Dartmoor Retreat - June 5th-8th 2025

A weekend to immerse yourself in the art of natural dyeing, with natural dyer/artist Babs Behan, from her creative studio base in the heart of Dartmoor.

You will receive an introduction to using a plant-based process for natural dyeing. With local wild plant dyes and mordants along with plant-based modifiers and soaps.

(No synthetic or mineral mordants)

There will be a variety of natural dye practices offered throughout your stay, including organic indigo dyeing with a fructose vat, wild ink drawing, woodblock printing and bundle dyeing with flowers.

You are invited to partake in any and all of the sessions you wish to, along with a variety of activities designed to support your relaxation and creative process.
Such as yoga, sound bathing, nature walks, river swimming, storytelling, tea ceremony and nature bathing.

Nourishing organic seasonal food will be provided for most meals and there will be a couple of trips to award-winning cafes and restaurants (not included) to sample the local culinary delights of the region.

This is your retreat and you are encouraged to partake in the activities and creative sessions which you are drawn to, and feel at ease to step out of others and indulge in whatver you prefer, such as a walk or your own creative time or simply resting and reading a book.

The house and gardens are a pure delight and offer a restful and comfortable space to dwell in, with stunning views across the moorland and incrediby spectacular scenery in all directions.

Accommodation is available within the residence in four private rooms, with shared bathroom. Along with two other private self contained barns, which offer rustic luxury ensuite accommodation with fully equipped kitchens.

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HIGHLIGHTS:

Organic Indigo Dyeing - Bundle Dyeing with Flowers - Colour Foraging Walk - Woodblock Printing With Natural Inks - Wild Ink Drawing - Plant Connection Rituals - Moorland & Riverside Walks - Wild Swimming - Organic, local, Seasonal Food Catering - Eating Out at Local Award-Winning Sustainable Eateries - Comfortable Rustic Luxury Accommodation - Small Group Size 4-6 People - Vegan + Veggie Diets - Yoga + Soundbaths

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Choose from the following options. Price includes full retreat activities and tuition, inclusive materials and melas, excursions and accommodation. (Excludes two meals out and transport costs along with any additional materials purchase during the retreat).

COTTAGE ROOM 1: SMALL ROOM
Private double room shared bathroom
(Double bed) - £1200 single occupancy
A snug room which fits a double bed and bedside table with hanging space for garments. With skylight window and full black-out blinds. Decorated with natural dye textiles and artworks.

COTTAGE ROOM 2: PIPE ROOM
Private double room with shared bathroom
(Double bed or two singles) - £1200 single occupancy/ £1000 per person double occupancy (Total £2000 for two sharing)
A small room which fits a double bed or two single beds along with bedside table and hanging space for garments. Decorated with natural dye textiles and artworks.

COTTAGE ROOM 3: GARDEN ROOM
Private double room with shared bathroom
(Double bed or two singles) - £1400 single occupancy/ £1300 per person double occupancy (Total £2600 for two sharing)
A medium size room which fits a double bed or two single beds along with bedside tables and hanging space for garments. A skylight window with black-out blinds and a floor length window overlooking the garden with curtains. Decorated with natural dye textiles and artworks.

COTTAGE ROOM 4: NORTH ROOM
Private double room with shared bathroom
(Double bed or two singles) - £1500 single occupancy/ £1400 per person double occupancy (Total £2800 for two sharing)
A large room which fits a queen size bed or two single beds, along with bedside tables, plenty of shelving and hanging space for garments. Skylight windows with black-out blinds and a floor length window overlooking the front garden with curtains. Decorated with natural dye textiles and artworks.

THE HAY BARN
Private barn with double bed & ensuite bathroom
£1800 single occupancy/ £1400 per person double occupancy -sharing double bed (Total £2800 for couple sharing)
Rustic luxury barn on two levels, with an open-plan, fully equipped kithcen, lounge and dining area with wood buner and sofa, wooden table and chairs. A seperate bathroom with walk-in shower, huge copper bath tub, toilet and sink. Plus private porch with table, chairs and bench to relax outside.
(See pictures via website)

THE PIGGERY
Private barn with double bed & ensuite bathroom
£1800 single occupancy/ £1400 per person double occupancy -sharing double bed (Total £2800 for couple sharing)
A luxury rustic barn on one floor, located on the top floor of the barn. With a beautiful fully equipped kitchen, wood burning stove and soafe, table and chairs and a seperate bathroom with roll top bath and shower, sink, toilet.
(See pictures via website)

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