Education for an inspired life; creative and well-being programmes
Backbury House Retreats was established in 2022 and was the brain child of the current proprietor Sharon Brookes. Her dream was to open an art school to offer an environment where creativity and well-being could flourish.
Following on, Sharon has worked tirelessly in order to fulfil that dream and has consequently developed a thriving business. In fact, in 2023, Backbury House Retreats achieved an award for “Best Idyllic Creative Education Retreat” recognised by LuxLife Magazine.
In conclusion, Backbury House Retreats offers a supportive and beautiful setting where all abilities can gain in confidence, develop their well-being and build competence in a range of artistic and creative mediums.
Expert guidance
Sharon’s background is in Art education. She gained a BA (Hons) in the Fine Arts in 1993 from The University of East London. In addition, she holds fully qualified teacher status gained from Cambridge University.
Since then, she has developed nearly 30 years experience teaching art within a range of educational settings. She has led several art departments as well as held roles as a teacher-trainer and still currently operates as an examination board Assessment Associate.
Throughout her teaching career, she has regularly supported individuals in order for them to improve their well-being. She holds qualifications in mindfulness teaching as well as art therapy. In short, supporting improved well-being is of high importance to Sharon. Consequently, this is firmly embedded within the ethos of Backbury House Retreats.
Lastly, Sharon has been a sucessful practising artist throughout her career. She works in a variety of mediums including: painting, photography and printmaking. She firmly believes that her own art practice is vital in order to inform her teaching roles. To view a selection of her current personal work, please visit our online Shop.
A retreat for the mind and spirit
Backbury House Retreats offers a secluded location for guests to relax, unwind and feed their spirit and creativity.
In short, it is located amongst paradisal countryside and offers six acres of private land including woodlands, orchards, a working vineyard and grazing paddocks.
Furthermore, in the centre of this tranquil setting is nestled Backbury House Studio; it is truly an artist’s paradise.
Access at Backbury House Retreats
Our location offers an inclusive environment where your needs are paramount.
With this in mind, we provide free customer car parking which requires just a short 2-minute walk to reach the studio. Please note that this short driveway walk is uphill. If required, we can also offer limited parking closer to the property which then avoids the uphill walk.
In terms of facilities, the studio bathroom is located on the first floor requiring access via a set of stairs. If preferred, there are ground floor facilities located within the adjoining property. Please give us advanced notice on booking if these facilities are required. Please note that neither of our bathrooms offer full disabled access facilities.
Lastly, if you require any modification to scripts or visual resources, these are available upon request. Please let us know your requirements on booking.
Eco Friendly
We are constantly striving to reduce the toxic load on our immediate environment and on the planet. Our retreat offers solar power, a bore hole for water supply, a waste disposal system and a thriving kitchen garden where we grow our fruit and vegetables. We harvest rainwater for all of our watering requirements.
Our retreat supports and actively encourages wildlife. The woodlands, wildlife ponds and insect attracting flower borders are particular active and a marvel to see.
Select your area of interest and start your creative adventure now.
Backbury House Retreats
Backbury House
Checkley
Hereford
HR1 4NA
sbrookes@bhretreats.co.uk
07584 081970