Below are some of the lovely testimonials writers, artists and musicians have written about their experience here at La Muse.
You can check out some of the many reviews of us on our Facebook Page too, or check out reviews of us on Google Reviews.
La Muse is beyond a writer’s retreat, it’s a place where for a week or two or three you can simply live better. When you live better, all else can flow from that.
Richard Nash, American publisher, strategist and serial entrepreneur in digital media.
I really enjoyed my time at La Muse. What I was looking for more than anything was stillness. John, I really enjoyed our chats and was grateful you took the time to give me some very valuable advice and the benefit of your own experience.
Barry Malone, Irish journalist and online editor with Al Jazeera English.
I came. I sat. I wrote. La Muse not only works so well for me in thinking and writing but it’s natural ambience and friendly Musing fellows have made the few months we’ve now spent here each year a joyful period in our lives. Vive La Muse!
John Clanchy, Australian novelist and short story writer.
La Muse? Better to say ‘Les Muses!’ Kerry and John, you truly are just that! You both added a quality of magic to the sojourn.
Daniel K. Brown, American visual artist and Assoc. Dean of Academic Development at Victoria University of Wellington New Zealand.
In a word: Magical.
Artis Henderson, American writer.
The house, the lovely little paths of the valley – they wrote the piece for me!
Derek Ball, Irish composer.
Spring at La Muse, lucky me. Thank you for your kindness, nurture and happiness. I had such a beautiful time exploring the rose; finding new colours and new shapes. I now understand European art and motifs. I’ll always have this landscape in my heart.
Sarah Parker, Australian artist.
As always, thank you so much for the most wonderful stay. They say third time lucky, but I feel lucky every time I come to La Muse and it is so fantastic knowing I will love, love, love coming here always. I can’t wait ‘till next time.
Julianne Mooney Irish writer and TV presenter.
I feel like a Queen when I sit in Thalia! With love and many thanks to you lovely people.
Ophelia Redpath, English artist and writer.
Thank you so much for your extraordinary support and friendship. I’ve enjoyed the walks, the weather, the terrace, and the books, but most of all, the time and the mental space in which to work. My best wishes to you and yours in all your endeavors.
Edward Porter, American writer.
Et magisk sted - Det må oppleves. Jeg elsker lyset, og den fredelige og inspirerende atmosfæren, som påvirker arbeidslyst og følelsen av velvære. Man treffer så mange hyggelige og interessante mennesker, fra hele verden. Takk til Kerry og John som har gjort dette mulig. Jeg har vært her flere ganger, og kommer gjerne tilbake!
A magical place - It must be experienced. I love the light, and the peaceful and inspiring atmosphere, which affects the desire to work and sense of wellbeing. You meet so many nice and interesting people, from all over the world. Thanks to Kerry and John who have made this possible. I’ve been here several times and I would love to come back!
Åse Pleym Bakken, Norwegian artist.
Voila, La Muse! What an inspiration. I came to Haut Cabardes to seek tranquility and I found it. I painted for 60 days - I feel ‘drunk on life.’ John and Kerry, you’re invaluable. A true example of two people working together cultivating creativity when we most need it in this world. Merci!
Julie Baugnet, American artist.
La Muse is a haven, a magical place where positivity and creative expression flourish.
Maggie Breen, Irish writer.
Sometimes it takes traveling to a completely different country to find people who feel like family. Thank you for the space and serenity to be creative in. I have felt free to create, like a child, and without boundaries.
Nicole Mayhew, American artist.
The wooded hillside views from the windows, the sounds of wind in the trees and the river flowing down the valley are a constant source of calm and inspiration at La Muse. Then there is the living library, the comfortable beds with the local wool blankets to keep you warm, a well-equipped kitchen, mountain paths with a silky haired and considerate Brittany spaniel to keep you company as you climb them (considerate since he seemed to wait for me at each turn of the way to check I wasn’t lost), friendly local cafes and delicious local honey and red wine. But best of all is the company of like-minded, generous-hearted writers and artists and the inspirational owners, John and Kerry.
Elizabeth Woodgate, English writer.
The most valuable thing was the peace, quietness and time to write uninterrupted.
Eibhlis Farrell, Irish composer.
This place in autumn has been beautifully inspiring from the colour changes to the crisp evenings where the sky is littered with stars. So much inspiration for a children’s writer about fairies, dragons, and the like. Now I’ve seen where they live!
Kimberley Young, New Zealand writer.
“Thank you so much for opening your library to us, haven’t read so much since I had to read in college – choosing was enlightening.”
Anna O’Malley, Irish screenwriter and producer.