When it comes to screenwriting, it helps to get away from it all for fresh inspiration and to change your environment. Being stuck in the same writing space can create a sense of stagnation and stifle your creativity. While taking your laptop to a coffee shop can make a huge difference, it’s sometimes even more helpful to immerse yourself in a new space altogether.
The road trip or journey in getting there can give you inspiration much like a location scout can offer visual cues or enhance your film production. Getting this fresh stimuli can be a tonic to your imagination, giving you a backdrop for your characters or even gaining greater insight or accuracy as you engage in other cultures. Having visited Penhill Manor recently, already a popular venue for weddings near Worcester and Robertson in the Western Cape, it seems the estate actually checks all the boxes for a writer’s retreat too.
A Quiet Space
Being in the wilderness, Penhill appears like an oasis on the horizon down a winding gravel farm road. This is a spectacular Old Cape Dutch farm with unlimited photographic opportunities amid 18,000 species of plants with creatures and birds. This means you’ll hear birdsong with light pouring through the shutters with the sun lighting up the oak tree by the manor house. A quiet and serene space, the homestead accommodates up to 24 people quite comfortably without feeling like you’re stepping on anyone’s toes yet able to host gatherings and workshops if need be.
Inspiring Location
The pandemic led to smaller casts and more open air locations, which ties in perfectly with the Penhill Farm setting. Having a 300 year history gives this special place a rich cultural significance against the landscape of South Africa. Besides having many excellent spots for writing, whether in cottages, the manor house or at The Cellars restaurant… there’s nothing stopping you from taking your laptop poolside or hillside with a portable laptop table.
Film Setting
Lending itself to beautiful photographs against its natural vista, Penhill also has enough aesthetic appeal and style to make it worthy of a film shoot location. Drama, comedy, crime, history, thriller or horror even… the property is versatile enough to play into all sorts of film genres. Being in the actual space you intend to film in adds to the occasion and can help writers realise the ambient feel or tonal qualities of the screenplay they’re writing. Walking where your characters would walk and engaging with the climate and environment can help enrichen your work.
Relaxation Time
There’s no shortage of activities, being able to go on nature walks, bathe in the Swedish hot tubs, take bikes for a ride, paddle in a canoe or have a swim. Even reading a book under a tree or having a game of boule with a few drinks on standby can make you feel rested and relaxed. So whether you’re catching up on sleep, finishing that book or simply being in nature, it’s good to use the writer’s retreat to just unwind and be mindful, allowing all of your senses a chance to be in the world.
Healthy Snacks and Drinks
Penhill Manor is home to The Cellars restaurant, which caters for all kinds of meals. Not having a set menu, you can arrive with an open mind knowing that Chef Frikkie is willing to prepare healthy food according to your dietary requirements. From delicious canapes to five-course dining experiences, The Cellars is there to give guests a home-away-from-home feeling without losing the elegance and flavour of dining out. Being a self-catering accommodation, guests are also welcome to bring their own food and beverages too.