I‘ve been running a residential centre here in Confolens, South West France, for 10 years and I love my life in my quiet corner of the world! There is something special about this place, so many visitors tell me that you come through the gates, leave the world outside and feel your whole being relax. I’ve worked hard to provide simple warm and welcoming hospitality, that’s what’s important to me.

The values that I live by, are reflected in the way I run Rural Retreat. Values such as honesty, decency and how my behaviour impacts other people and the world around me. I believe in simple, slow living with the rhythms of the seasons. Responsibility and integrity are important to me and my motto could be ‘dont take more than you give’. I particularly like the permaculture underpinning principles of recycling, reusing, repurposing and putting back and replenishing the earth (composting is a way of life here)!

I am a passionate life-long learner, voracious reader and asker of questions! I’m currently studying permaculture, enhancing wellbeing with nature, mindfulness and breath work. I’m learning about rewilding, growing a wildflower meadow and create wildlife friendly hedging.

I have a love of the natural world, nature, wildlife, the seasons, the weather and the night sky. I love my garden and allotment. I get pleasure from growing, cooking and eating my own food. I love my 3 dogs and my 5 cats, they are an integral part of the Rural Retreat community and adored by our visitors.

I want to create a space here for people to be able to heal and grow in a safe and supportive environment. Sharing this wonderful place with people who need to get away to restore, recuperate and switch off from daily life, is the driver behind my life.