The Retreat House
Situated at the edge of a small, moated village in the heart of the Essex countryside: the house is a place steeped in prayer.
The Chapel
The Chapel with its simple white walls, beautiful icons and windows onto the garden was dedicated in 1933. It is a place where you can, in T S Eliot’s words kneel ‘where prayer has been valid’ through many different decades.
The Orangery
A light bright space with tea-coffee making facilities, and a door straight out into the garden. It can be used on its own by a small group or as a breakout room for a whole house booking. Seats 14.
The Lounge
A comfortable room, with soft lighting., and great views of the garden. Ideal for relaxing in or can be used by breakout groups from a main house booking. Seats 10 on a mix of sofas and easy chairs.
The Library
A peaceful space for personal study, reading, or small group work, with a fascinating collection of some classic texts in Christian theology. Can seat 6 round the table.
The Underhill Room
The largest group space. With seating for 30 it is being equipped with new blinds, and new projection facilities ready for hybrid learning events. This room has its own small ktichen and servery hatch for teas and coffees, and adjoining toilets for exclusive use of any group who book the room.
Accommodation
There are 18 rooms in the main House, with 10 ensuite and 1 standard single on the first floor, and the Retreat Conductor’s suite with its own sitting room. On the second floor there are 4 singles and 1 twin sharing bathroom facilities. On the ground floor is a disabled access room with a wet-room, designed for one but can be adapted for a twin. In the Gatehouse there is one double and 4 singles, all ensuite and in the Parsonage Cottage there is one double and one twin with a shared bathroom.
The Garden
The carefully tended garden looks glorious in all seasons. With a mix of shrubs and perennials there are many small nooks and seating areas for peaceful contemplation. In the Cottage area of the garden fresh vegetables are growing and a mossy green gate leads through to the peaceful grounds of the church.
