Cotswolds Flora + Fauna Retreats
DATES: June 10-13, 2027 (interest list)
GUESTS: 11 women + hosts
PRICING: $1200 per person, shared occupancy
Deposit of $600 due with registration to secure a spot.
Registration for the 2027 Cotswolds Retreat opens in July.
Slow down and wonder
Join our special Flora + Fauna retreat in the English countryside, curated and hosted by Kirsten Dickerson and The Birchalls, owners of the historic farm.
Our Cotswolds, England, three-night retreats invite you to discover a sense of wonder as we explore the changes of the seasons, slow down, and take notice of the beauty that surrounds us.
This summer retreat is held in the Cotswolds at a private historic farm property. You will be surrounded by incredible gardens and pastures, as well as beautiful art and historic architecture. The owners of the property will be co-hosts for each retreat as they share the history and details about their farm, house, and renowned Arts and Crafts gardens.
The sky is my prayer,
The birds are my prayer,
The wind in the trees is my prayer,
for God is my all in all.
Thomas Merton
Creativity + Contemplation + Creation
These ecumenical retreats explore creativity, contemplation, and creation from a faith perspective through lectio readings of psalms, poetry, and parables that reference nature as a source of inspiration and teaching. Discussions will be framed around what we can learn from Franciscan spirituality as it relates to creation care, generosity, and simple living.
Arts and Crafts garden design emphasizes a seamless connection between the house and garden, using natural materials and traditional craftsmanship to create a harmonious and inviting outdoor space. Key elements include integrating garden rooms, using local materials, incorporating structure through hardscaping, and featuring abundant, romantic planting. Forest, pastures, and a bog garden are also on the property, as well as a kitchen garden and fruit orchards. We will utilize the beauty of this magical setting to dive into our daily activities.
Flora + Fauna Retreats include experiences such as nature journaling, watercolor, farm-to-table meals, hiking, gardening, and ample time for rest and rejuvenation. Each retreat curates experiences that highlight what we can learn and enjoy from the beauty that surrounds us. June will focus on roses and beautiful early summer blooms such as peonies, poppies, and more. The gardens are beautiful in June and will surely be a source of creative inspiration for our art workshops.
You will be invited to participate in planting and harvesting activities on the farm such as potting, strawberry picking, seeding, and more. Our watercolor art workshops highlight what is in bloom for that time of year in the garden. You will also have time for personal reflection, walking the farm, journaling, or whatever is restorative for your body, soul, and mind. Poetry sessions and evenings around the fireplace in the historic library are a highlight of this retreat. The atmosphere will surely inspire you with its beauty.
We believe these retreats will be sources of inspiration and refreshment for artists, designers, nature enthusiasts, social entrepreneurs, and anyone eager to live with intention and take a long, deep breath of fresh air and beauty.
LOCATION: A private historic farm and home in the Cotswolds, England, with Arts + Crafts period gardens.
PRICE: $1200 per person, shared occupancy and bathrooms. (limited single rooms available)
Pricing includes: lodging, transfer from the train station, meals, activities + workshop supplies, journal, devotional, and special gift from the farm.
MEALS: Our private chef Hettie prepares seasonal, farm-to-table meals: European breakfast, garden lunches, special dinners in collectors’ dining room.
ART WORKSHOPS: We will have watercolor workshops both indoors and outdoors with artist Heidy Sumei Chuang. All supplies provided for art workshops, including a watercolor journal and professional watercolor travel set.
TRANSPORTATION: You can access the property via car or train, about 2 hours from London. We will provide a transfer from the local train station if you arrive and depart within the designated window.
DONATION: Each participant is contributing towards a group donation to Arocha UK, a Christian charity working to protect and restore the natural world.
NOT INCLUDED: Alcohol, travel expenses
Sample Itinerary
The complete seasonal itinerary is shared only with registered guests. ARTIST & NOMAD may adjust the itinerary as needed before or during the trip.
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3:00-5:00 PM: Arrival to the farm via train or car
5:30 PM: Welcome reception and Garden walk
7:00 PM: Dinner in Collector’s dining room
8:30 PM: Evening Liturgy
9:00 PM: Fireside chat
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7:00 AM: Silence, Psalm Reading, and Morning Restorative Yoga
8:00-8:45 AM: Breakfast
9:00 AM: Morning lectio
9:30 AM-12:00 PM: Art Workshop: watercolor and nature journaling.
11:00 AM: Short Tea break
12:30 PM: Lunch in the Garden or Picnic
2:00 PM: Time in the garden with the Birchalls, planting or harvesting
4:00 PM: Teatime
4:30 PM: Free time for rest and reflection or wandering the gardens
7:00 PM Dinner in Collector’s dining room
8:30 PM Evening Lectio
9:00 PM Star gazing
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7:00 AM: Silence, Psalm Reading, and Morning Restorative Yoga
8:00-8:45 AM: Breakfast
9:00 AM: Morning lectio
9:30 AM: Morning Hike in the pastures and forests adjacent to the farm.
11:00 AM: Short Tea break and free time
12:30 PM: Lunch in the Garden or Picnic
2:00 PM: Afternoon art workshop: nature journaling in the garden
4:00 PM: Teatime
4:30 PM: Freetime for resting, painting, or wandering the gardens (optional afternoon art activity also available).
7:00 PM: Dinner in Collector’s dining room
8:30 PM: After dinner, special musical performance in the library
9:30 PM: Evening Lectio
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8:00 AM: Light breakfast
9:00 AM: Time for personal silence and listening (morning awe walk)
10 AM: Sunday Lectio
11 AM: Brunch
12:30 PM: Pack and departure
“Be still and know that I am God”
Psalm 46:1
Details
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Age requirement: All travelers must be women, 18 years or older.
Payment: $600 deposit due with registration.
Final Payment of $600 due March 1, 2027.
If we have any questions about your registration, we will be in touch within 2 business days.
A portion of your payment goes toward A Rocha, a global family of conservation organizations.
Each retreat also funds local meals for neighbors in need to match the number of meals you have during the retreat. Your participation in this retreat funds 9 meals for a local person in need.
Payment Terms: Our retreats are intentionally small, and cancellations have a significant impact on our team and our local partners. For this reason, payments are non-refundable, except for the few situations noted in our Terms.
If you have a change in plans 60+ days before the retreat, you may be able to transfer to another retreat within the same year, if there is an open spot with A&N approval.
ARTIST & NOMAD Full Terms: Please review our Full Terms before registering.
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Travel Packet: Travel Packet: You’ll receive a detailed packet to help you prepare for your journey after registration closes. This will include everything needed to prepare for your journey, including a detailed itinerary, travel arrival/departure guidelines, packing list, travel insurance information, cultural insights, and other travel tips.
Transportation & Flights: The tour packet we provide will have detailed information you need to plan your travel or book your flights if applicable. You are responsible for following the arrival and departure details we provide.
Please don’t purchase flights until ARTIST & NOMAD sends you the detailed itinerary and arrival/departure guidelines.
International Travelers outside of the UK:
Passport/Visa: You are responsible for ensuring your passport is current and securing any visa needed, depending on your nationality.
Travel Insurance: We strongly recommend, but don’t require, purchasing travel insurance. If you choose to purchase, select a plan level, from a company of your choosing, which brings you the most peace of mind. For the most complete protection—such as “Cancel For Any Reason” or coverage for pre-existing medical conditions—be sure to purchase within 7 days of your ARTIST & NOMAD deposit.
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At registration, choose your room preference, and we will do our best to accommodate you.
As this is a private home, most rooms have shared bathrooms.
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Activity Level: This retreat involves a mild level of activity, including peaceful walks around the farm and a light one-hour hike in the local area.
Vaccinations: Please check the CDC website for updated health notices and vaccine recommendations, and visit your doctor or a travel nurse to discuss what is best for you.
You are responsible for ensuring you have the vaccinations or vaccination exemptions required for travel and entry into your destination.
Currently, there are no vaccines required to enter England.
Health Policy: We kindly ask you to enjoy alcohol mindfully and in moderation. Please note that smoking and drug use are not permitted.
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Please read ARTIST & NOMAD’s Full Terms and Travel Philosophy before you register. Agreement to these terms is required to travel with ARTIST & NOMAD.
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Meet Your Hosts
Kirsten
Hope Lundblad: Hope is a multidisciplinary artist and poet based in Semur-en-Auxois, France. Receiving her master's degree from La Sorbonne in fine arts and international vision and a bachelor's honors degree from UC Santa Barbara, Hope has focused on the theme of home throughout her career. Leading various artist residency and retreat programs in San Francisco and Paris through partnership with Transform Arts has given her a global creative community. She and her partner Peter now live in the French countryside, focusing on hospitality, craft, and community development through their project The Poetry Factory, sponsored through Fractured Atlas. She believes hospitality is the highest form of art. Hope is a certified spiritual director and avid lover of St. Francis and St. Claire.
Celia
Celia Birchall: Celia is a slow fashion designer with a passion for honoring a ground-to-garment experience in the clothes that she makes, all sourced and crafted by hand in the UK. Her studio is at the Cotswolds Farm. She and her parents will co-host these retreats in their incredible historic home. Celia and her family can’t wait to share the beautiful gardens and designs you will encounter during your stay.
