Our core belief
If we want to go far, we must go together.
The Brenn Foundation exists to create space–physically, mentally, and financially–for change makers to come together, invest in themselves, and build communities.
Musgrove Retreat Center, under the stewardship of Brenn Foundation, allows us to host important meetings, conferences, retreats and artistic residencies that encourage action through open conversation and create lasting memories.
Musgrove Retreat & Conference Center
Located on St. Simons Island, Georgia
Midway between Savannah, Georgia and Jacksonville Florida
“Being able to share this special place with my colleagues and experience nature in solitude during our stay really recharged my enthusiasm for the work that we do.”
— Participant, 2023 ‘Mini Sabbaticals’ at Musgrove
Coming together to go further.
Musgrove, under the stewardship of The Brenn Foundation, hosts nonprofit retreats, Board meetings, conferences, and strategic sessions to encourage action through open conversation and relationship-building.
Overlooking a preserved seaside marsh, Musgrove is an estate on the banks of the historic Village Creek on St. Simons Island, Georgia.
Musgrove had its beginnings in 1938 when Nancy Susan Reynolds purchased the original tract of land along the banks of the Village Creek. Committed to preserving the natural integrity of the estate, she built a compound of six cottages.
The largest building on the grounds, the Grove House, is a spacious two-storied recreation room, which is ideal for meetings and seminars, accommodating up to 50 people comfortably. Musgrove has 14 bedrooms with access to additional rooms off property via a five-minute shuttle ride. The estate presents a beautiful and comfortable assembly room with extra breakout meeting areas.
Facilities and activities include: pool, jacuzzi, fishing, crabbing, kayaking, canoeing, and horseback riding. The estate has a one-of-a-kind Podocarpus maze to wander through, an ancient statuary, a 1.5-mile driveway for running and long walks, a pecan orchard draped with Spanish moss, a 12-acre lake, and a sky filled with species of endangered birds.
Just over an hour from the Jacksonville and Savannah airports (shuttles are available), Musgrove is easily accessible by non-stop flight from most major U.S. cities.
Active Programs
Artist Residencies
The Brenn Foundation welcomes writers, painters/fine art artists, researchers, photographers and composers to reside in our ‘Nursery’ cottage on property, where Jimmy Carter visited and wrote. Artists must be sponsored by a Brenn Foundation approved non-profit in order to be considered.
Meetings & Retreats
Musgrove’s serene and picturesque environment provides a respite from the outside world, offering guests a unique opportunity for group discussion, debate, learning, and planning. Nonprofits are welcome to apply to host staff retreats, Board meetings, strategic planning sessions and more.
Customizing Your Special Event is our Pleasure
“Such a picturesque beautiful estate.”
- Anatoly Chernyaev, National Security Advisor to Mikhail Gorbachev
“The Musgrove staff did their usual flawless job come conference time.”
– Professor James Blight, Balsillie School of International Affairs, University of Waterloo
"I can't think of a better place to take a break from Washington."
- Rose Gottemoeller, Undersecretary of State, Obama Administration
“The peace and solitude of Musgrove gave us the much-needed break from the heaviness of our work and the space to truly reconnect, while the history of the land reminded us that renewal and reflection are vital to healing and advocacy.”
– Tanika Nicholas, Justice Reform Partner Strategist at Southern Center for Human Rights
"Musgrove is a special place and we are lucky it has been protected and shared with visitors. The time to reflect in such a beautiful and natural environment really put our work into perspective, recharged energy levels, and gave my team fresh motivation."
Damon Mullis, Executive Director & Riverkeeper at Ogeechee Riverkeeper
My mini-sabbatical experience was exactly what I didn't know I needed. The simple peace and serenity of the cottage allowed for stillness and reflection to reset, rest, and recharge. I was able to tap into creative spaces I could only access outside of my normal busy routine of ripping and running. Thank you for the space and opportunity to unplug.
– Anonymous at Deep Center
Our retreat at Musgrove was transformative. The natural beauty of the setting, paired with thoughtful spaces for reflection and connection, created the perfect environment for both rest and inspiration. The peaceful grounds allowed us to step away from daily demands and return renewed, focused, and deeply connected. The time was a gift we rarely get. Our team also took the opportunity to go on a local tour to ensure we were also proximate to the community.
– Staci, President and CEO at Georgia Budget & Policy Institute