including those who might not have the financial means to access a retreat space like The Abbey. My heart is open to working with anyone who seeks rest and refuge but is unable to cover the full cost of The Abbey fees. Please reach out to me.
The Abbey welcomes sponsors and donors
If you would like to help me honor this vision, I welcome patrons, donations large and small, and sponsorships to help support The Abbey for those who will find rest and refuge here. Please let me know if you would like to discuss how you can help in this regard. You can reach me at theabbeymarblehead@gmail.com.
A gorgeous and quiet spot overlooking Salem Harbor
“The Abbey and owner Ellen Petersen exemplify the peace and love that I experienced during my stay. The Abbey is situated in a gorgeous and quiet section of Marblehead where I looked out to Salem harbor. The interior is lovely, cozy, warm and radiates peace. I felt welcomed and relaxed from the moment I stepped inside. My favorite part of being at The Abbey was how easily I felt comfortable and had the space to rest, do yoga, take a walk, work on my computer, or meditate. For anyone who is looking for a place of peace, I would highly recommend retreat at The Abbey!”
~ Ellen E.
Frequently Asked Questions
About policies
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The Abbey is ideally set up for individual retreat. For those who are seeking a shared retreat, it comfortably accommodates two guests. There is one bedroom with a queen bed and desk and a second bedroom with a twin bed and desk. Both have water views.
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The Abbey welcomes adults 21 and older.
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While we love our animals, pets are not allowed at The Abbey.
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To encourage a healthy internal and external environment, and an open spirit free of other spirits, we gently suggest no use of alcohol or recreational drugs during your time at The Abbey.
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Yes. No smoking or vaping is allowed in or around The Abbey.
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There are several sets of stairs: at the entrance, in the kitchen, and a set of stairs to the bedrooms upstairs. While there is room to walk with a cane, the property isn’t handicap accessible. Please ask if you have any concerns.
About making a reservation
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Please fill out the form on the Reserve page and we’ll take it from there. I’ll contact you to discuss your preferences, your schedule, and other details.
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A deposit of 20% is required to secure your retreat dates. Initial deposits are due at the time of registering via PayPal invoice. Once your payment is received, The Abbey will be reserved for you. Deposits are non-refundable/non-transferable.
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Final payment is due 7 days prior to the day of your arrival by PayPal invoice. Final payments are non-transferable/non-refundable.
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For an overnight stay, check-in is 3:00 pm and checkout is 10:00 am. For a day of rest and healing, check-in is 7:00 am and checkout is 7:00 pm.
About your stay
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Please pack non-skid slippers or indoor shoes. To keep the sanctuary clean, we ask that no outside shoes be worn inside The Abbey. You may also want to pack a journal to collect and record your soul’s guidance.
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You’re welcome to bring food for your stay. There are also many restaurants, a grocery store, and a gourmet food store about a five-minute drive away –— with delivery. The kitchen has a refrigerator, a tabletop oven, and induction plate. There is no dishwasher or microwave.
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The bathroom has a walk-in shower. Soap, shampoo, conditioner, and a hair dryer are provided. You’re welcome to bring any other toiletries you may need. Shops are about a five-minute drive away if you forget something. There is also a basic emergency kit available at The Abbey.
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No. Sheets, blankets, bath towels, and beach towels are provided.
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The Abbey is set up for wi-fi to access the internet, but doesn’t have a TV.
You may want to consider a digital detox during your stay, limiting your phone and computer use (unless needed for your purposes there). Without the constant stream of distractions in the form of texts and ever-changing social feeds, emails, and pings, you will find yourself more focused and more deeply connected to yourself. The focus offered by a digital detox will extend beyond your time spent at the retreat too.
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Yes, the laundry room has a washer and dryer, laundry detergent, and iron and ironing board. It also has great sunrise views!
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Yes. There is private parking in the driveway with enough room for two cars.
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The old town and business district of Marblehead with local shops, restaurants, grocery store, pharmacy and more are a five-minute drive from The Abbey, and downtown Salem is a 15-minute drive. The local public beaches are also minutes away, along with local parks such as Crocker Park, Fort Sewall, and Chandler Hovey Park on beautiful Marblehead Neck.
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![The Abbey - Sitting area]()
Sit and relax
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![The Abbey - furnishings]()
Soothing sound of water
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![The Abbey - Kitchen with separate dining area]()
Nourish body and soul
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![The Abbey - Bathroom]()
Take gentle care of yourself
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![The Abbey - a quiet place for reflection]()
A quiet place for reflection
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![The Abbey - close to local attractions]()
A short drive to beautiful beaches
Bring an open heart and healing intention
Your retreat at The Abbey may end up being transformative.