The Coach House - ecological and nature-based mindfulness retreats

Hear first about Sharpham Trust retreats and events

Available online very soon

Connect with the natural world at our new retreat centre in the recently converted Grade II-listed Coach House.

Set in the heart of the Sharpham Estate beside the beautiful River Dart, surrounded by historic parkland and close to our re-wilding project.

Join up to 18 people for a week living together in community. Stay in comfortable single rooms - mostly en-suite, in a friendly atmosphere of fellowship, sit in daily meditations and spend time in our amazing organic Walled Garden, helping to grow food for retreats at Sharpham.

Participants will also get the opportunity to learn about and help conserve the heritage and wildlife of the wider
Sharpham Estate as part of our rewilding efforts - helping people and nature to flourish together.

Volunteer Co-ordinator roles at The Coach House

Be a part of our new retreat centre The Coach House at Sharpham by becoming a Volunteer Coordinator. 

Support and participate in weekly retreats in The Coach House, helping retreatants connect with the land, themselves and each other.

Coach House Manager Patti Summerville - a former volunteer co-ordinator at The Barn, a sister retreat centre on the Sharpham Estate – explains:

A personal message from our Coach House Manager Patti Summerville - a former volunteer co-ordinator at The Barn (another retreat centre on the Sharpham Estate):

“Eight years ago I took a career break and volunteered for a year as a co-ordinator at The Barn. My time as a volunteer co-ordinator was truly an extraordinary experience, changing my life in so many nourishing ways as I hope it may do for you at our new retreat centre The Coach House.

"Becoming a volunteer coordinator at The Coach House is an incredible opportunity to take a step back from your current everyday life. This might mean for you a work sabbatical, a gap year or a complete change of direction with an open heart and mind to see what unfolds.

"It is a chance to live in community and deepen your mindfulness practice and connection with the natural world while being supported by myself and the wider Sharpham team to facilitate The Coach House retreats.

"I hear myself often saying ‘life is not a dress rehearsal’ and my mindfulness practice reminds me that this precious moment is all there is to be with. 

"So if the above speaks to your heart (and gut!) please click on the links below to find our
more detailed information about the volunteer co-ordinator role before forwarding your
application”.

View/download the role description here as a PDF or here as a Word.doc

View/download the application form here as a PDF or here as a Word.doc

View/download the Frequently Asked Questions here as a PDF or here as a Word.doc 

Deadline for applications: Sunday 2 January 2022

Interviews: Thursday 13 January 2022