Women's Fall Retreat: Pottery & Yoga
The Claymont Mansion
4 days 3 nights in the Blue Ridge Mountains of West Virginia
Join us for a restorative weekend of pottery, yoga, nature, nourishing food, music, and meaningful connection.
We'll gather at the historic Claymont Mansion, just 90 minutes from DC, surrounded by 360 acres of forests, pastures, streams, and walking trails.
Pottery: Over the course of three daily workshops, you will learn to harvest wild clay, hand build your own vessels and participate in an outdoor wood fire. Novice and experienced potters welcome.
Yoga: Each morning we will gather for an all-levels yoga class to wake our bodies, set a daily intention, and move and breathe together.
Community: Come with a friend, bring a sister, or arrive on your own. We look forward to welcoming you all into our community for the weekend.
We'll share delicious vegetarian meals and gather in the evenings for music, bonfires and stargazing. There will also be ample free time to explore nature trails, indulge in the sauna house and spring-fed cool plunge, or simply take time to rest and restore.
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- Beautiful historic shared mansion rooms with single beds
- Healthy vegetarian meals
- Wild clay pottery workshops
- Morning yoga classes
- Wood-fired sauna and natural spring cool plunge
- Community music jam and sing-along
- Nature trails
- Bonfire and stargazing
Claymont Mansion is historic and unique. Rooms accommodate between 2 and 6 guests so bring a few of your friends or make new ones. You will leave feeling refreshed, grounded, and inspired.
The Claymont Mansion, built in 1811, is over 16,000 square feet and hosts 14 bedrooms, 10 bathrooms, and multiple parlors. A full commercial kitchen and spacious dining area provide space for collaborative cooking and shared meals. Enjoy the countryside view from the wraparound veranda and a fire pit and stargazing on the back lawn.
Other property amenities include The Sauna House, a wood-fired sauna and natural stream cool plunge, extensive walking paths, pastures, and a large organic garden.
Claymont Court dates back to the time of George Washington and the founding of this country. Throughout the years the property has been owned by architects, colonels, industrialists, and now, the Claymont Society for Continuous Education.
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For more than 25 years, I've dedicated my life to teaching and sharing the creative process with others. My passion lies in helping people reconnect with their creativity through hands-on experiences that are both meaningful and transformative.
This retreat is rooted in my training with renowned traditional potter Andy Ward and my deep appreciation for ancient pottery traditions. Over the course of three days, we will explore the art of working with wild clays gathered from the earth, learn time-honored hand-building techniques, and experience the magic of firing pottery in an open-air fire much as our ancestors did for thousands of years. |
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For two decades, I have been helping women reconnect with themselves through movement, mindfulness, and authentic community. I began practicing yoga in New York City in 2006, where I discovered one of the practice's most profound gifts: the ability to find steadiness and presence amidst life's constant changes. Since completing my certification in 2009, I have taught thousands of classes, drawing from hatha, vinyasa, and restorative traditions to help students cultivate strength, ease, and deep relaxation.
Throughout my career, I've been passionate about creating spaces where women feel truly seen, supported, and connected. From leading retreats and workshops to supporting families through pregnancy, postpartum, and parenthood, my work has centered on building community and helping women navigate life's transitions with confidence and grace. |
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Together, we have designed an experience that blends creativity, mindfulness, ancient wisdom, and community in a way that is both grounding and transformational.
As Michelle guides you through the timeless art of working with wild clay and ancestral pottery techniques, Elizabeth will help create the space for reflection, connection, and restoration that allows the experience to unfold on a deeper level. Our hope is that you'll leave not only with handmade pottery and new skills, but also with lasting friendships, renewed inspiration, and a profound sense of connection to yourself and the women sharing this journey alongside you. We can't wait to welcome you. |
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$500 deposit required to secure you spot. Full payment is due by August 1, 2026.
Register by June 30th with the coupon code "LETSGO" to save $50.
Cancellation/Refund Policy: We really hope you don’t cancel, we want you to join us! But if your plans change, we are able to provide a 50% refund of cancellations made before August 1, 2026. After that, we are unable to provide refunds.
Women's Fall Retreat: Pottery & Yoga - September 10-13 - The Claymont Mansion
September 10-13, 2026
The Claymont Mansion
4 days 3 nights in the Blue Ridge Mountains of West Virginia
$975 per person - all inclusive
Join us for a restorative weekend of pottery, yoga, nature, nourishing food, music, and meaningful connection.
We'll gather at the historic Claymont Mansion, just 90 minutes from DC, surrounded by 360 acres of forests, pastures, streams, and walking trails. Enjoy a peaceful setting to slow down, connect, and recharge.
Pottery: Over the course of three daily workshops, you will learn to harvest wild clay, hand build your own vessels, and participate in an outdoor wood fire. Novice and experienced potters welcome.
Yoga: Each morning we will gather for an all-levels yoga class to wake our bodies, set a daily intention, and move and breathe together.
Community: Come with a friend, bring a sister, or arrive on your own. We'll share delicious vegetarian meals and gather in the evenings for music, bonfires, and stargazing.
There will also be ample free time to explore nature trails, indulge in the sauna house and spring-fed cool plunge, or simply take time to rest and restore.
The retreat includes all lodging, food, and activities:
- Beautiful historic shared mansion rooms with single beds
- Healthy vegetarian meals
- Wild clay pottery workshops
- Morning yoga classes
- Wood-fired sauna and natural spring cool plunge
- Community music jam and sing-along
- Nature trails
- Bonfire and stargazing
Claymont Mansion is historic and unique. Rooms accommodate between 2 and 6 guests so bring a few of your friends or make new ones. You will leave feeling refreshed, grounded, and inspired.
Learn more about the retreat, the venue, and the facilitators here.
$500 deposit required to secure your spot. Full payment is due by August 1, 2026.
Prefer to pay by another method? Contact Michelle [email protected]
After we receive your payment, we will send over a short registration form where you can indicate room sharing preferences and dietary restrictions.