The Sharpham Trust - Totnes

Jo E.

In August I visited Sharpham for a Nature Self and Community retreat. It was 4 days when I could step into the beautiful environment of Sharpham and immerse myself in much needed peace and calm.

Like many reviews before, I can't praise the Coach House chef Wendy enough for providing hearty vegetarian food. The mealtimes were a real treat, I enjoyed eating breakfast in silence it was totally comfortable.

I had been looking forward to helping in the productive gardens - these walled gardens were bursting with produce and flowers, it was a privilege to carry out some small tasks in the garden and meet the gardeners.

Trying meditation and Qigong for the first time felt enlightening and left me wanting to learn more. Early morning Qigong on the old croquet lawn, with a view of the mist rising and revealing the sweeping bends of the river Dart - not a lot would get me up at that hour - but it was stunning!

Everyone on the Sharpham team was friendly and kind, it made settling in very easy. Meditation though new to me, felt such a safe space and I looked forward to it punctuating the day.

If you are considering taking some time out for yourself, do it. Book a few days and let Sharpham hold you. I will certainly be returning.

Allan F.

From start to finish of the Autumn Retreat, Sharpham thoughtfully took care of body and soul on this my second mindfulness retreat there.
The stunning surroundings make restorative walks a joy and the house is a very lovely place in which to detox digitally, nutritionally and mentally. Highly recommend.

Caron W.

This was my second in person visit and it was a truly restorative and beautiful experience - I was on a walking and mindfulness retreat. I felt held, restored and my practice enriched - also blessed with fantastic leaders, an inspiring group and wonderful staff members too. Thank you for making it all possible.

Sarah W.

A wonderful place, that nurtures you in a beautiful, peaceful environment. The retreat leaders were warm, caring, supportive and wise. The food was amazing, and I truly did not want to leave the gentle and caring warmth of Sharpham.

Valerie M.

Absolutely wonderful experience- I did the mindfulness and walking retreat and I felt refreshed, grounded and more in tune with myself after the 5 days. The retreat was a perfect balance of structure: meditation circles, space for personal time, rest, walking, silence, and sharing groups. The food is just glorious. Thank you to Barry and Emma who held space with compassion. Sharpham house was very comfortable, with the library being a space anyone can retreat to for personal reflection throughout the stay.
Sharpham really embodies renewal through nature, and recommend this to anyone looking for a space to rest through a secular mindful retreat.

caroline F.

If you have ever felt overwhelmed by the build-up to Christmas, by the rituals and traditions of the day itself, or by your own situation at this potentially tricky time of year, consider spending the next one at Sharpham. Here, for five days we gave up our phones, committed to living in harmony with people we didn’t know, and spent most of the time in silence. It was bliss.

There was a schedule for each day that included guided meditations, silent meditations, walking meditations, small group check-ins, evening talks and – the highlight – magical mindful movement sessions outside at dawn. Plenty of free time to walk alone in the astonishingly beautiful grounds on the River Dart. Lots of delicious organic vegetarian food.

I came away feeling utterly refreshed and cared for. The fabulous house was warm and welcoming and beautifully well run. I’d spent hours in the library, reading books on mindfulness and Buddhism. I’d really deepened my spiritual practice. I’d been fascinated by how one can form bonds of friendship without using words, like when I helped peel two tons of sprouts, potatoes, carrots and celeriac for Christmas lunch in contented silence.

I left knowing we’d been given ways in which to restore meaning to Christmas and practices to take into our daily life. Thank you Sharpham. I’ll be back.

Claire U.

I stayed at Sharpham house Wildlife mindfulness retreat and it was an amazing experience. Perfect if you need to switch off from life for a few days of peace and tranquillity. Retreat leaders were lovely, very caring, supportive and the customers staying were also nice and like minded people, food great too

nicky H.

My first on line retreat and I enjoyed it. Good info. Facilitators were fine and obviously cared about their role. Format was simple and clear. Thank you.
Ps if I had one query it would be the role of facilitators which on this retreat slipped into being participants as well at points. Not sure it's possible or beneficial to do both roles concurrently? Personally would prefer if facilitators kept to that role, holding the group and tending to individual needs and not be distracted in also trying to participate too?