Surrounded by a whimsical hummingbird loom rug, flowerpots, comfy pillows, a couch and a golden retriever sidekick within a cozy atelier, Stacy Rolfe submerges into magical inspiration to create children’s books about animals on her R&R Ranch in Wildwood.
“The studio’s a beacon of warmth, nestled into the woods, and a place to call your own. It’s very different than having a home or bedroom office, for example, although it does double as my office,” Stacy explains.
“Our dogs and bunny go with me to the studio. I call it hanging out in the nest. It’s one of my favorite things to do.”
Stacy owns R&R Miniature Horse Sanctuary, part of her family’s residence of 32 beautifully wooded acres, complete with the customized, standalone writing studio. She and her husband, David, purchased the property as undeveloped land in 2013, although she now has plenty of on-site muses. Animals currently residing at the Ranch include 17 miniature horses, one pony, five dwarf miniature horses, two miniature donkeys, two dogs, one cat, two birds, one bunny, four full-size horses and one full-size donkey.
“If the studio had a bathroom, I’d probably want to move into it [full time like a tiny house],” she quips.
As the Ranch’s self-proclaimed ‘chief snuggler,’ Stacy says she envisioned the writing studio to be a charming, quintessential retreat for undisturbed composing. “It’s quiet, peaceful, and I open the windows to hear the birds. It helps me get my thoughts together. It’s exactly what I had in mind,” she adds.
Constructed in 2023, the studio came prebuilt from Hillbrook Collections, a custom garden houses company based in Bryn Mawr, Pennsylvania. It was delivered by truck, ready to place and enjoy.
Stacy says she hand-selected certain elements, such as the studio’s colors, flooring and locations of prewiring. “I wanted the studio to resemble our house, and it does, including the same shutter style. The only big difference is the studio has cedar shake roofing and our home doesn’t.”
By adding seasonal decorations to the studio’s exterior, various porch planters, different pillows inside or a small holiday tree, Stacy refreshes its personal appeal.
“While the Ranch is open to tours in the spring and summer, I don’t get to spend much time in the studio. But after we close to tours at the end of October, this special spot becomes my nightly retreat for 3 or 4 hours,” she shares.
To date, Stacy’s published four books: “ABCs of R&R Ranch Book;” “Martha The Perfectly Imperfect Little Horse;” “Eleanor’s Secret;” and “Goodnight Ranch.” She says 100% of proceeds from book and R&R merchandise purchases go directly to the care of the rescued horses, which are part of her 501(c)(3) nonprofit.
Stacy reveals another book is in the publishing process: “The World According To Handsome,” which reflects their retriever’s story. “Friends even come to the studio to have lunch there. It’s just a fun place to be, complete with speakers for music,” concludes this around-the-clock advocate and educator about miniature horses.
