26 — 30 July 2026, North Devon

gather kindling

Where mothers and children rest into rhythm, creativity, and time together in nature.

We created Gather Kindling, a mother and child retreat, from a deep longing - a vision of a place where us mothers are not forgotten, held just as tenderly as we hold our children. I wanted to create a space to nurture the nurturer, where mamas and little ones can experience life as a ceremony together, held by nature and a loving village of caring women.

Our children are the sparks of life we tend with care. At Meadowsweet Retreat, I watched my own daughter grow through forest play, foraging, singing, and learning from the hands that nourish us all - and I’ve seen the quiet magic that comes from being held, free, and supported. These experiences have shown me what is possible when mothers and children are welcomed together.

This July we hold Gather Kindling mother and child retreat in Devon for 4 nights to rest, be held, and soften into community. A gentle pause where mothers and their little ones are nourished side by side, tending the flames of our little ones, and ourselves.

With love,
Anya x

Two women lying on the wooden floor, touching foreheads and smiling, with a dark background and a visible moon in the sky.
Two women sitting on a blanket outdoors, holding hands, facing each other, with one smiling and the other wearing earrings, surrounded by greenery and flowers, sunlight shining, cups nearby.

Mama, what awaits you?

Mornings at our gorgeous Georgian manor in Devon unfold with care and intention. After waking up to a breakfast feast, from 9am, our little ones are lovingly welcomed into a Waldorf-inspired childcare programme, held by our team of loving “aunties.” Children are met exactly where they are, with age-appropriate rhythms of forest-school style crafts, song and movement, outdoor play, time in the beautiful playroom filled with books and natural toys, and joyful moments on the sunken trampoline. A gentle snack time weaves through the morning, creating a familiar, nursery-like flow.

While the children are safely held in this nurturing space, mothers enter a deeper layer of the retreat. Our retreat honours dedicated healing time for mamas. Mothers gather in a softly held circle for yoga, creating art, breath work, vocal activations, singing, womb work, sound healing, and sharing - offering space to rest, release, and be in community.

We reunite for a nourishing, communal lunch, before drifting into unhurried afternoons together. Time opens for foraging in the woods, cooking and crafting side by side, wandering coastal paths, playing on wide green lawns, swimming in the natural pool, or simply being together with nowhere to rush to.

As evening draws in, we gather with our children for bedtime stories cosied up by the fireplace. Once the little ones are asleep, mothers are invited into quiet evening rituals and time in the wood-fire hot tub - moments of deep rest, resonance, and restoration.

At its heart, Gather Kindling is a mother and child retreat shaped by simplicity and care - a place where mothers are deeply tended, children are free to play and belong, and both are held by nature and a warm village of women.

A woman and three children in a garden, picking flowers or berries and holding baskets, with lush green plants and a sky with some clouds.
Two women sitting on a blanket outdoors, facing each other and smiling, with one wearing a light-colored dress and the other in a patterned top. There are flowers and greenery in the background.
A young girl with blonde hair in a ponytail, wearing a white shirt with colorful smiley faces, dark leopard-print pants, and holding a wicker basket, walking through a dense green forest with bushes and trees.
People creating artwork with watercolor paints and sketching supplies on a wooden outdoor table, decorated with pink and white flowers in vases and a glass of tea.
A picnic setup on a blanket with pillows and food on a lush green lawn under a large tree in a park or garden.
Child splashing water into a body of water, seen from above, near a wooden dock.
People enjoying a day at the beach, with children and adults walking on the wet sand near rocks, a boat with a sailboat in the background, and a cloudy sky overhead.
Two women with curly hair, one with blond and the other with dark hair, stand among green foliage and pink flowers, facing away from the camera during the daytime.
A woman reading a children's picture book to two girls in a cozy room with wooden floors and windows.
People having a meal at a long wooden table with dishes of salad, grilled meat, and drinks. Some individuals are serving themselves from bowls and plates, with floral decor and glasses on the table.
A woman and four children preparing dough on a wooden table, with children engaged in baking activities, in a bright kitchen with a window and hanging decorations.

The Sanctuary

Set within four acres of peaceful Devon countryside, this Georgian manor feels luxurious and welcoming, a place where historic charm and family life sit naturally together. Sunlight fills the shared living rooms, fireplaces offer warmth on cooler days, and the bedrooms look out over gardens and open fields, creating a magical sense of space and calm.

There is plenty here for little ones too, with a sunken trampoline, wide lawns for running and exploring, and friendly resident animals. The donkeys are always happy to make new friends in exchange for a carrot or two, while Shiva, the resident peacock, adds an air of royalty to the grounds.

Outside, a natural swimming pond, wood-fired hot tub, BBQ area, and tennis court offer easy ways to enjoy the day, while shaded terraces and quiet garden corners invite rest. The yoga shala provides a peaceful space for massage and healing work, and the waterside garden room becomes our Waldorf-inspired nursery.

Beyond the gates, Devon unfolds with woodland walks, sandy beaches, tidal pools, and the simple magic of an English summer.

A large, two-story yellow house with a gray roof, surrounded by green trees and a manicured garden with bushes and flowers, under a partly cloudy blue sky.
Children playing on a trampoline in a lush green garden during daytime, surrounded by trees and flowering plants.
Backyard scene in black and white featuring a woman with long hair viewing a hot tub, surrounded by large potted plants, a barrel, and trees in the background.
Interior view of a house entryway with wooden flooring, a staircase with striped carpet, a wooden console table with vases and a mirror, and a bench with a throw pillow, seen through an open door.
Bedroom with pink walls, hardwood floors, and large windows showing a green landscape. A white bed with a colorful quilt and folded towels, a fireplace, a black dresser, and a blue table with a large potted plant and a hat hanging on the wall are vis
Bathroom with a clawfoot bathtub, toilet, window with greenery outside, wooden furniture, potted plants, and framed art on light green walls.
A dining room with a long wooden table set with plates, glasses, candles, and napkins, near large windows with green outdoor scenery, a fireplace with a fire, and a hanging wooden light fixture.
A person holding a black chicken with a red comb, with a child wearing striped overalls and a long-sleeve shirt standing nearby, outdoors with green foliage in the background.
A child wearing yellow rain boots, a black skirt, a knitted sweater, and a green jacket holding a small wicker basket with an egg inside, standing on a gravel surface outside.
Living room with navy blue walls, a white fireplace with candles on mantel, a mirror above fireplace, a black TV mounted above a beige patterned sofa, a pink armchair, a wooden coffee table, travel books, dishes, a colorful rug, potted plants, framed
A cozy kitchen with blue cabinets, a wooden dining table with six chairs, a large window with open blue shutters, open shelves with jars and bottles, a fireplace with a brick arch and black pipe, and dried flowers and plants on the shelf and mantel.
Outdoor garden with a hot tub, wooden chairs, colorful flowers, and a rustic barn in the background.
A garden with various plants and flowers, a small greenhouse, and a stone house in the background, with a person partially visible walking through the garden.
A cozy indoor scene with children and a woman inside a green wooden house, during daytime. Children are playing with toys on the wooden floor, surrounded by toys and colorful objects. The woman is lying on the floor, engaging with the children. The r
A scenic coastal landscape with blue ocean, sandy beach, rocky formations, and lush green hills under a partly cloudy sky.
Scenic view of green grassy cliffs and hills overlooking the ocean with a clear blue sky.
A woman holding a baby standing on a wooden dock beside a body of water with trees in the background.

“"Gather Kindling felt like sacred ground: slow, intentional, and deeply nourishing. Circles of women holding both rawness and radiance, moments of quiet, cold swims, nourishing food, and being seen allowed me to rest and breathe for the first time since becoming a mother. Seeing my baby loved and cared for while I turned inward was a profound gift. Gather Kindling reminded me that motherhood is not just to survive, but to be lived - soft, strong, and whole. I left feeling changed, held, and more awake to the power of women walking together. Follow the pull - it is a gift you will carry long after you leave."
— Camille & daughter Anouk

A day in the life…

7:30 am – Morning breakfast
The day begins gently with a nourishing breakfast of local, seasonal ingredients. Tea steams, children wake slowly, and everyone arrives into the day without rush.

9:00 am – Children’s morning care
The Gather Kindling aunties welcome the children into a calm, playful morning. Time is shared between the playroom and gardens with seasonal crafts, stories, music, and outdoor exploration. Activities are tailored for different ages, allowing babies, toddlers, and older children to feel held and engaged. A wholesome mid-morning snack grounds the group before the morning winds down.

9:30 am – Mothers’ circle: yoga, breathwork & sharing
Once the children are settled, mothers gather in a quiet, nurturing space for somatic yoga, womb healing, breathwork, vocal activations, singing, sound healing, and sharing circles. Our intention is for child-free time (while always honouring breastfeeding or little ones needing closeness) allowing mothers to rest, reconnect, and nurture themselves.

12:00 pm – Reuniting
Mothers and children come back together for cuddles, connection, and a smooth transition into shared time.

12:30 pm – Seasonal lunch
A vibrant, nourishing lunch is shared together, slow and communal, celebrating the flavors of the land and the rhythm of the day.

1:30 pm – Unhurried afternoon
Afternoons are spacious and flexible making time for mother child connection and naps: wander the gardens, swim in the natural pond, rest in the shade, befriend the donkeys, or simply be together and follow their excitement.

4:00 pm – Foraging & nature’s table
We come together for a guided foraging walk, discovering edible and medicinal plants of the season, followed by creating a communal art piece with what we’ve gathered.

5:30 pm – Wood-fire pizza party
Around the outdoor pizza oven, we cook and share a joyful meal together as the light softens, laughing and learning in community.

6:30 pm – Evening bedtime stories
Dusk brings gentle gathering of a story by the fire before children snuggle up for a well needed sleep.

8:00 pm – Evening time for mothers
Once the little ones are asleep, mothers are invited into quiet evening rituals - wood-fire hot tub, sauna, gentle breath work and yin yoga. Baby monitors are used, and mothers remain close and available if needed.

This is a sample rhythm rather than a fixed timetable. The days will flow organically, with timings gently shifting to make space for rest, spontaneity, and the needs of both mothers and children - nothing is compulsory and rest is very encouraged.

Children playing under a table with paper lanterns in a bright room.
A group of people, including children and adults, sit around a long outdoor dining table with cups, plates, and a vase of flowers in a garden. A large white patio umbrella provides shade. There are trees and bushes surrounding the garden, creating a
A woman squatting by a small stream with a young girl sitting nearby, both in an outdoor natural setting with rocks and leaves on the ground and large rocks or small cliffs in the background.
Close-up of a porcelain plate with fried green tomatoes topped with fried herbs, next to a bowl of potato salad.
Person writing in a notebook at an outdoor gathering with bowls of herbs and teas on a sunlit table.
Child with flour on shirt and a woman smiling at him, making pizza outdoors with pizza ingredients on the table.
A woman and a young boy smiling and holding onto a ladder on a dock by a lake, with a swimmer in a tube and green trees in the background.
Group of five people, two women and three children, in a forest with tall trees, some of the women holding children, others standing and observing.
A woman holding a baby in a forest with tall trees and green foliage.
A young man and woman lying in a hammock outdoors among trees, sharing a tender moment.
Close-up of a hand pouring a creamy beverage from a pitcher into a glass, with another glass and floral-patterned cloth on a grassy outdoor setting.

What’s Included?

A deeply nourishing all-inclusive experience for mother and child, designed to offer true rest, connection, creativity, and care in a beautiful natural setting.

  • Beautiful accommodation for mother and child, with the choice of a shared double bed or twin beds and cot beds on request

  • All daily meals, wholesome snacks, herbal teas, nourishing infusions, coffee, and fresh juices for both mother and child, lovingly cooked using seasonal, nutrient-rich ingredients

  • Dedicated morning childcare from 9am–12pm each day, held by our Gather Kindling aunties, including Waldorf-inspired crafts, storytelling, songs, imaginative play, outdoor adventures, and gentle creative exploration

  • Daily mothers’ circles during childcare sessions, offering a rich programme of yoga, womb healing, breathwork, vocal activations, singing, sound healing, nervous system support, and meaningful shared reflection with other mothers

  • Spacious, unhurried afternoons together with your child, enjoying experiences such as foraging, nature crafting, cooking, swimming, coastal walks, nature play, and slow living moments, all guided organically by the land, season, and group energy

  • Evening restoration for mothers, including gentle rituals, quiet connection, and time to soak in the wood-fired hot tub beneath the stars

  • Sit in on baby monitors throughout evening sessions, allowing mothers to fully relax while remaining responsive to their children at all times. A Gather Kindling team member will be available nearby to support if little ones wake or need their mama

  • Full access to the retreat grounds and beautiful shared amenities, including the natural swimming pond, tennis court, yoga shala, gardens, wild spaces, and cosy communal areas

  • A carefully held, intimate retreat experience centred around rest, reconnection, creativity, nature, motherhood, and community

Not Included

  • Massage, facials, or bodywork treatments (available to book in advance, subject to availability)

  • Travel to and from the retreat (car shares and taxis can be coordinated)

  • Travel to local beaches (guests may use their own cars or we will organise a shared minibus)

  • Additional 1:1 childcare outside of the morning childcare sessions

  • Additional children: £200 per child

  • Please note: babies under 2 are warmly welcome and require dedicated 1:1 care during morning childcare sessions (additional £200)

Two women and a young girl in a lush garden with tall pink flowers. The women are engaging in conversation, one with a notepad. There is an old stone building and trees in the background.

Pricing & Rooms

Double Ensuite with shower £2,250

Configured with a king-size bed, this elegant room enjoys stunning views over the gardens and features a private en-suite bathroom with a walk-in shower.

SOLD OUT

Bright bedroom with two open windows showing a farm scene with green fields and blue sky. There is a white bed with a colorful floral quilt, a dark wooden wardrobe, a small desk with a vase and flowers, and a wooden chair. The room has light pink walls and hardwood floors.
A cozy bedroom with a green wood bed frame, white bedding, and a large colorful geometric headboard. The room has green nightstands with lamps, potted plants, a framed painting, and a window with green shutters. The walls are painted reddish-orange, and the floor is wooden with a beige rug.

Double ensuite with bathtub £2,500

Choose between a super king or twin-bed configuration. Your private en-suite bathroom includes a full-sized bath with an overhead shower.

One space left

A bright bedroom with three large windows showing a scenic view of trees and a field. The room has wooden floors, a colorful striped rug, two twin beds with white bedding and orange throws, and a bedside table with a lamp. There is a small model sailboat on the windowsill and wall art depicting clouds above the beds.
A cozy bedroom with a large bed, white linens, and an orange blanket at the foot. There is a wooden dresser with plants and decorative items on top, and a fireplace on the wall. The room has a large window with blue curtains, and three moon phase pictures above the fireplace. The ceiling is painted dark blue with a paper lantern hanging from it. The room has wooden flooring.

Shepherds hut with private kitchen, fired hot tub and garden £2,750

Beautiful converted shepherds hut with double bed, ensuite shower room, kitchen, private garden and hot tub. 2 mins walk from the main house

SOLD OUT

Nighttime backyard scene with a wooden shed illuminated by string lights, Adirondack chairs around a fire pit, and a hot tub, with trees in the background.
Interior of a cozy small living space with a bed, small kitchen sink, and wooden shelves, illuminated by warm lighting.

Private apartment £3000

Stylish apartment with double bedroom, adjoining living room with king size sofa bed, ensuite bathroom with bath tub and standing shower, kitchen and private entrance. Perfect for families coming with more than 1 child.

SOLD OUT

A cozy bedroom with a white wooden bed, striped pillows, nightstands with bedside lamps, a large window with patterned curtains, a framed wall art, and a tall wooden dresser with a potted plant and decorative item, hardwood floors, and a woven ceiling light
Living room with a large window, beige sectional sofa with colorful pillow, wooden coffee table with candles, open kitchen with black cabinets, open shelving with dishes, dining table with blue vase and glasses, and modern pendant lights.
Book Your Place
Cozy bedroom with a wooden bed frame and green bedding. A bedside table with a lamp, and a tray with drinks and flowers. Exposed wooden beams with string lights, a window showing greenery outside, and wall decorations.

The Coach House £2250

Private cottage with its own kitchen, bathroom with shower and forest terrace. Perfect for lighter sleepers requiring absolute peaceful silence.

A cozy kitchen with wooden beams, blue cabinets, a wooden countertop, and a doorway leading to a bathroom. There is a small window showing greenery outside, and decorative items on the counters and shelves. The floor is wooden, and there is a beige rug in front of the sink.

What You’ve Been Asking…

  • We welcome children of all ages, including babies! For little ones under 2, we kindly ask for 1:1 care during the morning childcare sessions at an additional investment of £200, to ensure they are fully supported. Our morning activities are designed to engage children of all ages, and our chefs can cater for babies enjoying purees or following baby-led weaning. Most of the children attending are between 2 and 6 years old, creating a joyful, playful, and supportive community for little ones to explore and connect.

  • During the retreat, we offer a dedicated morning childcare space held by our loving and experienced Gather Kindling aunties. Each morning begins with a gentle 30-minute transition period, allowing mothers and children to settle together, arrive slowly, and ease into the rhythm of the day before the children’s program begins.

    Following this, children are lovingly cared for in a Waldorf-inspired morning of nature play, crafts, music, gardening, and sensory exploration, while mothers are invited into their own nourishing time of yoga, somatic movement, breathwork, sound, and sharing circles.

    We hold the mothers’ circles as a child-free space where possible, to allow deeper rest and connection — and we also honour the reality of motherhood. If a little one needs to join for breastfeeding, reassurance, or simply to be quietly close to their mama, they are always welcome. This is a space led with understanding, softness, and care.

    This rhythm offers mothers the rare gift of being tended to, while knowing their children are held safely and lovingly nearby - supported, seen, and free to explore in a nurturing environment.

  • Workshops at Gather Kindling are gently integrated into the rhythm of our days and designed to nourish both mothers and children. For mothers, this includes somatic movement, yoga, womb healing, breathwork, vocal activations, singing, sound healing, and softly held sharing circles.

    Together, we’ll take part in nature-based experiences such as gentle foraging walks where we learn about wild herbal medicine, simple seasonal cooking, shared crafts, and time for wild play and swimming. These offerings are spacious and optional, allowing creativity, rest, and connection to unfold in an organic, family-led way.

    All materials needed for group crafts and activities will be provided.

  • The retreat gently encourages a digital detox and a return to deep presence. While Wi-Fi is available at the manor, we invite you to set an away response, place your phone on do not disturb, and unplug as much as possible during your stay.

    To support this shared intention, we kindly ask that there is no screen time in communal areas, as Gather Kindling is an invitation for both mothers and children to step away from technology and sink fully into connection - with each other, the land, and the rhythm of the days.

  • The retreat is held in a beautiful Georgian manor nestled in the Devon countryside, surrounded by gardens, open lawns, and wild landscape, and just a short drive from the coast with access to magical beaches, woodland walks, and wide open skies.

    The closest train station is Barnstaple, with direct services from Exeter and onward connections to London Paddington, followed by a short taxi ride. The nearest airport is Exeter Airport, approximately 1–1.5 hours away by car, and we’re happy to help facilitate taxis or car shares once everyone is booked in.

  • In mid‑June, around the Summer Solstice, the weather in Devon is generally mild and pleasant — expect long, light-filled days with temperatures typically ranging from 16–22°C (61–72°F). You may enjoy warm, sunny spells perfect for exploring the gardens, coastal walks, or swimming in the natural pond, alongside occasional cooler breezes or light showers, which add to the lush beauty of the countryside.

    We recommend layered clothing so you can stay comfortable from sun to shade, and bringing a light raincoat just in case. Evenings can feel gently cool, making it a perfect time for quiet reflection or gathering around the fire.

  • The manor is equipped with a washing machine, tumble dryer and iron should you like to use it.

    Please bring your own bathroom essentials.

    There will be some extra therapeutic offerings available at an additional price.

    If there is a particular experience or place in the area you would like to visit whilst with us let us know and we will try to incorporate it into the schedule.

  • We have a small number of highchairs and cots at the manor, and we kindly ask that you let us know when booking if you’d like to use one.

  • All meals are lovingly prepared in-house by our amazing resident chef Josie, with a focus on vibrant, plant-forward dishes that celebrate the seasonal produce of the region. Local meat and seafood features regularly on the menu, and if you have other dietary needs or preferences - we’re more than happy to tailor the meals to suit.

  • Yes, we have organic fresh cows and oat milk for you to help yourself to.

  • The manor offers spacious, light-filled bedrooms designed for comfort and relaxation. Many rooms have ensuite bathrooms, and there is a mix of doubles and twin beds, with cots available on request. Each room is thoughtfully furnished, blending classic Georgian charm with cozy, restful touches, providing a peaceful space to recharge after your days.

  • This retreat is a safe and nurturing space where both mamas and little ones can fully connect and grow. We prioritize the well-being and privacy of everyone, especially the children. As such, we kindly ask that photographs not be taken of any child—whether your own or others—without prior permission from their parent or guardian. It's important that we respect each family’s privacy, and no images should be posted online without the explicit consent of the child's parent.

    To protect the sanctity of our retreat space, we also ask that no professional photography or video recording equipment be used. Our dedicated photographer will capture moments throughout the retreat, ensuring that beautiful memories are preserved and shared with those who wish to receive them.

    Thank you for helping us create a safe, respectful, and mindful experience for both mamas and children.

  • Payment plans can be taken in 3 parts, with the final instalment due on May 1st.

    As our retreats are small and intimate, every spot on the retreat is incredibly important to us so please book with intention to make it.

  • We understand that life is unpredictable. If you need to cancel more than four weeks before your retreat, your deposit will be retained, but any further payments will be refunded. If it’s helpful, we’re happy to transfer your booking to another retreat within the next year, space allowing.

    If you need to cancel within four weeks of the retreat, we’re unfortunately unable to offer any refund, as costs will already have been committed on your behalf. If you find someone to take your place, they’re welcome to join with our approval.

    We kindly ask for understanding here - our retreats are small, deeply planned offerings, and last-minute changes have an effect on the whole group and team.

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Woman in a yellow dress with red accents and a floral crown, smiling as she leans over a young girl wearing a floral dress and a flower crown, outdoors during daytime.

"I went to Gather Kindling in the hope of spending more time with my daughter. What I received was so much more than that. I connected with other mothers - we cried, we laughed, we shared stories of motherhood unspoken before, we connected on the most human level possible. Women of different walks of life, held by the magic of the people running the retreat. The food, the setting, the support, it was all magical and exquisite. I had an incredibly profound experience of feeling seen, held and validated in my experience as a mother."
— Villi & daughter Esme