November 12-16th, 2026 | Starting at £3000
The Muse’s Crossing
A fantasy photography retreat with photographer Lillian Liu in Argyll, Scotland
What to Expect
Muse, noun, /myuz/: a person or spirit that gives an artist ideas and the desire to create things
Tucked away in the rolling countryside of Argyll, Scotland, the Muse’s Crossing retreat is where creativity meets history and legend.
Old stones, green hills, and whispered myths have inspired artists and dreamers alike. Here, imagination awakens in the same landscapes that once shaped epic tales and chronicled history.
Step into a transformative journey with photographer Lillian Liu, where you cross into heroines and villains of old through the camera, while staying in a Scottish castle just steps away from medieval ruins.
Myth and imagination intertwine as you embody timeless stories, captured in images that feel like truth and becoming.
We welcome you to Chapter One of the Muse’s Crossing. Thank you for joining us in our inaugural year.
3 fantasy photoshoots are included in the retreat.
We blend full guidance in shooting if requested, so there is no modeling experience necessary for your sessions.
❋ Photoshoots
Connection is an integral part of the retreat. You’ll meet like-minded individuals and work together to create both art and memories in an intimate setting.
❋ Collaborative Energy
Included in the retreat is a stay in Castle Lachlan. Experience a private chef, with daily meals catered to your dietary needs.
❋ Room and Board
Our events prioritize safety and respect with a zero tolerance policy, so you can show up as you are and become fully engaged. We welcome ages 18+ to participate in this female-only retreat.
❋ A Supportive Space
Sponsors
Fantasy is not costume, but initiation.
Guests don’t leave reality, they navigate through it changed.
Adornment is remembrance. You are not dressing up, you are revealing a deeper truth.
Meet Your Hosts
Lillian Liu Photography
I’m a creative photographer who feels happiest when making mythic stories come to life! Trained in art history with an artistic background, I love making timeless keepsake visual pieces that emanate sensitivity. My features and clients include: Penguin Random House, HarperCollins, Adobe, Vogue, Marie Claire, and many more.
When not shooting, I am very much a goblin collecting trinkets, and also adore a good fleece blanket and hardcover book!
Instagram: @lilianliuphotography
I’m a makeup and hair artist who loves the journey of making you unlock new parts of yourself! I also run Morrow Muse, a boutique creative concept agency.
My features and experience include: Vogue, Estee Lauder, Red Candle Games, MAC cosmetics, and more, and I am equipped to work on clients and styles of all backgrounds and ages.
I love whimsy, princess-y rococo vibes, and spoiling my cat Loba with sashimi!
Wendychu, Makeup Artist, Boutique Team of Morrow Muse
Instagram: @hiwendychu
I’m a content creator born and raised in New York City, with a niche that focuses on the fantastical and historical! With over 2.5 million followers collectively on my social platforms, connecting with people around the world in person and online is truly my passion.
I’m here to show that you can be empowered with both a sword and a ball gown!
Special Guest: Queen Astraea
Tiktok: queen_astraeaLive your inner fable
The Art of Lillian Liu- portfolio sample
What’s Included
Fine Art Portraits
3 guided photoshoot sessions over the span of the retreat
3 final digital image edits from each shoot, for a total of 9 images overall
Option to purchase more images from each set
Hair and Makeup included as add-on
Weather-flexible indoor options also available with digital background and high-end set stylist
Accommodation
Step back in time! The estate built in 1790 includes a stay of 4 nights, and features 1500 acres of grounds on the shores of Loch Fyne, old medieval ruins 5 minutes away, laundry, and much more in the ancient seat of Clan Maclachlan.
A range of cozy period character rooms available, from private to ensuite, with comfortable common areas.
The grounds are yours to explore and make content in both pre and post scheduled shooting
Private Chef
Daily self-serve continental breakfast buffet, light lunches, snacks, and rich sit-down dinners in the banquet hall. Unlimited tea/coffee/snacks daily.
Wine/spirits or non-alcoholic options with meals and for aperitif time.
Dietary restrictions are catered to with individual meals
Day Trip or Free Day
Free time included to unwind or to explore!
An ancient medieval chapel, gorgeous loch views, Inver Restaurant, prehistoric art, and many castles are in the area
Group transportation for organized group excursion to Glasgow or Stirling Castle as decided by group vote
Daily evenings are free for group games, activities, and personal unwinding
Transportation
Shuttle available for group outing day, and also upon request for departure day to major travel hub
Cab-friendly location, and on location driver available for shoots
Extras
Luxe welcome goodie bag upon arrival! Think prestige beauty brand makeup, Korean skincare, on-theme swag, daily essentials, and more…
Refer-a-friend discount and payment plans available!
PR closet available- see following sections for more details.
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The Muse’s Crossing retreat is both a self-styled experience (where you step into a character of your own creation through designs you bring), and with PR wardrobe available. This includes fantasy accessories/designer headpieces/sponsored garments/armour/wigs in the communal PR wardrobe. These items are subject to availability to accentuate your looks, should you wish to use them, and will be revealed prior to the retreat as an online inventory, and will be of the caliber as featured in Lillian Liu’s work.
You will then be able to select what pieces you’d like to use for your transformation after registration.
Our sponsor Armstreet will also collect your measurements after registration, so they can find pieces that work best with you.Please note that while we will do our best to accommodate a wide range of sizes, providing your measurements in advance gives us the best chance of ensuring a proper fit. Accurate measurements allow us to plan PR wardrobe styling more effectively.
Lillian will also guide you through a personalized styling journey for each of your three looks, helping to develop your characters. Moodboards for looks and makeup, and determining the overall ambience is essential co-creation and a part of the transformative experience.
At the retreat, assistance will also be provided if necessary for dressing and getting ready, at the client’s discretion. -
Please pack 3 different looks for your individual photoshoots, unless you plan to use a sponsored garment(s) for a specific look.
You are encouraged to bring wigs, jewelry, and more as well- but most importantly, your enthusiasm!
Otherwise, for inside the castle: loungewear, toiletries, comfy shoes, and whatever else suits your fancy for a cozy castle escape! Layers are encouraged for cold weather.
For the outdoors: outdoor-ready and/or waterproof shoes, windbreaking and/or waterproof jackets, due to the nature of Scottish weather. Scotland will be cold, so please dress accordingly! An umbrella is always wise, since Scottish weather is fickle by the hour and can go through all four seasons in a short amount of time! -
Lillian Liu’s editing style is painterly and will require editing time, especially for a group setting. Timelines will be arranged as schedules are released. Priority will be given to higher ticket tier patrons.
You have an option to select your final images from a gallery across all photoshoots if you wish.
Additional images are available for purchase directly through Lillian Liu. -
Your host Wendy will be available to book as a hair and makeup artist, should you wish to be pampered! Otherwise, you will be responsible for your own hair and makeup prep for your respective shots.
Wendy’s rates are:
Makeup only: 150 GBP
Makeup and hair: 250 GBP -
Please be sure to cover the following:
Your travel to and from your home to the castle, including airfare, train, or car rental.
Costumes and accessories (with the exception of what is available to borrow from the PR closet)
Baggage, accident, cancellation, or travel insurance
Extra personal expenses, such as passports, store purchases, phone calls
Extra meals and beverages not served on grounds
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Due to the historical nature of the grounds, the castle itself is not wheelchair friendly or fully accessible to those who may need mobility assistance. We apologize for the inability to accommodate, as we cannot guarantee your comfort or safety.
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To keep events accessible, payment plans are available either in 2 or 3 parts for those who might find it their preferred way of payment.
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From July onwards, we will schedule 2 group calls to get acquainted with one another, and to answer all of your questions. Lillian will also be in contact with you through the group Discord to get a feel of planning your vision as you make moodboards, design your wardrobe pairings, and offer makeup and hair inspiration.
Our Location
Our residence is a striking Scottish Baronial castle set within a 1,500-acre estate overlooking Loch Fyne. Accommodating up to 15 guests, the house offers a peaceful and private retreat just a 1.5-hour drive from Glasgow Airport (the nearest transport hub).
Clan Maclachlan has called this part of Argyll home since the 13th century. The original castle from the 1200s was later replaced in the 15th century by what is now known as Old Castle Lachlan, which today stands as an atmospheric ruin just steps away from our residence.
The present New Castle Lachlan, located about a ten-minute walk from the ruins, remains the current seat of Clan Maclachlan and is our place of stay. Construction began in 1790, and the house was transformed and modernized in the 1800s into the estate that stands today.
Set dramatically on a promontory overlooking Lachlan Bay, Old Castle Lachlan is a substantial medieval ruin in a particularly scenic setting.
New Castle Lachlan features seven guest bedrooms, each comfortably furnished and rich in character. Many rooms showcase period furniture and historic decorative pieces that reflect the heritage of the estate.
The grand dining room is elegantly furnished with antiques and centered around a large dining table that seats up to fourteen guests. Full services of china, cutlery, glassware, and silver are provided for formal dining.
Adjacent to the dining room is the billiard room. Farmhouse-style kitchen, laundry room, and ironing facilities are also available on grounds.
Wifi is available around most of the house which will be handy for wifi calling, as there is limited cell reception in the area.
A scenic drive from our residence is Kilmorie Chapel. It is a roofless ruin of a church dating back to the 1400s, and one of the few surviving medieval ecclesiastical sites in western Scotland. For centuries, the chapel served as the traditional burial place of the Chiefs of Clan Maclachlan.
Near the roadside lies an ancient well known as Tobar Cille Moire (“the Well of Mary’s Church”), traditionally regarded as a holy well.
Within the burial ground are numerous Clan Maclachlan memorials, reflecting the chapel’s long association with the clan and its chiefs.
We will also be making content at Castle Sween, which is is the oldest surviving stone castle in Scotland, dating to the 1100s. Both the castle and the loch are believed to take their name from the chieftain Suibhne the Red, who is traditionally credited with its construction.
Reaching the castle involves a scenic drive along the loch, offering sweeping views of the surrounding landscape. The castle ruins themselves invite exploration, with highlights including the remains of the ancient kitchen ovens, which still hint at the daily life that once took place within these walls.
FAQ
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This retreat is for those who feel a call toward creativity and the process of creation. You’ll be welcomed into an intimate community of creatives and thoughtful souls who value connection and shared experience.
We ask that participants come open-hearted, ready to participate, and to move with emotional awareness within a group setting.
This is not a party culture-centered escape. Instead, it is an invitation to connect and to make beauty together as a collective.Please note that this retreat is for female participants only who are 18 years of age or older. However, we will mention that although the retreat is female exclusive for attendees, some staff on grounds may be male depending on their availability (ie groundskeeper, chef, drivers, etc). We appreciate your understanding as we keep this transparent.
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After receiving the exact address of the castle after registration, you will be given more details about the easiest travel routes to reach the building.
The location is local taxi friendly as well, and a shuttle/driver will be provided from grounds to the city center/airport on departure day, should there be enough demand for the service.
Travel hubs include:Glasgow Airport
Glasgow Central Station (train)
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In your registration form, there will be an option to name what your allergies or restriction are.
However, if you live with serious environmental allergies (such as dust, insects, etc), please make this known in advance to your hosts prior to arrival.
For your wellbeing and safety, we reserve the authority to decline your booking request if we determine that we cannot safely meet your health needs. -
To ensure a focused and cohesive experience for all participants, we kindly ask that attendance be limited to retreat guests only, and that no plus-ones attend.
We appreciate your understanding and cooperation, and we’re excited to make this a meaningful and productive retreat for everyone.
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To keep our retreats accessible, we do offer payment plans in two or three payments. More details can be found in the pricing section of the site below.
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If you are a designer who would like to offer designs for the retreat in exchange for content, please write us at the retreat using the contact form at the bottom of the page.
Accomodation
The retreat offers 8 guest rooms with several accommodation options designed to suit different preferences and budgets. Due to the intimate size and historic layout of the castle, some accommodations are designed to be shared, while others are private. Guests attending the retreat may therefore opt to share a bed with a bedmate, for a discount.
For those who prefer additional privacy, private rooms can be reserved for an additional fee, subject to availability.
To help everyone feel comfortable before arrival, we will host Discord or Zoom meetups ahead of the retreat, so guests have the chance to connect before traveling.
Note: Guests are welcome to refer a friend to stay together in the same room for a further discount of £100 off their ticket price (please refer to the payment section of the site for more details).
Room types are as listed below:
Two rooms feature two separate single beds in a room. These are offered to our “Silver Tier” ticket patrons.
One room contains a single bed and is private, available at a premium rate for the “Gold Tier” ticket.
Three additional rooms contain large double beds and are available as shared accommodations, offering a more affordable option as the “Bronze Tier” ticket.
Guests booking these rooms will share with a bedmate and receive a discounted rate. In total, there are five double beds available. These rooms, although shared by default, can also be upgraded to a private suite for a Silver Plus or Gold Plus Tier ticket (details in Pricing section).
A crossing is a threshold, a moment where something old is released, and something new is claimed.
The muse is not inspiration chased, but something you host and honour from within.
Booking and Pricing
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Our pricing reflects the location, care, creativity, and resources that go into crafting an immersive experience. Each package includes curated activities and food, styled settings, on-site coordination, shipping of PR items, and exclusive access to the retreat environment. Full pricing details are as follows, with optional payment plans available to support flexibility while securing your place.
Discounts:
If you refer a friend and come together, both of you will also get an additional £100 off your ticket price. You will also both receive an upgraded Gold Tier goodie bag free of charge!
Ticket prices are as follows:
Bronze tier (for those willing to share a double bed): £3000
Silver tier: (which includes faster edits, priority Armstreet measurements, and a single twin bed in a shared room): £3700
Silver Plus tier: (which includes all of the above and a private room with private double bed): + extra £250
Gold tier: £4200, which includes additional features such as: private room, priority Armstreet measurements, 2 complimentary makeup and hair looks from Wendy, greatly upgraded luxe goodie bag, an extra edit per shoot, all of your images and content edited first in the delivery schedule, and 50% discount on additional edit purchases
Gold Plus Tier: + extra £250, where you receive all of the above and have your very own private room and private double bed to yourself.
If you have any questions, we are more than happy to answer your emails or even arrange a video call.
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We are excited to welcome you!
To secure your place at the Muse’s Crossing retreat, a deposit of 35% is required at the time of booking. This deposit is fully refundable up until June 30th, 2026 as a firm deadline, due to the castle’s booking timeline.
The remaining balance must be paid in full by the stated final payment deadline of September.
Payment plans are available if noted at registration- see points below for more information on flexible payment options.
We appreciate your understanding and commitment as we thoughtfully prepare this experience!
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For guests who prefer additional flexibility, payment plans are available. These plans allow the retreat investment to be divided into scheduled installments, with all payments completed by the final payment deadline of two months prior to the retreat (September).
Instalments can be divided into 2 or 3 payments depending on your individual needs. -
All deposits and payments are fully refundable up until June 30th as a firm deadline, in which we will no longer be able to accommodate a refund due to the castle’s booking policy.
Due to the nature of the experience (photoshoots, room and board, planning, materials), all payments are considered final once made after the refund deadline of June 30th. This includes payment plan instalments made after June 30th. We thank you for understanding!Minimum Group Size: This retreat requires a certain number of enrollment. Only if we must cancel due to insufficient registration will you receive a 100% refund within 30 days of retreat cancellation. This is the only circumstance under which refunds are offered after the deadline.
Day One Itinerary
The Arrival
Welcome to The Muse’s Crossing!
Your adventures begins as you cross over onto grounds anytime after check in as dependent on your travel schedule.
Settle into your room, meet other fellow guests, and be greeted by your hosts, where you can then tour and explore the manor grounds, and sort out looks for the next day’s shooting.
That evening, the group gathers for a Welcome Mixer & Welcome Dinner in the banquet hall. We encourage you to wear something on theme for the first night, as the dinner is your first opportunity for themed content creation (including group content!). Afterwards, historical games will follow.
Afternoon onwards- check in, settle onto grounds
Check-In5:30 pm-6:30 pm- get to know your fellow guests and hosts over welcome drinks/non-alcoholic mixers, as we settle into the experience with a quick icebreaker activity and open circle
Welcome MixerDinner Content6:30 pm-7:00 pm- Quick content creation in the banquet hall for some first self-made shots before mealtime formally begins
7:00 pm-9:00 pm - Enjoy a lush welcome banquet and multi-course dinner prepared by our private chef. Content creation moments are also welcome.
Dinner9:00 pm-11:00 pm- Group games!
Group Activity11:00 pm onwards- Quiet time begins, so guests can wind down in time for shooting the next day. We ask that you be respectful of guests who might be tired from their travels, so quiet activities from 11 pm onwards are encouraged for those who are night owls.
Quiet HourDay Two Itinerary
The Transformation
Our first shoot day is designed to be streamlined and creatively inspiring. Guests can expect thoughtful direction, the joy of getting ready in a creative bubble, and plenty of space to work at a comfortable but organized pace. Your hosts will be available to help you with anything: corset tying, pinning, posing, and everything in-between.
Whether you’re actively participating during your slot, or simply enjoying the atmosphere in-between sessions, the day will feel collaborative, playful, and rooted in the magic of the retreat.
8:00 am-9:30 am- Self serve breakfast buffet open, either sit-down or grab and go as you get ready for the shoots ahead.
Breakfast8:30 am-1:00 pm- Individual shooting and hair/makeup sessions begins at slotted times- please refer to your timetables. You are free to continue making content inside the castle after your sessions are finished with the extra time in-between.
Shooting and Prep1:00 pm-2:00 pm- Quick and light lunch served in the banquet hall, welcome for sit-down or grab and go
Lunch Break2:15 pm-6:15 pm- Individual shooting and hair/makeup sessions continue- please refer to your timetables.
Shooting and PrepAperitif 5:00 pm- 7:00 pm - Alcoholic and non-alcoholic drinks available in the banquet hall for those who need a small pick-me-up before dinner as shoots start to wind down.
7:30 pm-9:30 pm - Dinner served in the banquet hall by our private chef, as we wind down for the day
Dinner9:30 pm-11:00 pm - Dependent on the energy levels of the group after a full day of shooting, a calm and quiet movie night or a group activity will follow dinner
Post-dinner activity11:00 pm onwards - Quiet time begins
Quiet HourDay Three Itinerary
The Crossing
One full day of the retreat is intentionally left open for either rest or adventure! Guests are encouraged to join the group day trip to Glasgow or Castle Stirling (as decided by group vote), or to privately explore the surrounding area and enjoy local sights…or simply slow down and recharge after a day of shooting, to recharge for the next.
Whether you choose sightseeing or quiet reflection, this free day offers space to experience the destination at your own pace and savour the magic beyond the retreat schedule.
7:30 am-9:30 am- Self serve breakfast buffet
Breakfast Buffet8:15 am - onwards- Shuttle leaves for destination, for guests participating on the day sightseeing and tourism trip.
This trip is rain or shine- dress accordingly!
Shuttle for Group1:00 pm - 2:00 pm- Lunch break provided for guests staying behind at the castle.
Lunch Break8:30 pm- 9:30 pm- Dinner served by private chef for guests staying behind at the castle or for those who have returned from their day trips.
Dinner11:00 pm onwards, to prepare for another day of shooting ahead.
Quiet HourThe Transformation Continues
Day Four Itinerary
The final full day brings together our last round of shooting and a celebratory close before departure the next morning. Expect a full schedule with creative moments and plenty of time to connect and enjoy the atmosphere together!
The final schedule for Day 4 will be announced closer to the retreat, as we continue refining travel timing and on-location shoot plans to create the best possible experience. We will conclude the retreat with a lush farewell dinner and drinks in the banquet hall, prepared by our private chef, followed by celebratory revelry for our final evening together.
Please keep in mind that while we cannot control the weather in case of extreme cases, we will always have a thoughtful Plan B to ensure our special guests are well taken care of.
Day Five Itinerary
The Departure
Our final day is a slow and thoughtful close to the retreat as guests check out and begin their journeys home. This morning is intentionally unstructured, offering time for goodbyes. We part with cherished memories, and the magic of the retreat carried forward!
7:00 am-8:00 am- Self serve breakfast buffet open
Breakfast10:00 am - Check out time for the castle, be sure to have your belongings ready for departure. A group shuttle is available upon request if enough participants are headed to the same travel hub afterwards.
Check Out
Photographer’s opportunity:
Photographers not attending the retreat will have the exclusive opportunity to book a private daytime shooting session with Queen Astraea on the castle grounds and vincinity prior to the official start of the retreat on the 11th of November. Sessions may incorporate certain pieces from our curated wardrobe collection if needed. For availability and booking details, please contact us for more information!
