Celebrating 20 Years of Exceptional Retreat Experiences in the Heart of High Weald at Fair Oak Farm Country Retreat
- 22 hours ago
- 5 min read
We can't quite believe it's been two decades since we acquired Fair Oak Farm and became it's custodians. Our kids have gone from babies to adults, and Fair Oak Farm holds the same special place in our hearts as it always has.
Apart from the awards along the way (National Geographic's unique lodge of the world recognition probably being the highlight), some our fondest, most emotional memories come from working with retreat organisers and knowing we have genuinely helped to improve people's lives for the better, and those closest to them. With around one hundred retreats a year being hosted here, and working so closely with so many organisers and small businesses who keep coming back every year, it was probably inevitable that many of those retreat organisers would become good friends and to know we have helped and supported their businesses to grow makes us very happy. But it works both ways, because we have those same friends to thank for their support over many years, helping us to create and perfect their home from home at Fair Oak Farm.
For two decades, we've strived to create a country retreat that stands apart, but open to all, committing as much creativity and love we can muster to shape a unique, private space where guests can escape, recharge, and connect. Nestled just one hour from central London, within the protected High Weald National Landscape, we are fortunate to be able to offer a retreat that offers a rare blend of accessibility and natural beauty, and during our custodianship it has grown organically into an award-winning destination that welcomes health and wellness retreat organisers, corporate groups, and families seeking exclusive use of a private country estate.
A Unique Country Retreat Location Within the High Weald National Landscape
Fair Oak Farm's location is one of its greatest assets and what ultimately draws so many retreat organisers from around the world. The High Weald is a protected National Landscape known for its rolling hills, ancient woodlands, and peaceful rural charm. This setting offers guests a chance to experience nature at its finest while remaining conveniently close to central London and international airports. The retreat’s grounds have been developed to blend seamlessly with the surrounding environment, providing a tranquil backdrop for any event or getaway.
Guests often remark on the feeling of stepping into a different world, where the pace slows and the air feels fresher. We still get this feeling every time we arrive for a day's work! This natural setting supports wellness activities, creative workshops, and team-building exercises by offering a calm, inspiring environment.
Diverse Accommodation Options to Suit Every Group
Over the years, we have carefully developed a variety of accommodation styles to meet the needs of different groups. Some cottage and lodges have one bedroom or a studio space, others have two bedrooms and the central hub of the farmhouse has more bedrooms. Whether hosting a health retreat, a corporate offsite, or a family reunion, the venue offers flexibility to suit all preferences.
This range of accommodation allows organisers to tailor their events precisely, ensuring every guest feels at home with the benefit of their own private, comfy space, with the option of joining their group in communal spaces when it suits.
Facilities Designed for Wellness, Connection, and Celebration
We have invested in communal spaces and facilities that support a wide range of activities to benefit any retreat, providing versatility to suit anything from intensive wellness programs to relaxed family gatherings.
Wellness studios equipped for yoga, meditation, and fitness classes.
Meeting rooms with natural light and flexible layouts for workshops and presentations.
Outdoor spaces such as gardens, walking trails, and quiet corners for reflection or group activities.
Dining areas with flexible seating options that can locally sourced, support health-focused menus.
Tailored Experiences for Health and Wellness Retreats
We have learnt that organisers and hosts of health and wellness retreats, particularly our Dr-led retreats, have found the farm especially appealing. Apart from the peaceful setting and supportive infrastructure, we have worked closely with hosts to help create customised experiences that align with their goals and at the same time, evolve the farm into a flexible retreat space with everything a host needs to run a retreat.
Whether you're an experienced international retreat organiser, hosting retreats around the world every month, or whether you're an independent offering a small number of retreats each year to a close community, the farm has organically developed to provide ample communal spaces and facilities with mix of flexible accommodation to suit any group. So, whether you're gathering niche expertise in a private space to improve the lives of those that need it, or you simply plan daily yoga classes with guided nature walks and nutritious meals prepared on-site, the farm's quiet environment has helped participants deepen their practice and return home refreshed, and the flexibility of the accommodation and facilities allow organisers to offer workshops, one-to-one sessions, and group activities without logistical challenges.
Corporate Groups Seeking Privacy and Inspiration
Corporate groups benefit from the retreat’s exclusive use policy, which unlike a hotel, guarantees privacy and focus. The estate’s natural surroundings encourage creativity and team bonding away from the distractions of the office.
Groups can design their own schedules, mixing work sessions with outdoor activities like hiking or mindfulness exercises. The variety of meeting spaces and accommodation options means teams can work efficiently while enjoying comfort and relaxation.
Our hands-on approach and help during the booking process ensures the information provided and space available supports the group’s objectives.
Family and Friends Gatherings
Families and groups of friends looking for a private country estate will find the combination of spacious accommodation, beautiful grounds, and welcoming atmosphere creates a setting for memorable celebrations and quality time together.
Whether it’s a milestone birthday, a reunion, or a simple getaway, the farm offers plenty of space for shared meals, games, and outdoor fun. The peaceful surroundings allow guests to unwind and reconnect without the usual distractions.
Planning Your Stay or Event
We stive to provide clear communication and support from enquiry through to arrival, giving retreat organisers and their guests all the information they need to help plan a smooth visit.
Booking exclusive use ensures privacy and flexibility, allowing groups to create their own schedules and enjoy the estate fully. The retreat’s proximity to London makes it easy to access while offering a peaceful escape.
Our Vision and Commitment
By relentlessly investing time and creativity over so many years, we hope to bring personal touches to the accommodation, as you would do your own home, to try to set it apart and make it feel like a home from home. We love the High Weald and hope that our dedication to maintaining a reputation as a leading destination for exclusive use retreats continues for another twenty years! We will continue with our commitment to create a welcoming, flexible, and inspiring space.
