Every writer needs space. A place away from work, chores, family and other
distractions, where they can be free to turn their creativity and thoughts into the
written word. Deep in the heart of the beautiful North Devon countryside, nestling
in a tranquil village, that space is waiting for you.
If you’re struggling to find the time and energy you need to finish your novel – or
indeed start it, I can help. And as a working writer/journalist myself, I am happy to
offer constructive criticism on your work.
We offer quiet comfortable rooms in a large traditional thatched house with a
huge log fire, cosy kitchen, a garden, and broadband wireless connection for your
laptop. There’s a desk in your room, along with a kettle for hot drinks – but you
may prefer to write downstairs by the fire, or in the kitchen, by the Rayburn. You
can be as solitary or as sociable as you choose. And in the evenings, I am available
to discuss or advise.
Homecooked meals, including homemade bread and wines are
provided – either with us at the kitchen table, on a tray by the fire, or in your
room. Fresh eggs straight from our hens, are on the menu for breakfast.
The village pub is just 50 yards from the front door, and there are many delightful
walks all around.
But writers aren’t alone in their need for space. We welcome anyone who needs
some time out to write, paint, read, think, meditate - or just sleep.
We’re offering complete respite from life’s distractions. So that for once,
you can focus on what’s really important to you. This is your time. We guarantee it.
Afternoon workshops and writing exercises optional extra. Two afternoons £60, three afternoons £90.
Listen to the BBC Radio Devon interview with Judi Spiers here
Retreats for you guest Ed Deevy has just had his book published, 'How to survive the great recession,' (Liffey press). Ed visited twice,
and says he'll be back to start on his next book!
Retreats for you now does B&B!
£35pp per night.
Retreats for you gift vouchers also available.
The perfect Christmas gift. Contact me for details
'Retreats for you' accepts all major debit and credit cards
| 
 |
What people have said...
I can't tell you how much I enjoyed my weekend with you. Your meals were gorgeous, you and Bob made everyone feel so welcome and I felt really cosseted.
I shall always remember my visit to your home in Sheepwash. Sitting on the wooden seats in the village square, discovering the breathtaking views down the road with the milk churn flower pots and finding a shady corner in your garden all made my visit that much more memorable - I could just go on and on piling on the praise. I shall certainly tell all my friends about Retreats for you.
Pat Frank, Sussex.
Just writing to say I'm home after a good drive home and a lovely packed lunch, especially the banana bread; yummy! thank you for a wonderful, relaxing break and for helping me to kick start my writing again!! I had a really good time, so thank you.
Hazel Simons, Norfolk.
Thank you for a lovely inspiring week at your cottage. I think your home is great, and loved the fire with glasses of wine in the evening.
I found it so tranquil and my room seemed to inspire my writing. I have never written so intensely or profusely before!
Sue Brown, Essex.
Just wanted to say thank you both so much for your kindness and hospitality. I had such a peaceful relaxing time in your beautiful home and village. Just wished it had been longer! I really will return as soon as I can.
Thanks for all your help with the writing, Deborah.
Wendy, South Devon.
I so much enjoyed my stay and would like to thank you both for your great hospitality...it is not easy to invite strangers into your home and make them feel at ease so quickly.
Although my original intention was to write I feel the weekend served a greater purpose...to convince me of the new direction in my life which I had toyed with for quite a while... you gave me the confidence to believe a retreat can be a hugely enjoyable way of giving people,women particularly, the space and peace to formulate new ideas and plans. Such opportunities are rare and the environment you have created is absolutely perfect for inspiration to unfurl, in whatever form.
Christine Gee, Hull.
I feel utterly transformed by my stay and hope to return around September time for another dose of productive tranquility, shot with all the good things that come with a couple of glasses of red wine, warm firesides and fine company. I achieved everything I wanted to whilst I was in Sheepwash - I arrived with a jumble of poems, stories and ideas on a memory stick and left with several completed pieces and a real focus at last on publication. I feel that I arrived someone who craved time and space to write and left a writer who knows how to find that time within the context of her daily life. Couldn't ask more of a writing retreat really now could I?
Michelle, East Sussex.
Retreats For You was writing heaven. Everything was perfect: a quiet room, kettle, desk, comfy bed. Deborah and Bob make you feel relaxed and at home, under no pressure to do anything other than get on with your work, but when you do need a break, they are there, quietly supporting and encouraging your writing endeavors. Deborah is a fantastic hostess and a great cook. I'm sure her homemade bread made me write better. The surrounding landscape is stunning, so when you need a walk, beautiful countryside is on your doorstep. I got more than a months work done in a week. Definitely, some of the best money I've ever spent.
Alexandra Spong, East Sussex.
I studied creative writing at university, but before my stay at Retreats for you, I was worried that I wouldn't be motivated once I got there. How wrong I was. By the time I left, I had written 8000 words! I also caught up on my sleep and feasted on Deborah's delicious homemade brownies. I felt like a relative or close friend rather than a paying guest and left feeling so rested and rejuvenated. I hope to go back, and am so pleased that I have picked up my writer's pen again for the first time in more than four years.
Katie Scott, London.
Retreating from the world is what you do when you come to Deborah and Bob’s beautiful home in Sheepwash. Everything is taken care of so your mind is uncluttered and you are free to write. Deborah’s invaluable tips and advice, and her gentle encouragement kept me focused on my tasks. I achieved all my writing goals with ease and speed. I felt completely at home with the family and yet did not get distracted by mundane chores. I’m saving up for the next trip!
Anjana Chowdhury, France.
Deborah and Bob are so welcoming I felt at home within 10 minutes of arriving. I came to Sheepwash as I wanted to get back into writing after a gap of about six years. I definitely came to the right place! I can’t believe how much I got written. My pen just wouldn’t stop. The atmosphere was perfect. And it was great to end each day with a fabulous meal, fascinating conversation and good company. I’m definitely coming back!
Srabani Sen, London.
I had a great time and got a lot of work done. It's given me a platform to finally finish my book and I've even done some more since I got back. It was a great luxury to have a whole week to concentrate on writing in a place where you don't have to explain yourself or feel self-conscious about what you're doing. Your retreat is a great resource.
Peter Mullins, Cork, Ireland.
A worry free break full of time and space to think, plan write and chill out. I managed to write more than I'd ever managed to do before while still fitting in walks in the beautiful countryside, chilling out in front of the fire and having wonderful chats over dinner about absolutely everything. The food was great and the hospitatility just wonderful. Just what you need as a break from a work filled lifestyle. I'd recommend it to anyone.
Freya Barker, Exeter.
I couldn't have had a more perfect time at your retreat in Sheepwash It was wonderful to do exactly what I wanted, while being so well looked after. I can honestly say I did my best work while I was staying with you. Thanks a million!
Jo Danilo, Yorkshire.
"Great hospitality and a supportive creative work environment...that's what you get at the Writers Retreat. Spend a few days in the charming village of Sheepwash and you'll be transported into another world. Thank you Deborah and Bob for all your support and generosity. I'll be back. Highly recommended to anyone who wants to get away to focus on a writing project...or any personal project. Ed Deevy, Dublin, Ireland."
Ed Deevy, Dublin, Ireland
"My stay with Deborah and her family was fantastic, exceeding all my expectations. Deborah was not only a perfect host but a great inspiration too in helping me more than double my target for the week. All the meals were gorgeous, and my room perfect. I always felt very welcome by all the family. Thank you to Bob for his perfect taxi service and to Flo for sharing her birthday celebrations with me. After a productive day writing it was lovely to sit by the log fire with a glass of wine, discussing my characters dilemma's, reading a book or just chatting. Thank you Deborah, I hope to see you again in 2009."
Sue Curran, Cork, Ireland
"Arrived after a difficult, 6 hour, foggy journey to a lovely welcome and home-made cottage pie! From then onwards, Deborah and her family went above and beyond, and I wanted for nothing. Deborah is ever -eady to guide, advise, bounce ideas off or even just for a chat. I left inspired beyond expectations, and now have a plan for my book and have applied for an MA in creative writing. Thank you, Deborah - I shall be back x"
Lorna Martin, Birmingham
"My novel grew faster than I'd hoped it could, while my every need was looked after by Deborah and her family. They made me so welcome and comfortable I couldn't fail to be inspired to get on with my writing. The house is wonderful - I loved my comfortable room equipped with desk and kettle (what more does a writer need?) and in the evenings the log fire tempted me to scribble in the sitting room in front of the flames. Meals are delicious, there are riverside walks on hand for vital 'fresh air' breaks, and the family are great company when sitting at the PC screen felt a bit too isolated. Definitely recommended to any writers who want to invest some time in their writing."
Katharine Robb, Birmingham
"A truly inspiring place to stay. My week's holiday was filled with lots of unforgettable memories. During my visit I felt pampered and looked after and found Deborah and family charming and welcoming. By the end of the week I 'd completed the first 20000 words of my novel which Deborah was happy to comment on and as a result I've got a definite plan to take it further which is all thanks to my time spent there. I highly recommend it to anyone who needs motivation and comfort. I'm hoping to make a return visit in 2009 "
Deborah Best, York
"It was a long way for me to get there but absolutely worth it. The quiet of the countryside and the freedom to either socialize, eat with the family or simply stay in my room - or anywhere else - and write, was great. The meals were warm and welcoming and Bob was a good taxi driver. My thanks to all."
Karen Chevasco, Gibraltar
"My stay at Deborah's was absolutely magnificent. Her meals were gorgeous and I loved the home made bread. Sitting in front of the log fire writing or just reading was so pleasant that I managed to complete the task I had set for myself even though at the time I felt I was being too optimistic. I WILL DEFINITELY be returning. Dorothy Jones, Bournemouth"
Dorothy Venus Jones, Bournemouth, Dorset
"From the moment I walked through the door of this charming house I was treated more like a friend of the family than a paying guest. I had come for relaxing peace and to write 12,500 word of my novel; both things were achieved and more. Deb was very helpful with advice and comments which were much appreciated, and I left (reluctantly) pleased to have found a new set of friends. I shall certainly be back."
Ian Gallaher, Bracknell
"Deborah is a more than generous hostess and her home is immaculate. My stay was filled with tranquillity and warmth - throughout, I was given choice as to whether I wanted to socialise or be solitary and was included within the household effortlessly. Deb has a fund of knowledge and ideas to draw on how to get work published and I found her wisdom invaluable."
Sarah McCloughry, Oxford
|
