Sewall House has been offering intimate retreats since 1997 with opportunities for small personalized classes to meet the needs of our guests at their level.
Chosen TOP TEN WORLDWIDE in 2009 and 2010 ( see our Trip Advisor reviews too! http://www.tripadvisor.com/Hotel_Review-g40682-d93550-Reviews-Sewall_House_Yoga_Retreat-Island_Falls_Maine.html) the retreat was opened as a leap of faith by Donna Davidge when she purchased the home to keep the legacy of healing and hospitality alive. Later joined by her Swedish husband Kent Bonham, both lovingly restored and revived a family history that in many ways parallels its modern day use as a nature and yoga retreat. After traveling the world, Donna returned to her roots in her great grandparents home. Nestled in a small New England town and surrounded by pristine nature, the retreat offers more than yoga, meditation, massage, good company and fabulous food. Nearby lakes and hikes and Baxter State Park offer much too.
Featured in award winning book by Andrew Vietze (2010) Becoming Teddy Roosevelt: How a Maine Guide Inspired America’s 26th President and Roger Di Silvestro’s Theodore Roosevelt In the Badlands (2011).
The William Sewall House yoga retreat in Island Falls, Maine; has been entered into the National Register of Historic Places. Built by Mr. Sewall in 1865, it was the community’s first post office. Mr. Sewall, Island Falls’ first citizen, met young Theodore Roosevelt there in 1872 and for three successive fall expeditions served as Roosevelt’s guide and companion After 1878 Mr. Roosevelt never returned to Island Falls, but he and Mr. Sewall corresponded frequently. In 1886, Mr. Sewall built Theodore Roosevelt’s ranch in North Dakota and told him in 1887: “If you go into politics and live, your chance to be President is good.”
Mr. Sewall gained much of his native knowledge from the Indians and was an excellent log man. Donna’s great grandfather’s chosen location in northern Maine is close to Canada and near Mt. Katahdin, where the sun first hits the East Coast as it rises; you can enjoy the nearby forests, lakes (Mattawamkeag Lake and Pleasant Lake), Baxter State Park and wildlife such as moose and loons. It is here you will be able to experience serenity and solitude, away from the trappings of everyday life. The Yoga retreat offers a warm Bed & Breakfast atmosphere filled with antique treasures and books as well as a lovely fireplace for gatherings in the living room. Yoga DVD’s and books are available for use during your stay.
Clear your soul at the historic Sewall House, built in 1865, where yoga instructor Donna Davidge’s great grandfather, William Sewall, taught Theodore Roosevelt the wonders, beauty, and healing attributes of nature.