A Brief Look at Our Progress (And What is to Come!)

It’s with great joy that we announce that as of this first week of October, 2024, the major construction of the Wild Lot House has been completed! Over the next few months, we will work on the smaller, finishing details, as we prepare to invite beta testers for one-week stays next summer and develop an application system for our writer and artist residency program.

A ten-year project, we encountered more hurdles than we could have imagined when we got started—from flood damage to a global pandemic that halted construction. In the end, we have lovingly transformed our 1850s farmhouse into a serviceable space for families, individuals, and small groups to dedicate time to their art. And we are very excited to welcome our first guests!

What will the Wild Lot House offer?

Designed to facilitate a range of artists, writers, and their families, the space has:

• A first floor master bedroom with ensuite bathroom featuring a low-entry shower.
• Two upstairs bedrooms with shared bathroom (one with twin bunk beds, one with a queen bed).
• Additional sleeping accommodations if needed (including a fold-out sofa and chairs).
• A fully-equipped kitchen, dining room, and living room.
• A spacious 1.25 acre landscaped yard immediately surrounding the house.
• An adjoining 20 acres of pastures and woods with trails to explore, featuring a one-acre pond. 
• Several designated workspaces: Desks, WiFi, and garage studio space for visual artists.
• Easy-access to major cities and transportation hubs (1 to 1.5 hours to Cincinnati, Dayton, and Columbus).

Where is the Wild Lot House located?

While the Wild Lot House has a Midland, Ohio mailing address, it’s located in the village of Macedonia, a widely-spaced cluster of half a dozen homes about fifteen minutes from Wilmington and Blanchester, Ohio. Enjoy a balance of rural life and scenic beauty, with access to 20 acres of nature and a handful of friendly neighbors nearby.

How can beta testers apply?

Send us a brief email at contact@wildlotpress.com. Tell us a little bit about yourself and your work. Include links, if you have them. Since we only have a short period set aside for this stage, we can’t offer a beta testing week to everyone who wants one—but we’ll make note of your early interest for future residency applications.

When will the residency program be opened?

To ensure a smooth launch and the long-term success of our residency, we have no plans of rushing its launch. After completing beta testing during the summer of 2025, we will evaluate the space, make adjustments as needed, and open an application system in early 2026.

Can individuals rent the Wild Lot House?

Absolutely! Our facility will also be open to short-term direct rental, starting in late 2025/early 2026. Regardless of whether you access the Wild Lot House via residency or rental, we will work hard to provide an environment conducive to creativity—whether it’s removing yourself from the grind of modern life to refocus on your art or simply recharging and resetting in a rural, natural environment.

Are children welcome?

Yes! We know first hand the struggle of maintaining creative efforts as parents, and hope to provide a place that families feel welcome. One of the second-floor bedrooms is specially set up with younger guests in mind, with bunk beds, a closet full of toys, an assortment of children’s books, and a bathroom with tub right next door. We also have a Pack ‘n Play and baby gate available, upon request. In the future, we hope to secure grant funding to help cover childcare expenses for parents of younger children. 

Want to partner with us?

We are looking for partners—local and beyond—to get the word out about our residency and help it grow. Whether you have an idea for a program or project or just want to reach out to say hello, we look forward to connecting with others who share our commitment to the arts and helping artists and writers keep creating. 

Email us contact@wildlotpress.com or send us a message on Instagram!

Thank you to everyone who has helped us make it thus far! We can’t wait to officially launch our residency in the near future.