The Smiley Manse: A Creative Retreat Where History Inspires the Future

The Smiley Manse

In the heart of Springfield, Vermont, tucked among rolling hills and whispering pines, a historic home is being reimagined as a global destination for creativity and connection. Welcome to The Smiley Manse, an artist-led retreat center where imagination takes center stage and community flourishes.

A Storied Past Meets a Creative Future

Built in 1811 by Scottish minister Robinson Smiley, the brick estate has long served as a place of thoughtful gathering. In the 20th century, it welcomed cultural luminaries such as poet Robert Frost and author Dorothy Canfield Fisher. In 2022, the property found new life when Jennifer Nelson, founder of Jennifer Nelson Artists, Inc., envisioned it as a sanctuary for artists from around the world.

What Awaits at The Smiley Manse?

At its core, The Smiley Manse offers immersive artist-led retreats in an idyllic Vermont setting. Picture creative workshops inside a sunlit barn studio, quiet mornings with coffee and sketchbooks, and community dinners shared under the stars. Each retreat is designed to inspire fresh ideas, develop artistic skills, and foster lasting connections among creatives.

Upcoming retreats in 2025 include:

  • Lettering & Licensing with Shannon McNab (June 3 to 7)

  • Blooming Fantasy with Helen Dardik (June 17 to 22)

  • Cozy Painting with Dylan M (October 14 to 18)
The curriculum spans various mediums and styles, from watercolor to printmaking and junk assemblage, all led by accomplished artists who are passionate about teaching.

Who Is It For?

The Smiley Manse welcomes anyone who feels the urge to create, whether you’re a professional illustrator, a curious beginner, or someone looking for an imaginative reset. This is a supportive and welcoming environment for deepening your artistic practice or simply reconnecting with your creative spirit.

The Experience: What’s Included

  • Custom-designed workshops and hands-on art instruction

  • Access to studio space, including a beautifully renovated barn

  • Meals such as welcome dinners, light breakfasts, and daily lunches

  • Time for reflection, collaboration, and personal exploration

Lodging is not included, but several excellent local accommodations are available nearby. Options include the Hartness House, The Inn at Weathersfield, Parker Hill Farm & Boutique Campground and Tree Farm Campground.

Why Springfield?

Located just a few hours from Boston and New York, Springfield, Vermont offers the perfect mix of small-town charm and natural beauty. Known for its full-service amenities and scenic surroundings, it’s a town where historic architecture coexists with advanced technology like 10G internet.

This is a peaceful and inspiring setting, ideal for creativity. Whether you’re wandering forest trails or enjoying a quiet moment in a studio, you’ll find Springfield to be a place that invites introspection and artistic growth.

Ready to retreat, reconnect, and recharge your creativity 

Explore upcoming retreats or apply today at the-smiley-manse.com

Related Posts

Recent Posts

First Fridays

First Friday

Seasonal First Fridays at the Copper Fox & Gallery at The Vault: A Year-Round Celebration of Art, Music, and Community Mark your calendars and get ready to sip, stroll, and celebrate creativity in the heart of Springfield, Vermont. Our Seasonal First Fridays series at the Copper Fox and Gallery at The Vault brings together the best of local art, music, food, and community—all under one festive roof. What to Expect Step into The Vault, Springfield’s treasured

Read More »
Precision Valley Springfield VT

Precision Valley

Precision Valley Soars Again: Innovation Returns to Springfield, VT Have you felt the energy shifting in town lately? It turns out, we aren’t the only ones noticing.A fantastic new feature from Compass Vermont, titled “Precision Valley Soars Again,” has put a spotlight on the incredible transformation happening right here in our backyard. For those of us who love Springfield, it’s a validation of what we’ve known for a while: our history as a manufacturing powerhouse isn’t

Read More »
Springfield VT Food Drive

Springfield VT Food Drive

Springfield VT Food Drive Fills Shelves and Hearts Before Thanksgiving Springfield, Vermont once again showed its giving spirit through a powerful community tradition: the Springfield VT Food Drive Contest. In the weeks leading up to Thanksgiving, students from Springfield Elementary, Riverside Middle, and Springfield High School joined forces to tackle food insecurity close to home.Their mission? Collect as many nonperishable items as possible for the Springfield Family Center a local nonprofit that serves nearly 1,000 people

Read More »
Move to Vermont

Best Place To Live In Vermont”

Springfield, VT: The Best Place to Live in Vermont in 2026 House Beautiful just named Vermont the #1 best state to live in for 2025, and we couldn’t agree more. In their recent article, they write: “Whether you’re more of a city or country person, you’re likely looking to live in a place that offers job security, livable wages, a high level of safety, access to great schooling, affordability, and more — the best place is

Read More »
Snowshoeing Near Springfield VT

Snowshoeing Near Springfield VT

3 Must-Try Snowshoeing Trails Near Springfield VT Winter in Vermont is a special kind of magic. While many think of skiing or snowboarding, there’s another incredibly rewarding way to experience our snowy landscapes: snowshoeing. It’s accessible, serene, and allows you to explore the hushed beauty of the winter woods at your own pace. And if you’re staying in or near Springfield, VT, you’re perfectly positioned to hit some of Southern Vermont’s best winter trails, all within

Read More »
Springfield School District

Springfield School District

Springfield School District’s Bold Vision for 2025-26 There’s a fresh sense of momentum in Springfield School District (SSD) this fall, and it’s more than just the back-to-school excitement. With new leadership at the helm and a bold, community-driven vision for the future, Springfield’s schools are entering an exciting chapter. We’re proud to welcome Dr. Peter Burrows as our new Superintendent of Schools. Dr. Burrows brings a deep commitment to student-centered learning, community collaboration, and educational excellence.

Read More »