Elkenmist Residency
“Be not inhospitable to strangers, lest they be angels in disguise.”
Reconnect with land, community, and yourself
The Elkenmist Residency is an immersive experience designed for those seeking a deeper connection with nature, sustainable living, and personal transformation. Nestled within 120 acres of rich and diverse ecosystems—bordered by vast public forest lands, rolling hills, and flowing rivers—our residency offers a space to live, learn, and grow alongside an open-hearted community that welcomes a diversity of perspectives and backgrounds.
At its core, Elkenmist is a place of alchemy—a space where transformation happens through deepening relationships with land, food, and animals. By engaging in the rhythms of nature, residents have the opportunity to shift their perspectives, develop new skills, and explore personal growth through hands-on experiences. Here, change is not just conceptual; it is woven into daily life, reflecting the principle that by working with the world around us, we also work on ourselves.
What You'll Experience
1. Hands-On Regenerative Living
Residents engage in the rhythms of the land through daily practices that sustain both human life and the environment. Caring for animals, tending to the gardens, firewood preparation—these activities invite us into deeper relationship with what sustains us while developing our capacity for regenerating the world we live in. Whether you're new to land stewardship or deeply experienced, the residency provides space and permission to engage on your own terms, whether through gardening, experimenting with permaculture, or pursuing independent projects shaped by your interests and abilities.
2. Ecological Awareness & Wild Connection
Our land is a gateway to a profound connection with the natural world. With guided walks, sit spots, and experiential nature practices, we help residents develop a deeper awareness of the living systems surrounding them. Learn to read the seasons, identify plant allies, and engage with the land in a way that fosters both respect and understanding.
3. Inner Alchemy & Personal Growth
Living in harmony with nature is also a journey of self-discovery. The residency provides a space to explore the inner transformations that emerge through working with the land. Inspired by alchemical principles, we see this process as an opportunity to integrate past experiences, navigate personal challenges, and cultivate resilience. Through communal dialogue, somatic practices, and creative exploration, residents are invited to engage with their own growth in a supportive and intentional environment.
4. Play, Joy, and Community
We believe in the importance of joy, mischief, and shared experiences. Our community embraces moments of spontaneity—through communal meals, playful gatherings, or philosophical fireside discussions. We create a space where humor, curiosity, and lightheartedness are just as essential as hard work and introspection.
5. Open Exchange
A key element of the residency is fostering meaningful dialogue and connection across different ways of life. By welcoming urban dwellers into rural living, we create opportunities for mutual understanding and the dismantling of misconceptions about both city life and the natural world. Our space serves as a bridge between perspectives, offering a grounded, real-world experience beyond ideological debates.
Who is This For?
The Elkenmist Residency is for those who seek:
- A hands-on experience with regenerative land stewardship
- A deepened relationship with food, energy, and ecology
- A space for personal growth and transformation
- A joyful, supportive community of curious and engaged individuals
- A break from transactional city life to explore a more integrated way of being
Stay a while
This residency is an invitation—not just to a place, but to a way of life. It is not about escaping reality, but about immersing yourself in a fuller, more connected version of it. Residencies can be arranged for 1-3 months. Click through to our application form for more details.