8–13 September 2027 · 6 days / 5 nights
Six days of painting, upcycling and playing with colour alongside Annie Sloan, creator of Chalk Paint®, and Tristan Merriam of Doghead Designs.
from £3,250 · £500 deposit
Furniture Painting with Chalk Paint
The retreat
Step into the world of Chalk Paint® at Court House Farm. Over six days you’ll learn decorative furniture painting and upcycling from Annie Sloan, whose approach to colour and paint has inspired makers around the world, and Tristan Merriam of Doghead Designs, known for bold, characterful furniture transformations.
Expect hands-on workshops, demonstrations and one-to-one guidance as you transform a small piece of furniture of your own and build confidence with colour, texture and finish. Whether you’re a complete beginner or looking to refresh your skills, it’s a relaxed, encouraging week of making, good food and good company.
What you’ll do
• Chalk Paint® techniques such as blending, distressing, gilding and stencilling
• Building colour palettes and surface texture
• Creative upcycling and repurposing
• One-to-one tuition on your own small piece of furniture
• Styling and photographing your finished piece
Booking options (all inc. VAT):
Own room with en suite – £3,900
Own room with shared bathroom (two bedrooms share) – £3,700
Shared room, both guests taking part – £3,250 per person (£500 deposit each)
Non-residential place – £1,500 (all six days, no accommodation)
Bringing a partner? Partners are very welcome to come along, even if they’re not taking part – please get in touch before booking and we’ll see if we can accommodate them.
Guests who have stayed with us before receive 10% off. A £500 non-refundable deposit secures your place; the balance is due three months before the retreat.
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.
Annie Sloan & Tristan Merriam
Your tutor
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.
anniesloan.com · @anniesloanhome · dogheaddesigns.com · @dogheaddesigns
From last year’s retreat
Photos and film from last year's retreat, to give you a feel for the week.
In their own words
Booking
Hold your place with a deposit today. Once we’ve confirmed the retreat is going ahead, we invoice the remaining balance directly — there’s nothing else to pay online.
Balance due by 8 June 2027
Reserve your place
8–13 September 2027 · 6 days / 5 nights
from £3,250£500 depositinc. VAT · 10% off for returning guests
Secure checkout through our shop. The balance is invoiced once the retreat is confirmed.
A question before you book? Get in touch.
Life at Court House Farm
Characterful bedrooms in the medieval and Tudor manor houses, each furnished with vintage finds and rich fabrics.
Resident chef Kirstie cooks seasonal, generous meals to bring everyone together at the end of each studio day.
Walled gardens, the orchard and quiet corners for sketching, reading or doing nothing at all between sessions.
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