Take some time out, unwind, turn the phone off, and lose yourself in the restorative Shropshire Hills

A therapeutic retreat in the countryside. Be amongst nature, surrounded by fields, with walks at your doorstep. Sleep in a cosy shepherd’s hut, hang out in a modern summerhouse with a kitchen, fireplace, and sauna. Add to that the option of therapy or coaching sessions with me. All whilst overlooking an Area of Natural Beauty in the Shropshire Hills.

Contact me
Cozy interior of a small room or porch with a white wicker chair draped with a fluffy beige blanket, a small table, a window with greenery outside, and wall decorations including framed photographs and a dried flower arrangement.

Nestled on the hill above my house is a shepherd’s hut, The Tup. It has a cosy bed, small table, little stove and gas hob for teas and coffees. Outside there is plenty of decking; some sheltered, and some with 360 degree views of the hills and woodlands. There is plenty of space to practice yoga, chill out on a sun bed, curl up with a book on a swing chair, or simply watch the buzzards soar. There is also a summerhouse that’s all yours to use; featuring a kitchen, stove, sofa and sauna. You’ll also find a simple compost toilet and shower shack.

The retreat is there to help you feel comfortable but not entirely removed from the landscape, and as such suits a person with a love of the outdoors, able to handle the odd spider, nesting blue tit, and scurrying beastie. I live below, so you’ll have privacy, but I’ll be on hand of you need me.

The Tup

A scenic view of a countryside landscape with rolling hills, lush green fields, a dense forest of tall trees, and a small house with a gray roof in the foreground. The sky is partly cloudy with some sunlight breaking through.

Location

“The view alone is worth the visit. From the deck, you are treated to a panorama of the Shropshire countryside in all its glory. Truly stunning.”

The retreat is located in the Shropshire Hills, near the quirky towns of Bishop’s Castle and Clun. There are plenty of walks from the door. If you’re looking to explore further, the popular and beautiful Long Mynd, Stiperstones and Offa’s Dyke are all a short drive away. The Tup is just above my house, but it will all be yours, and kept private. I have friendly neighbours, but apart from that it’s very remote. You’ll hear the sheep bleating, the distant sound of farm machinery, owls in the evening, and recently we’ve been lucky enough to see the Northern Lights. It’s a perfect location for the stargazers amongst you.

Due to the remote location, a car is recommended. Alternatively, I can either arrange to pick you up from the closest train station, Craven Arms, or you can get the limited bus service from Shrewsbury (45 minutes drive), or a taxi can be pre-ordered.

Backyard patio scene at night with a fire pit in the center, two wooden chairs on either side, large vases with decorative branches, a corrugated metal fence, and trees with autumn leaves visible in the background.

Services

Whilst you’re on the retreat, you can book my services as a therapist or coach. We can practice from the comfort of the summerhouse, go for a walk in the woods, or an evening chat by the fire pit under the stars.

I have worked with artists (performers, writers, creatives) with over 25 years experience as a Meisner Technique acting coach, dramaturg, director and script editor.

So whether you want to go deeper in your therapy journey, or use the retreat as a place to deepen your craft, focus on writing, prepare a role, find inspiration for your artistic practice…this can all be facilitated with guidance from me. You’re also very welcome to use the retreat as an opportunity to be alone.

The Breakdown

The Tup & Summerhouse

Includes:

  • Double bed

  • Wood-burning stove

  • Gas hob and oven

  • Outhouse with compost toilet and shower

  • Bed linen and towels

  • Wood supplied for the first night

Additional wood: £10 per bag

Additional Options

  • Therapy or coaching session: £55 (50 minutes)

  • Walk-and-talk session: £75 (90 minutes)

  • Wood-fired Huum sauna: £25 plus any wood used

  • Homemade meals available by arrangement

Example Retreat Packages

One-Night Therapy Retreat

£275

Includes:

  • One night’s accommodation

  • Two 50-minute therapy or coaching sessions

  • Space for self-guided reflection and integration

  • Suggested activities such as walking, journalling, reading or yoga

  • Breakfast basket for your first morning

  • Tea, coffee and milk

  • A selection of snacks

  • Fresh eggs from the farm down the hill (subject to availability)

  • Firewood for your first evening

A typical schedule might include:

  • Day One

  • Afternoon arrival

  • Therapy or coaching session

  • Free time for reflection

  • Evening sauna, fire pit, journalling (whatever you want)

Day Two

  • Morning walk, yoga or quiet reflection

  • Therapy or coaching session

  • Further integration time before departure

Two-Night Therapy Retreat

£495

Includes:

  • Two nights’ accommodation

  • Four therapy or coaching sessions

  • Extended time for reflection and integration

  • Suggested self-guided activities throughout your stay

  • Breakfast basket for your first morning

  • Tea, coffee and milk

  • A selection of snacks

  • Fresh eggs from the farm down the hill (subject to availability)

  • Firewood for your first evening

This option allows more time to settle, slow down and engage with the therapeutic process at a gentler pace.

Bespoke Retreats

If you would like a longer stay, a different balance of therapy and reflection time, or a retreat tailored to a particular area of focus, bespoke retreats can be arranged.

Some people arrive with a clear therapeutic focus, while others simply know they need space away from the demands of everyday life in order to think, feel and reconnect with themselves. Retreats can be shaped around life transitions, relationships, identity, creative development, wellbeing, or any area that would benefit from dedicated time and attention.

Longer retreats may include additional therapy or coaching sessions, walk-and-talk sessions, sauna use, home-cooked meals, and individually tailored reflective activities.

For longer stays, pricing is based on accommodation and any additional sessions or activities selected. Package discounts may be available for retreats of three nights or more.

Please get in touch to discuss your needs and I can create a retreat that feels right for you.

A Few Things To Know

The retreat is situated on a smallholding in the South Shropshire countryside. Fields surround the property, birds nest in the roofs, and the landscape changes with the seasons. For many people, this connection to the natural world is an important part of the experience.

Accommodation & Facilities

The accommodation is clean, comfortable and intentionally simple. It is designed for those who enjoy being close to nature rather than separated from it. As with any rural setting, you may occasionally encounter insects, birds nesting nearby, or the odd field mouse. If complete separation from nature is important to you, this may not be the right retreat experience.

The toilet and shower are located in a separate outhouse, and the rhythms of rural life are very much present.

Local Shops & Amenities

The nearest shops, cafés, pubs and amenities can be found in the market towns of Clun and Bishop's Castle, both approximately three miles away. Fresh eggs available from the farm down the hill. Guests can drive or enjoy a scenic walk through the surrounding countryside, with walking routes typically taking around 80 minutes each way.

I'm also happy to recommend local walks, places to eat, and points of interest during your stay.

Food & Catering

Home-cooked meals can be arranged by prior agreement. Guests are also welcome to self-cater, and online grocery deliveries can be coordinated before arrival if helpful.

Transport Links

The nearest train station is Craven Arms, approximately a 20-minute drive away. There is no bus service to the property and taxi availability in the area is extremely limited, so travelling by car is strongly recommended.

I may be able to arrange collection from Craven Arms station for an additional charge, and potentially from Shrewsbury by prior arrangement. Please get in touch before booking if you would like to discuss transport options.

Check-in & Check-out

Check-in is available from 3:00pm on the day of arrival.

For retreat guests, check-out is by 2:00pm on the day of departure, allowing time for a relaxed morning and further reflection before leaving.

If you require different arrival or departure times, please get in touch. Earlier check-in or later departure may be possible by prior arrangement.

Booking, Payment & Cancellation

A 25% non-refundable deposit is required to secure your booking, with the remaining balance payable 14 days before arrival.

Cancellations made more than 14 days before the retreat start date will receive a refund of any balance paid, excluding the deposit.

Unfortunately, cancellations made within 14 days of the retreat start date are non-refundable unless I am able to rebook the retreat dates.

If I need to cancel the retreat due to illness or unforeseen circumstances, you will be offered an alternative date or a full refund of all payments made.

I strongly recommend that guests ensure they are able to attend before booking and consider obtaining appropriate travel insurance if travelling from further afield.

Whether you are looking for a focused therapeutic retreat, time to reflect on a life transition, support with a particular issue, or simply an opportunity to step away from the noise of daily life, I would be happy to discuss whether this experience might be right for you.

Please get in touch with any questions or to enquire about availability.

Contact me

Testimonials

  • Dom has a little pocket of paradise. We were mesmerised by the view and his attention to detail.

    Camilla

  • I watched the swallows practice flying all day. Then I read a book in the cosy shepherd's hut. It was a perfect off-grid weekend.

    Oscar

  • I arrived stuck in a rut, and I left feeling inspired and rejuvenated. Dom really helped me , and the sauna helped too!

    Melanie

  • The view alone is worth the visit. From the deck, you are treated to a panorama of the Shropshire countryside in all its glory. Truly stunning.

    Freya

  • Blissfully relax in the stunning summerhouse, crafted by hand and look out on the rolling Shropshire Hills, crafted by nature.

    Michael

  • It was a privilege spending a long weekend at the retreat. Dominic is an amazing host and made sure I felt at home. His warmth and dedication to the space - investing in every single detail - really stood out for me. I highly recommend the experience!

    Juliana

A young white lamb standing on green grass in a field with a backdrop of trees.
View of a person's bare feet standing on a colorful, patterned rug on a wooden deck floor, with the person's lower legs and shorts visible.
View from a wooden deck overlooking a green landscape with rolling hills, trees, and power lines during sunset or late afternoon. The deck has a red chair, a bottle, and some construction materials.
A room with wooden walls and a large window. A black leather sofa with yellow pillows and a patterned blanket. A wooden coffee table and a fluffy white rug on the floor. Two dogs, one sitting and one lying down, are present in the room. A decorative
A scenic landscape featuring rolling green hills, a forested mountain in the background, and trees in the foreground, illuminated by soft sunlight.
Mushrooms growing among green ferns, moss, and fallen leaves on a forest floor.
A backyard patio with a small fire in a circular fire pit. Two wooden chairs sit on either side of the fire, with tall potted plants on either side. A metal fence and trees with yellowing leaves are in the background, indicating an autumn setting at
A landscape of rolling hills with patches of snow, scattered trees, and a flock of sheep grazing in the foreground, under a cloudy sky at sunset.
A foggy rural landscape with rolling hills, trees, and overcast sky in the distance, with some leafless bushes in the foreground.
View of a cozy kitchen with a window overlooking a green outdoor scene, a white wicker chair with a faux fur throw, framed artwork on the wall, a wooden table under the window with a ceramic vase holding dried flowers, and a hanging feather decoratio
View from a wooden deck overlooking lush green fields, trees, hills, and a cloudy sky with patches of sunlight.
A scenic sunset over a rural landscape with rolling hills, scattered houses, and a line of trees silhouetted against the colorful sky.
A rural landscape at sunset with a field of sheep, rolling hills, scattered trees, fog, and a cloudy sky.
Sunrise over a foggy, rolling countryside with trees, a sheep in a field, and power lines in the foreground.
A scenic landscape of rolling green hills with sheep grazing in the foreground, surrounded by autumn trees, distant farms, and mountains under a cloudy sky.
A forest scene with tall evergreen trees, a dirt trail, and some undergrowth, under a partly cloudy sky.