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Solitary Retreat
Overview
"We enter solitude, in which also we lose loneliness…True solitude is found in the wild places, where one is without human obligation. One’s inner voices become audible. One feels the attraction of one’s most intimate sources. In consequence, one responds more clearly to other lives. The more coherent one becomes within oneself as a creature, the more fully one enters into the communion of all creatures.
- Wendell Berry
For people who have participated in a Barn retreat, or a silent retreat elsewhere, and who are experienced meditators, we offer the opportunity for a solitary, silent, and self-sufficient retreat in a small cabin in the grounds of The Barn Retreat Centre.
The Hermitage is located in a private area of woodland a short walk from the Barn’s main building. The space contains a double bed, meditation mat and cushion, table, chair and cooking equipment. Facilities include cold running water, a gas cooking stove, wood-burner and a compost loo nearby. There is no electricity except for solar-powered lights.
A hearty vegan lunch is available on weekdays. Supplies for other meals, which you will cook yourself, are provided.
You will be expected to create your own personal daily structure which includes meditation and two hours (or optionally more) working meditation in the garden. Support is given with this on your arrival.
This retreat is for you if:
- You need rest, replenishment, renewal and inspiration
- You have an established meditation practice
- You'd benefit from reflection and connecting to nature and your creativity, far away from the busy-ness of your day-to-day life and work
- Are aged 18 and above
What you'll need to know:
If you decide to stay with us, we’ll send you a list of what you need to bring for this retreat in your Welcome Letter that we send out after you've booked.
You can also find out more about staying with us on our Frequently Asked Questions page, including
- accessibility information
- why we encourage you to come on your own and not with partners or friends
- what the difference is between our retreats
Schedule
You will be expected to create your own personal daily structure which includes meditation and 1-2 hours (or optionally more) work meditation on the land. Support is given with this on your arrival.
Please depart by 10am on your final day.
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Hermitage
This is our solitary retreat venue, a new Shepherd's Hut located in the woods above The Barn Retreat.
The Hermitage features a double bed, sink and hob, solar lighting and a deck to sit out on. It is served by a compost loo.
Food is provided to make your own breakfast and evening meal, and a daily home-cooked lunch is provided by The Barn Retreat.
Showers can be taken at certain times in The Barn.
Costs
You can pay a deposit of £100 to secure your place, then the remaining amount will need to be paid four weeks before you are due to come on retreat.
If you are booking your retreat with less than four weeks until you’re due to arrive, then you are required to pay the whole amount.
You don’t need to contact us to ask to pay the supported rate, you can determine this for yourself and select whichever option feels more suitable when you book online.
| Rate | 4 nights | 6 nights | 10 nights |
|---|---|---|---|
| Standard rate | £295 | £395 | £650 |
| Paying the Standard Rate means you will be contributing towards our running costs, supporting the work of The Barn and helping retreatants of lower incomes to access our retreats. | |||
| Supported Rate | £195 | £295 | £495 |
| The Sharpham Trust is committed to ensuring that retreats are accessible to all - regardless of income. The Supported Rate is for those unable to pay the Standard rate. | |||
| Benefactor Rate | £395 | £495 | £795 |
| If you are able to pay the Benefactor Rate, that means that you'll be supporting others who cannot afford to benefit from a Barn retreat on The Sharpham Estate. Your choice to pay this rate will help us with the running costs of The Barn, enabling us to continue our charitable work connecting people to nature and fostering mindfulness and wellbeing, as well as caring for the land, wildlife and wider estate. |
Solo retreats follow the flow of the group retreats at The Barn, therefore they are normally six-night retreats, with occasional four- and ten-night stays available. If you are wanting to stay for fewer nights than this, that is possible, but there isn’t a discounted rate for that.
Terms & Conditions
Please click here to see our booking and cancellations policy
Available dates
2025
02
Feb
Solitary retreat in The Hermitage - 6 nights for Person of Colour
At the heart of the Sharpham Trust ethos is our desire to build a more mindful, compassionate and environmentally sustainable world.
We connect people with nature and foster mindfulness and well-being through our programme of retreats, mindfulness courses, outdoor learning and the arts.
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