Retreats at Anthology Farm
Cheltenham, Gloucestershire, The Cotswolds, UK
In partnership with luxury wilderness specialists RVIVAL, Anthology Farm's A Survival Anthology retreat invites guests into a sanctuary of self-discovery against the evergreen backdrop of the Cotswolds. Surrounded by trails and streams, and with unrivalled views across 500 private acres of valley fields, this exclusive five-day retreat might be survival-focused, but the heated indoor pool and luxurious rooms make self-care the undercurrent of the programme.
Base Camp
Happening where Om meets home, Anthology Farm - complete with indoor pool, purpose-built yoga studio and tennis court, has all the elements to ensure a stay at which rejuvenation sits high on the agenda. Constructed from stone out of Doddles Hill mines nearby, you'll find 18th century graffiti engraved into the old stone walls, exposed brick, claw-foot baths and perfectly gnarled wood beams to set the scene. Here, lead-paned windows look out over patchwork farmland, making this survival retreat with a luxe underbelly so much more than simply a base for wellbeing.
The Experience
From grounding in-studio yoga sessions and guided meditation to navigation crash courses, retreats at Anthology Farm balance wellness practices with out-and-out authentic wilderness experiences. The retreat includes mastering knot-tying techniques, SOMA breathwork tuition, and hot water therapy in the heated pool where glass walls frame nature’s playground. With survivalist workshops run by world-leading experts - expect an SAS operator-turned-TV-presenter or the British Military's chief survival, evasion and extraction instructor, you're in safe hands.
The Fare
A masterclass on sustainable living, it’s the bespoke itinerary that takes this retreat from sanctuary to self-discovery. A typical morning might start with a nourishing breakfast, followed by foraging for local herbs on mindful nature walks, while evenings are beckoned in with seasonal farm-to-table culinary masterclasses, "wine and journaling" sessions and evening wild cocktail classes with your earlier foraged fare. Opportunities abound for around the campfire storytelling (once you've mastered the art of fire building) and hearing - or perhaps sharing - first-hand tales of triumph.
The Facts
- Bedrooms and bathroomsThe Cotswold barn has five bedrooms, two on the first floor with king-size beds and en suite shower rooms, two on the second floor with king-size beds and freestanding baths in the room, and an en suite WC and sink, one on the top floor with a king-size bed, as well as a separate WC on the first floor. The Meal barn has four bedrooms, one on the ground floor with a king-size bed, one twin bedroom on the ground floor and a shared family bathroom. On the first floor, there are two bedrooms with king-size beds and en suite bathrooms with standalone baths and showers, and one of these bedrooms has two single beds tucked into the eaves.
- FeaturesHeated indoor swimming pool, cinema room, tennis court, table tennis, gym equipment, purpose built yoga studio and electric car charging point
- Arrivals and departuresArrival Day: MondayArrival Time: 4pmDeparture Time: 10am
- PracticalitiesThere is ample parking for ten cars. Please note that the owners live on-site should you need them during your stay. If arriving by air, helicopters are welcome to land on the grounds.
- Rental includesLuxury welcome hamper, Sonos sound system in the main dining room, a projector screen, Smart TVs with Netflix, Amazon and Sky TV including Sky Sports, PlayStations and Bluetooth radios, iPad, gas barbecue, linen, towels, logs and kindling
- Eco-friendlyElectric car charging point
- Other informationProperty terms and conditionsFrequently asked questionsEV charger locationsCheck mobile signalRecommend to a friend
Enquire and book
The Survival Anthology retreat is a ticketed event hosted by RVIVAL and is fully inclusive of catering, retreat specialists, all activities and accommodation.
| Date | 4-night stay |
|---|---|
| 13th Nov 2023 | From £4,900 per person |
| 8th Jan 2024 | From £4,900 per person |
Please note, places are limited, and the retreats are subject to minimum guest numbers to proceed.
If you are looking to arrange a group stay, please visit Anthology Farm to secure your preferred dates.
Cheltenham
Cheltenham lies within the heart of Gloucestershire beneath Cleeve Hill – the highest point in the Cotswolds. With an interesting heritage and a full calendar of events throughout the year, a holiday in Cheltenham promises an enjoyable visit for couples and families alike.
Getting there
- On the Map This luxury farmhouse is located in Whittington near Cheltenham in the Cotswolds AONB, ideally located for visiting Bibury and Stow-on-the-Wold.
- By Car Anthology Farm is around fifteen minutes from Cheltenham, under one hour from Oxford and Bristol, and two hours from London by car.
- By Train Cheltenham Spa is fifteen minutes away by car, or one hour by public transport. There are regular trains from London Paddington with a journey time of two hours with GWR. Kemble, Gloucester, and Moreton in Marsh are all within thirty minutes.
- By Air Gloucestershire Airport is twenty-five minutes away, while Birmingham Airport, Bristol Airport, and London Heathrow Airport are each less than one-and-a-half hours away by car. If you wish to arrive by helicopter, please enquire for further details.
From the owner
“We´re fortunate to be immersed in such an amazing setting here at Anthology, and the in-nature retreats ensure that guests really get to experience all that the locality has to offer.”
When we originally purchased the barns back in 2016 having relocated from Staffordshire, our bigger picture plans always involved the creation of a space that would lend itself to retreat-led breaks. With over 30 years of hospitality experience, we wanted to create a lux-led homestay from which many an adventure could be planned and experienced.
From the indoor pool to the tennis courts and yoga space, we've created those wellbeing areas to ensure R&R is enjoyed when guests holiday with us, and being ensconced in 500 acres means guests often don't stray too far afield when they holiday with us.
Creating bespoke retreats that include the best of traditional wellbeing practices in addition to affording guests a truly immersive living off the land experience and the opportunity to challenge themselves and assist with tools for embracing the skills they have learnt beyond the retreat was appealing to us.
The Barnes Family
Press
Below are a selection of features in which Unique Homestays has appeared. If you would like to feature the property in an editorial capacity, please contact the marketing team on +44 (0)1637 882014.
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Smart sleepovers
Condé Nast Traveller
September 2023Design tricks from the UK´s most stylish holiday lets
The Telegraph
September 2023Homes from House & Garden you can rent for a holiday
House & Garden
September 2023Travel by design
Condé Nast Traveller
September 2023The UK´s best stargazing spots
House & Garden
September 202325 wild and wonderful UK places to stay
The Times
September 2023The best UK lodge and chalet holidays
The Independent
August 2023A guide to Bodmin
Condé Nast Traveller
August 2023
Collections > Wilderness Retreats > UK > Gloucestershire > Cheltenham > Retreats at Anthology Farm
Disclaimer: These particulars, whilst believed to be accurate, are set as a guideline so should not be relied upon as a statement of fact. The photographs show aspects of the property at the time they were taken and it should not be assumed that the property remains precisely as displayed. If there are points of particular importance that need clarifying before you book, please contact us.
