Event Details

For this weekend retreat Kate will work on - Three interlinked workshops looking at past, present, future. three two-hour sessions, encouraging participants to find their ‘hearts and bones’ – their own unique history and inspiration from their past; use the experience of being at Ashley Court now to inspire their creativity; think about where they want to take their work in the future.

House and Grounds
Ashley Court is a grade 2 listed property, which has been largely unaltered since the early part of the 20th century, and was lived in continuously from 1946 – 2014 by a Mrs Yolande Shrubb. It was a children’s hospital during the war and prior to that a home to several of Tiverton’s great and good including 3 of its Mayors! We are in the long process of restoring the house and gardens as lightly as possible to maintain the authenticity and character which we found so appealing on our first visit here. In its hay day it would have been staffed by numerous servants, you can switch between’ upstairs and downstairs’ experiences as you move through the building. You will find open fires, grand hallways, servants bells and stable yards. The grounds are extensive and include formal areas, a large walled kitchen garden, 15 acres of woodland and fields, with some huge old specimen trees.

Animals
We have horses and sheep in the fields and tortoises in the walled garden. Please make sure that you close any gates if you go into a field, and treat all animals with respect and care.
Our cats spend time in and out of the house, but they are strictly not allowed upstairs in the bedrooms.

Directions
Driving: From Tiverton take the A396 signposted Bickleigh. After approx. 1 mile turn right at the small sign to Ashley and then immediately to your left, you will see the small white gatekeepers Lodge under the big oak at the bottom of the drive.
From Exeter take the A396 to Tiverton. Turn left at the small sign to Ashley and then immediately left again, you will see the gatekeeper’s lodge under the big oak at the bottom of the drive.
The house is at the top of the 200metre driveway. (Do not head on up Ashley Back Lane to the right of the cottage where the Sat-Nav might try to send you!)
Train: From Paddington to Tiverton Parkway – takes between 2 and 2 and a half hours. Trains run very regularly. If you are coming by train, please book a local taxi in advance as Tiverton Parkway station is rural and miles out of the town. Early booking recommended for cheaper fares. You can also take a National Express or Mega Bus from London to Tiverton.

Menu
All food will be seasonal vegetarian and /or vegan, predominantly organic, low food miles, locally sourced and actually grown in our walled kitchen garden where at all possible.
Please let us know if you have any special food requirements, we are happy to adapt for you.

Bedrooms/Bathrooms
Ashley Court was built in 1805 and has a clear division between the ‘front’ formal rooms and the ‘back’ service areas. We have a range of bedrooms available from grander front ones to the smaller servant’s quarters. Each one is decorated and furnished uniquely and in keeping with the period feel of the house. One large room has en-suite shower room, the rest share shower rooms / bathrooms. Most bedrooms have the original 1930’s sink in them.

Pets
No pets allowed I’m afraid.

Smoking
No smoking anywhere on the property, please – inside or out.

What to bring
Please bring wellies or equivalent, waterproofs, indoor shoes/slippers. We will supply all bedding and towels.

Schedule

Friday – arrivals and tea from 2.00pm onwards
3.30-5.30pm – writing workshop with Kate and tea and cake
6.00pm – Lantern Walk and choir option
7.30pm – Dinner

Saturday
8.30-10.00am - breakfast
10.30-12.30pm – writing session with Kate
1.00pm – lunch
2.00-5.00pm – Individual support from Kate
Free time
5.30pm – yoga session option
7.00pm – Dinner

Sunday
8.30-10.00am - breakfast
10.30-12.30pm – writing workshop with Kate
1.30pm – lunch
3.00pm – departures

Start date: 17 April 2026

End date: 19 April 2026

Start time: 14:00

End time: 15:00

Venue: Ashley Court