“I was pleased that I was brave enough to attend this retreat. I loved every second. Tristan was the most attentive, approachable, creative teacher who taught and guided us throughout. The schedule was full of variety, from techniques training, to napkin stencilling, demonstrations from Annie Sloan herself, evening activities, staging furniture and much more.

The location/accommodation was outstanding, as is the host Helen, who went out of her way to ensure everyone was happy, relaxed and well fed, from breakfast through to supper. The food by chef Lisa was amazing every single day, to include non-meat meals for myself!! All the staff were fantastic.

It’s a must retreat for anyone wanting to start out as a furniture painter or current furniture artists wanting to further their skills, do some networking and have a fun week with lots of belly laughs. I met complete strangers on the retreat who I am now happy to call my friends. Just book!!’”

“Life changing! Your talent, knowledge, enthusiasm, humor, and ability to teach was so valuable to me! I appreciate you and learned so much!

The venue itself provided inspiration throughout the week. Accommodations were wonderful. Food was out of this world. The agenda made it so special. My focus was learning from the best. I loved the additional activities non-paint related. The activities were all tied together to provide a creative, holistic experience that was inspirational. It made it truly a retreat I will remember forever.

Loved having tea in the garden - I loved it Tristen and Helen! Every second of it! My family and friends went crazy over my daily Facebook posts. ‘Trip of a lifetime’. I’ve come home regenerated and ready to push my sleeves up to pursue a dream I’ve had for years. Walls were just ok to do in the early 2000’s. But furniture …to rescue pieces and turn them into statements in a home …wow. How fun! Thank you.”

“There are simply not the words to describe how fantastic this event was - relaxing, energising, sociable, creative, therapeutic…the list goes on!”

“If you wonder to yourself that you would like to take part in this retreat, don’t hesitate - book! I can’t recommend it enough. My take home is that the experience was full 360 delight in environment, food, comfort (slept so well). Being creative every day as a student is my kind of bliss. Lots of lovely added extras from mindful yoga in the morning, a presentation on the life and work of Laura Knight, flower arranging and visits to local sights.

It was the people involved and taking part that is the icing on the cake. The team worked tirelessly to create something that left me feeling at peace and happy, confident and ready to return home to face anything. This is huge. But I have also made great new friends who I shall remain in contact with and even hopefully go and visit. There is so much to share, this barely scratches the surface of the ambience all hosted by the amazing Helen and talented Tristan. A heartfelt thank you!””

“I thoroughly enjoyed the Annie Sloan Painting Retreat at Court House Farm with Tristan and his team. Tristan is a brilliant teacher (not surprising given his background) - getting the right balance between listening to what your ideas are, advising on style and technique, and giving encouragement to try new things. Above all, he gives confidence to unleash your inner creativity! The setting for the retreat was sublime and surpassed my expectations. It was beautiful, calm with plenty of space in the painting ‘cow’ barn. The owners/hosts were delightful and so welcoming, especially as I was not resident for the retreat, but rather attended as a day participant. If possible, I would recommend staying at Court Farm House to get the full benefit of what the retreat offered. Despite that, apart from the painting techniques I picked up, I have many happy memories of the 5 days: the amazing delicious food by Kirstie; meeting and having teaching sessions from Annie, the ‘master’ herself; the fascinating history of art talk; and napkin printing to name a few - and of course spending time with lovely like-minded people. For someone who was new to furniture painting, I was delighted with what I managed to achieve by the end of the retreat. I feel excited that my experience has inspired me to have a go at new projects using different painting techniques.’ ”

“It was such a wonderful time. Tristian and the entire team at Court House Farm made the days so perfect and I’m so glad I was there. The food was incredibly delicious, Helen always made sure everyone was happy, all the flowers around, the whole atmosphere was magical. I learned so much and was able to relax that I am full of positive energy. Our morning yoga classes provided a great start to the day and in the evening you could sit together by the fireplace with a glass of wine. Everything was connected to provide a creative, holistic and inspiring experience. Tristan is a wonderful teacher, encouraging, creative and always with a smile. The opportunity to meet Annie Sloan and her husband was so beautiful and inspiring. Thank you all for that nice experience, it really made it a retreat that I will remember forever.”

“So…if you want to learn about painting furniture in a superb environment where you feel supported and encouraged by the best, there is better way than one of Tristan’s retreats. Not only is the venue awesome but Tristan’s guidance, teaching and calm nature brings together a unique opportunity to explore and take risks without any fear of failure. The additional bonus of Annie Sloan in person giving insights into tones, compositions and history of the development of her chalk paint is the icing on the cake. Which brings the subject onto the food….oh my!!!! Luscious eleven o clock and tea time cakes, sandwich together sumptuous lunches - then if you are lucky enough to stay for dinner…a veritable feast is provided. I can’t recommend this whole retreat enough - the value for money is great and to be surrounded by like minded, friendly, supportive people adds to the cocktail of delight.”