Stories
Dispatches from the retreats, the gardens and the people who make things here — tutors in their own words, what was made last weekend, and the odd bit of manor history.
22 December 2025
Appliqué artist and tutor Darren Ball joins us at Court House Farm for a retreat devoted to memory, creativity and slow living. He shares what guests can expect as they explore personal stories through textiles in the peaceful surroundings of the farm on his upcoming creative retreat.
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30 September 2025
More than a retreat, A Painted Family is a celebration of colour, creativity and connection. At Court House Farm, Chalk Paint brings people together — and strangers leave as something closer to family.
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26 September 2025
Artist Anna Hymas will soon join us at Court House Farm to lead her first art retreat in Somerset. In this interview, Anna shares her playful approach to painting, her hopes for guests, and how the inspiring surroundings of the farm will shape the retreat experience.
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13 September 2025
A weekend of thunder, colour, and connection: Janet Haigh’s art retreat unfolded within our medieval Manor studio, where history and creativity met. Guests stitched, drew, and shared stories beneath ancient timbers, finding inspiration in Janet’s generous teaching and the beauty of Court House Farm.
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13 September 2025
A weekend of art and connection: Jacqui Mair’s collage retreat at Court House Farm invited guests to pause, play, and create deeply personal work. Surrounded by gardens, good food, and gentle guidance, creativity and friendship unfolded in equal measure.
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13 September 2025
Time slows at Court House Farm, giving space for creativity to take centre stage. Textile artist Matthew Harris brings a studio alive with energy, curiosity and experimentation—inviting guests to play, explore, and discover their own visual language read more from Matthew
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16 August 2025
Late summer at Court House Farm saw golden gardens, figs on the trees, and a studio alive with creativity. Under the guidance of textile artist Matthew Harris, guests from near and far explored drawing, mark-making, and experimental textiles — a week stitched together with art, conversation, and feasts from the garden.
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23 July 2025
Printmaker Annika Reed shares the creative roots that shaped her joyful practice — and how her immersive retreat at Court House Farm invites guests to slow down, connect with nature, and discover the magic of woodblock printing. A story of slow craft, kindred spirits, and the power of creative escape.
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22 July 2025
Step into the vibrant world of Jacqui Mair – celebrated collage artist, illustrator, and educator – as she brings her joyful, expressive teaching to Court House Farm. In this interview, Jacqui shares her love for colour, curiosity, and creative play, and offers a glimpse into what guests can expect from her immersive September retreat in Somerset.
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26 June 2025
When guests arrive at Court House Farm for a Furniture Painting Retreat with designer Tristan Merriam, they enter a world where creativity flows freely and community comes naturally. Over six immersive days, furniture is reimagined, friendships blossom, and guests reconnect with their creative spark – all in the magical setting of a historic Somerset farmstead and Manor house.
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30 April 2025
Court House Farm’s artisan markets brought the community together for years, filled with vintage treasures, flowers, and local crafts. While these vibrant events are on pause, we’re excited to share the story of how they helped shape our creative vision. Stay connected for future events and creative offerings at our historic farmstead.
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30 April 2025
Experience the charm of our Pick Your Own flower garden at Court House Farm in Portishead. Wander through seasonal blooms, hand-pick your own bouquet, and enjoy a delightful afternoon tea in our serene gardens. Sign up to our newsletter for updates on dates for this summer
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Every story here started with someone booking a few days away. See what is coming up on the retreat calendar.
