10–15 September 2025 · 6 days / 5 nights

Furniture Painting Retreat

With Tristan Merriam

Past retreat

Step away from the everyday and immerse yourself in the richly creative world of Doghead Designs.

Illustrated workshop building at Court House Farm

Illustrated stable range at Court House Farm

The retreat

Your time at the Manor

Day by day

Dates 10–15 September 2025 · 6 days / 5 nights
Skill level All levels welcome

Step away from the everyday and immerse yourself in the richly creative world of Doghead Designs. This five-night retreat is a unique opportunity to explore decorative furniture painting and upcycling within the historic, soul-stirring setting of Court House Farm.

Whether you’re a complete beginner or looking to refresh your creative confidence, this retreat offers expert-led workshops, inspiration at every turn, and a chance to slow down and reconnect—with your hands, your imagination, and yourself.

Led by Tristan of Doghead Designs ( Annie Sloan Chalk paint brand ambassador), the retreat blends practical technique teaching with artistic play. Expect hands-on sessions, inspiring demonstrations, and 1:1 guidance as you transform your chosen piece of furniture and build a new creative language rooted in colour, texture, and self-expression.

What's included

A 5-night stay at Court House Farm in a private with ensuite or shared bathroom room
All meals catered by our private chef (breakfast, lunch, tea, dinner, wine)
Daily painting workshops with Tristan of Doghead Designs
Annie Sloan Techniques Workshop: blending, distressing, gilding, stencilling, ombré and more
1:1 tuition working on a piece of your own (bring your own small item of furniture)
Upcycling projects: canvas colour work, glass painting, creative mark-making
A live Q&A with Annie Sloan, founder of Chalk Paint®
Flower picking and arranging from the gardens
Styling and photography session with your finished piece
Guest sessions on wellbeing (mindful movement) and art history

What to bring & other costs

As a residential guest, expect delicious fresh food created by our wonderful chef Kirstie, as well as tea, coffee and more throughout the day, and the bar is open for you from 6pm.

Tristan Merriam

Your tutor

Good company.

Expert guidance.

Founder of Doghead Designs | Annie Sloan brand Ambassador | BBC Money for Nothing Designer

Tristan Merriam is the creative force behind Doghead Designs, known for bold, expressive furniture transformations that celebrate character and craftsmanship. Based in Clevedon, North Somerset, Tristan is an official Annie Sloan Chalk Paint® stockist and leads regular workshops from his flagship shop.

His passion lies in rescuing quality vintage furniture and reimagining it with specialist paint techniques, rich colour palettes, and unexpected finishes. No two pieces are ever the same — and that’s exactly the point.

A regular designer on the BBC’s Money For Nothing, Tristan brings humour, hands-on knowledge, and a deep respect for the stories objects carry. His teaching style is energetic, empowering, and endlessly encouraging — whether you’re a total beginner or looking to refine your skills.

dogheaddesigns.com

In their own words