Everything Retreat offers a idyllic treat from the city just under an hour away

If you’re looking for a tranquil place set in an area of outstanding beauty, to get away from city life for a short break, this could be the place for you.

The Everything Retreat was set up by Louise Monk, who purchased the property next door to where she grew up on a family farm.

The retreat comprises of twelve cedar lodges set in the hillside, with an expansive vista to gaze upon.

We spoke to Louise, who said the retreat was the realisation of a dream of hers:

“It’s a dream come true, really. it’s something we’ve had in the works since I bought the land in 2016.

“A few gin and tonics in the pub and I bought the land off my sister on a bit of a whim.

“We didn’t do anything with the place for three years – I had no idea what we were going to do with the place.

“I suggested building lodges to my husband – and he said no chance. And that was it after that, we had to do it!

“We were on a mission after that.”

I stayed in the Koyo Lodge, with a Japanese theme and Torii gate outside the front. Louise described it as dark and moody, and I agree. It’s an outstanding place to stay.

The first thing that struck me was the abundant sense of peace around the retreat; the lodge came with a beautiful four poster bed and a hot tub outside (although it was a bit cold for me to try in late November).

The Koyo Lodge is one of six themed lodges at the site, with inspiration taken from Louise’s travels around the world.

Others are inspired by Scandinavia, Africa, ski lodges, English heritage and even Scotland too.

Outside there is a secluded decking where you can while away the evening reading or writing, enjoying a drink or just drinking in the vista and sunset.

Louise continued: “When you wake each morning and open your doors to see nothing but green countryside and sheep grazing on the dew-covered fields you can’t help but relax.

“We’re here to give people permission to stop, sleep, disconnect, reconnect, hibernate, take it slow–whatever you need to do at that time.

“The hustle and bustle of city life is great, but personally as soon as I start to see green fields and breathe the fresh air from this part of the world, I can feel the stress begin to melt away.

“That’s something I wanted to bring to as many people as possible, so when the opportunity arose to create a retreat in these stunning surroundings, where it’s okay to just ‘be’, I knew this is what I had to do.”

Louise said the site was suitable for overtired workers, holiday makers, for anyone who needed a break from the hustle and bustle of city life.

Each lodge has a log burner, underfloor heating, a hot tub and is finished to impeccable five star standards.

They each sleep two people, with a king sized bed, and specially commissioned mattresses made by local manufacturers.

Self-catering facilities in each lodge include kitchenette complete with Nespresso coffee machine, combi-oven, integrated fridge, induction hob (upon request) and a dining area/breakfast bar.The lodges are fully stocked with all the utensils,  crockery and glassware needed to enjoy a stay that feels just like home.

You can hire an E-bikes or cycles if you fancy a trundle into the countryside.

And not only can you experience the fine side of a five star break, the site is a stone’s throw away from Michelin star restaurant, The Northcote.

Louise said the area had become a bit of a culinary hotspot, because of the proliferation of fantastic restaurants in the area.

“We’ve got some amazing restaurants up here in the Ribble Valley. We collaborate closely with Northcote, the Michelin Star restaurant with Lisa Allen, who has just won female chef of the year.

“She’s been giving us pointers on our new kitchen and wine bar, which has been a huge help.

“We’ve also got the Freemasons at Wisewell, the Three Fishes – it’s a bit of a foodie heaven up here.”

Louise said they were looking at hiring the entire retreat out to businesses who were looking for breaks, or even for team building exercises.

“It’s a great space, ideal for people who want to exclusively book the retreat, maybe for businesses or large groups of people who all want to get away together.

“You can have a chef in to cook for everyone in our new kitchen and dining room.

“There isn’t really anywhere in this area that does what we do here, why not come and experience it yourself?”

You can visit their website by clicking here.