What people have said...
Thanks again for a wonderful week, just exactly what I was hoping for, and more. I'll be back, hopefully soon.
Rebecca Vagg, Sussex.
Can't thank you enough, really, for what a success you've made of my holiday. I knew I could expect fantastic hospitality and time / space to write - and everything from the meals to the room were lovely. What I didn't expect was the sincerity and kindness you both showed throughout. Right from the off, you made me feel so welcome. It really was home for a while. Plus, I met so many interesting and fantastic people over the course of my stay. You have no idea how enriched I feel for it, both as a writer and as a person.
Jay Campbell, Scotland.
What I really want to say is how much I loved my stay there ˆ it was exactly what I needed - from the old fashioned, cosy house, to the delicious food, and fantastic attention you gave to everything and everyone. It almost feels like I dreamed it up to order. You and Bob have developed a real gem. One of my overriding memories will be lying in that lovely big bath, with the candle flickering and then hearing someone playing Clair de Lune on the piano downstairs. And since talking to you about my writing I feel spurred on and more confident.
Wendy Ibbison, St Albans.
Within hours of arriving, I felt completely comfortable. This was miraculous, but I took it for granted immediately. You gave me a license to be myself, which couldn't but help my quest for an authentic authorial 'voice'.
Charlotte Raven, London.
I had such a rich, productive and nourishing time on all levels and I miss everyone ! I feel I've got a huge piece of my life back thanks to being able to let the creativity flow in a non-pressurising environment and to the company of each person there.
Amy Purdon.
I found the retreat astonishingly restful and productive. I felt such tranquillity but at the same time energised and focused on my work. I certainly intend to retreat again.
Malcolm Noble, Leicester.
Can't thank you both enough for exactly what I needed. You're lovely and your home is a big warm hug. Plan to book again as soon as I can and promote you wherever the opportunity presents.
Lisa Calberg, London.
Thank you so much for such a perfect stay, I am so pleased with the amount of work I have done. And both my husband and daughter say I look amazing!! All down to the wonderful environment you create.
Seana Farrington, Ireland.
If you're looking for a relaxing break in a typical English village Deborah and Bob will give you the warmest of welcomes into their beautiful home. You'll enjoy home-cooked food, take thinking time walking in the countryside, settle on a comfy sofa in a quiet corner of the house to read or write or find complete peace and calm in your comfortable and inspiringly uncluttered room.
In the evenings you can relax in front of the huge log fire, and reflect on what you’ve achieved during the day and what you plan to do in the morning. I found meal time conversation lively and entertaining, but at the same time, there was always the option to eat in my room - nobody would have thought me anti-social.
I’ve come home relaxed and happy, which would be enough for me to recommend a stay in this perfect writers’ retreat. But on top of that, with Deborah’s advice and encouragement, I’ve found renewed confidence in my writing and now have a workable plan for my novel after years of indecision. This is so much more than I could have wished for. I’m going back next year with my first draft – the anticipation of it will spur me on with my writing during the coming winter months.
Pauline Cornwell,
East Devon.
Thank you for a marvellous five day retreat. Your generosity of spirit and hospitality were heart warming and truly supportive, and your cooking was fantastic. Thank you too, for your time in reading my work. Your eye for detail really helped.
Thank you also for the trip out to see the Cornish ocean - I can still see the way the light played upon the water - a magical scene.
I'm already looking forward to my next visit...
Laurelle Rond, Oxford.
What a wonderful nurturing life-enhancing experience this was - I can't think of money better spent - thanks so much!
Jane Spiro, Totnes, Devon.
Thankyou for an absolutely wonderful stay. I'm so chuffed at how much I got done and I couldn't have done it without feeling comfortable - which is entirely down to to your company, wine, log fire and apple crumble! I've completed my first draft now and on the train home dreamed up a whole new plotline.
I hope your business thrives as it very much deserves to.
Rosie Akeroyd, Hemel Hempstead.
I want to thank you both so much for a truly relaxing and creative time.
The food was gorgeously comforting and with your help, Deb, I now feel able to send some short stories for publishing. It has meant a great deal to me to discuss each evening the process of writing. Thank you again for making me so welcome and being such positive and caring people to spend the week with.
Deb Wilson, Oxfordshire.
Thank you thank you for such a lovely time - was raving about it to all
my locals at the pub last night. I am feeling truly rested and even started a new piece of writing on the train
home so the retreat really delivered its promise on that front too! I enjoyed meeting you and Bob and talking over breakfast, lunch and dinner (and all so delicious). You are truly inspiring...
Stella Klein, London.
I really enjoyed my stay. It was everything it claimed to be and exactly right for me. Three excellent meals every day, as well as company and discussion when I wanted it. The atmosphere at Retreats for you helped me find my inner self and begin the process of writing again, making excited at the prospect of going home reinvigorated and ready to write in a disciplined way. Would I come again? You bet!
Graham Jones, Norfolk
I had the most fabulous time with you. I felt utterly cossetted and looked after – and was free to write without any other pressures at all. It was also great to meet someone so lovely into the bargain. Last two weeks of the school year, and I think I’d be certified by now if I hadn’t had that week with you!
Shelley Harris, London
Thanks to you both for all your hospitality. I had a wonderful and productive time. It was just simply a great trip.
Nelson Chipman, Pennsylvania, USA
Imagine a home with comfort, kindness and really good home cooked food but without pressures, time-constraints or responsibility. This is what I experienced at Retreats for you! Having wanted to return to my writing after a long break from it, Deb and Bob provided the perfect haven of pure nourishment for the body and mind, which helped to inspire creativity. The one to one work shops were a brilliant addition, really stimulated the grey cells and boosted my confidence in what I was trying to achieve. A very worth-while experience-would love to do it again. Thank you so much Deb and Bob, for this truly enlightening, motivating and productive visit.
Sara Khan, Birmingham
Thank you very much for this week, it's been really lovely - I'm gonna miss the big fire and wine-o'clock! You and Bob were very hospitable, and it was a perfect environment for writing in. I shall be recommending you, and will keep in touch and be back soon!
Christopher Berry, London
Thanks again for everything this week, I had an amazing time and feel like I accomplished an incredible amount.
Claire Brown, London
Thank you again for such a wonderfully friendly, spoilt, relaxing and delicious break! The constructive feedback was so useful and I shall think of you when I revise/edit and develop my work.
Sona Sharma, London
I had the pleasure of staying with Deborah at Retreats For You for a three-day writing retreat at Easter. It was more perfect than I could ever have imagined. The house caters well for the budding or experienced writer, so whether it's peace and complete concentration you need or the comfort of someone to talk to for support, ideas and inspiration, Retreats For You has it all. Deborah wraps you up in her expertise and her wonderful hospitality. I was very sad to leave, but returned for a New Years break so that my partner could enjoy Deborah's fabulous cooking too. I cannot recommend Retreats For You highly enough!
Natalia Coleman, Yorkshire
Such a nurturing environment with a warm loving family. I felt totally respected and free to choose my own space, while also sharing their hospitality, which I particularly enjoyed at mealtimes, with the delicious homecooked food on offer.
Anita Martin, Norfolk
I came to Retreats for You feeling panicked and guilty about spending time away to do unpaid writing while expenses piled up at home. I left feeling it was the best money I'd spent in years. I couldn’t have asked for a more beautiful setting or a more friendly, relaxed and encouraging atmosphere. Retreats for You offers just the right balance of company and solitude, with a nurturing family atmosphere - there are plenty of opportunities to interact with other writers over delicious home-cooked meals and a roaring fire, yet also a peaceful room in which to work or relax. Reading sessions and glowing feedback have given me the drive to kick my novel into proper shape after a year of stop-starting and writing in fragments. I was similarly proud to be able to encourage others in their own work. Meanwhile, a massage and a couple of long morning walks gave me some cherished time away from my laptop (and best of all made me realise that the world does not cave in if I don't check my email every two minutes!) Heartfelt thanks to Deborah and her family for a life-affirming five days.
Maxine Frances Roper, London
I just want to thank you and your family again for the lovely, comforting and fun time I had last week. I was so well taken after both body and soul : ) Now I feel like I am fully recharged, and ready to go on with my thesis through the last of this year's summer. Thank you again, and I look forward to seeing all of you again very soon!!
Amie Kim, London
Thank you for my time at Retreats for you, last week. I made more progress with my novel than I'd expected, thanks in no small part to your faultless hospitality and excellent food and drink. As a vegan I often struggle to eat well away from home, so your imaginative and delicious cooking to accommodate my diet was a real treat. I wished I could have stayed for longer: the house is beautiful, the atmosphere was hugely conducive to getting brain-work done, and I left feeling energized and inspired. Many thanks Deborah and Bob, for a terrific week.
Laura Morley, London
I was repeatedly impressed with your constant baking - bread, treacle tart, brownies - all especially for my gluten free diet! Not to mention the delicious nut roast. It was wonderful waking up to the smell of freshly baked bread, what a warming start to the day. Thanks again for such an amazing time. You must always be hearing it, but I think you and your family and your house are just so welcoming. Its a real treat to have such an experience like this. I can't wait to bring my artist friend along with me next year....and the year after that and the year after that and the....!!!
Lauren Hayhurst, Bristol | 
