Best words

 

GUEST HOUSE.

What incredible words.

The last time I stayed in one (free) was in a writer's colony, and it was definitely sacred space. The idea of being able to stay (two weeks? Month? Six weeks)? --in someone else's "guest house" makes me think of how badly I want one.

Truthfully, though, I have a great house to write in. I can look at water, grass, trees, I have good writing spaces and lots of quiet. What I don't have is NO interruptions.

The "guest house" we all need as writers isn't just quiet, it's silent. No one is calling us--which means we either turned off or forgot to bring our phones. We're not getting bills or seeing people or doing any work except the work we want to do.

We're walking or swimming or biking when we want. We're talking to loved ones only at certain times on our terms. We're not paying rent or worrying about fixing the plumbing or paying the electrician.

The guest house in my fantasy world sits on the grounds of some manor house where you can pop in to dine if you're so inclined. But the guest house has it's own kitchen and looks out on the OCEAN, thank you very much, and you also have the use of a grill outside. 

Writing room is upstairs, sunny with a floor-to-ceiling window and adjoining bath. The bath is big enough to use as a jacuzzi (is there a pool, too)? 

Guest house. Maybe the two best words in the English language?

So, what's the ideal, as long as we're talking?

• Large enough to have a separate kitchen/dining space, sitting room and bedroom
• Small enough to take care of easily
• Airy, sunny and light
• Remote enough so you don't hear or see cars
• Free
• Transportation available
• Ocean and beach outside Or
• Mountains

I guess the only trouble with all this is you'd never want to leave? Or maybe that's not the trouble. It's the point.

Guest house photo: Jesse Wagstaff