The Story of Rivermede
With a history that dates to colonial times and an idyllic riverfront, ocean-adjacent setting, Rivermede (circa 1750) is an 18-room farmhouse/manse that hosts unique gatherings and offers healing arts therapy.
When you visit Rivermede — perched on 7 grassy, wooded acres above the York River on the coast of southern Maine — you will find a refreshing respite from the busy-ness of everyday life.
Come for a relaxing getaway. Small parties can enjoy a range of activities from kayaking to cracking open local lobsters. For maximum rejuvenation, come to receive healing therapy from your host Leslie Fraser Breneman, an expert-level, John F. Barnes trained, Myofascial Release Therapist. Leslie grew up at Rivermede from age 6 and has reimagined her childhood home as a restorative retreat to share this special space with visitors.
Located just over 60 miles from Boston, at Rivermede Retreat one takes a step away from everyday life to enjoy a wildlife menagerie, and an unmatched capacity for escape and relaxation.
Leslie Fraser Breneman, current steward of this historic property, has respected the land and the home by reviving the gardens that existed centuries ago, and has renovated many areas of the home – while honoring the abundant and rich history that exudes from every corner.
Rivermede Retreat Galleries
The Barn is the ideal place for evening events.
Enjoy a beverage by the fire in the River Room
The Barn’s Penny-Farther
A lovely field view of the York River.
Take out a kayak on the York River at high tide.
Enjoy the fire pit when the weather is favorable.
No shortage of wildlife to watch!
If you are lucky, you might catch “LadyA”, the aurora borealis!
Rivermede is lovely in all seasons.
Credit: www.garrickhoffman.com
Credit: www.garrickhoffman.com
Lady Rivermede marries John Breneman
credit Leslie Fraser Breneman
The Oyster’s Queen 4 poster bed
The Oyster Room
The Sleeping Porch
Sleeping Porch’s King Bed
The Pearl
The River Room – evening lounging by a fire
The Black Pearl
The Black Pearl with it’s two full beds
The first floor Meadow
www.garrickhoffman.com
Events at Rivermede Retreat
Thinking about hosting an event? Whether it’s wedding bells in your future, a family reunion, a girls getaway, a meditative retreat, kayaking/biking and activity stay, a romantic weekend with your love, a small company picnic/activity day, or a gathering of friends – we hope you will consider the comforts and serenity of Rivermede Retreat for your special event. Restorative stays with our several guest room options are our specialty. Contact Leslie for a tour.
The Guest Rooms of Rivermede Retreat
Choose from several options for your stay.
THE OYSTER
“The Oyster” boasts a remote-controlled gas fireplace, for romantic evenings relaxing in the two reclining chairs, as well as baseboard heating. In warmer months, The Oyster provides total comfort with its own heating and cooling zone to bring it to the exact temperature of your liking. Slumber upon a queen sized memory foam mattress on the custom-made four-poster bed. Grab an extra blanket from the chest, if you like. Field glasses included to spy on the deer, wild turkey, hawks and various wildlife that grace the property regularly.
$150 nightly, double or single occupancy.
THE SLEEPING PORCH
Off The Oyster, is the antique adjoining “Sleeping Porch” that redefines tree-house living. Surround yourself in nature with three sides of screened windows to open for a delicious summer breeze while you rest on the king-sized memory foam bed.
$150 nightly, double or single occupancy
THE BLACK PEARL
“The Black Pearl” is perfect for a pair of friends to bunk in comfort with two full-sized memory foam beds. The Black Pearl overlooks the stream. Open one of the two windows to listen to the bullfrogs and crickets serenade you as you drift off to sleep. The Black Pearl and is also equipped with ducted heating and cooling, as well as oil heated baseboards.
$150 nightly single occupancy, additional $75 nightly double occupancy
THE PEARL
“The Pearl” – at the end of the hall, also overlooks the stream, boasts three windows, ducted heating and cooling, baseboard heat and a queen sized memory-foam bed. A single day bed can be added for families.
$150 nightly, add $75 nightly for a 3rd guest.
The upstairs guest options share a full bathroom accessible from the ample hall with its small lending library and coffee station. The upstairs bathroom can also be accessed directly from The Oyster when there are no other guests staying upstairs.
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- The Oyster
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- The Oyster’s Queen 4 poster bed
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- The Sleeping Porch
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- Sleeping Porch’s King Bed
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- The Pearl
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- The River Room – evening lounging by a fire
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- The Black Pearl
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- The Black Pearl with it’s two full beds
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- The first floor Meadow
Healing Retreats
Check in again for information about a future “Power Retrieval Retreat”. Some images to tease your imagination!
We will soon be offering “plein air painting” for local artists or for an artist’s retreat, Myofascial Retreats for MFR therapists, writer’s retreats, “Cacao Journeying” and outside yoga overlooking the river. Interested in hosting a day-log retreat or a weekend? Come for a tour to imagine how your stay here would unfold. Have ideas for something else? Rivermede Retreat is open to hearing your ideas!