Fallingwater Residency in Nature & Place-Based Writing

The Chatham MFA's partnership with Fallingwater allows students the opportunity to study nature and place-based writing on the site of one of our most important regional and national spaces, the Frank Lloyd Wright masterpiece and UNESCO World Heritage Site located in the Laurel Highlands of Pennsylvania, just 60 miles east of Pittsburgh.

Photo of Fallingwater, with trees in the foreground

Residency Details

The Fallingwater Residency in Nature & Place-Based Writing is a short-term residency at Fallingwater, hosted with Chatham University's Creative Writing program and available to current MFA students, alumni, and community members*. It is the first writing residency of its kind at Fallingwater and includes the following:

  • Double-occupancy residency at High Meadow Lodge
  • Access to studio space for individual writing and group lectures
  • Official tour and access to the iconic house and grounds
  • Daily writing sessions and feedback
  • Nature walks and fireside readings
  • A fully-stocked kitchen and delicious meals prepared communally by residents
  • Fellowship and inspiration

*As space allows after student registration

Residency Cost

$950 includes all meals, lodging, and specialized programming. Please note that Chatham MFA students will also pay tuition for a 3-credit course.

Community Enrollment Opens on March 1, 2025. A $200 deposit will be required at this time.

Sample Schedule

  Day One Day Two
8:00 a.m.   Breakfast at High Meadow
9:00 a.m. Arrival/Check-In Silent Hike
10:00 a.m. Silent Hike Reflection & guided writing session
11:00 a.m. Orientation Introduction to Public Art Exercise
12:00 p.m. Lunch at High Meadow Lunch at High Meadow
1:00 p.m. Fallingwater Tour Studio Writing Time
2:00 p.m.
3:00 p.m.
4:00 p.m.

Reflection & guided writing session

  Collaborative review session
5:00 p.m.  

Lecture & Discussion

“The Fourth River: Twenty Years of Nature & Place-Based Writing”

Movie & Discussion 

“Saving Fallingwater” 
6:00 p.m. Dinner at High Meadow Dinner at High Meadow 
7:00 p.m. Fireside Readings Fireside Readings
8:00 p.m. Free Time at High Meadow     Free Time at High Meadow    
9:00 p.m.
10:00 p.m.
11:00 p.m.