The Water Shed: An Ultimate Retreat Just Outside London

Last week was all about stepping away from the noise and hurried life into a space of stillness. The Water Shed offered a Rejuvenate Retreat with the perfect backdrop for this. Picture this: a pond surrounded the house, a clear blue sky, birds singing and you even could spot some deer in the distance and quietness that makes reflection effortless. That's exactly what I experienced.

Many of you may know The Water Shed as a breathtaking eco-retreat featured on Grand Designs on Channel 4, but forme, it was a truly new magical place that I couldn’t believe we could have something like that so close to London—it’s just an hour and a half away from Victoria Station. Located in Bosham, West Sussex, The Water Shed was designed and built in 2021 by architect Daniel Rowland and interior designer Nina Rowland. The house seamlessly blends sustainability with luxury, set amidst the stunning natural beauty of its surroundings.

The house concept is rooted in biophilic design, which means it’s intentionally built to foster a deep connection with nature. Large open spaces, natural materials, and an abundance of greenery create a seamless flow between the indoors and outdoors, making every corner feel alive and restorative. Owned by the Rowlands and their two daughters, the house has received multiple accolades, including the Sussex Heritage Trust Residential Award in 2022. Every detail is thoughtfully designed to connect deeply with nature, making it the perfect retreat for those seeking peace, inspiration, and a true escape from the world.

But shall we talk about the experience? The retreat began with herbal tea being served to the guests before our yoga session with the talented Anna Coates. Even for me, someone who isn’t a regular practitioner of yoga, the session was accessible for all levels (and all ages—yes, the retreat welcomed all ages with no gender discrimination).

Also, we were treated to a lovely tour, guided by Nina herself. There was a moment when we sat in her living room to hear the story of how it all began. Listening to Nina and her family's journey was truly inspiring, and it was clear how much love they pour into creating a space focused on well-being and safety—a space that invites everyone to simply be.

We also had some free time to break up the morning and afternoon. During this time, we were introduced to the benefits of cold plunge therapy and guided to swim in the pond. At the same time, we could relax in the sauna and hot tub. But I think the best part of this was the meaningful conversations that naturally started to unfold. It felt like those moments of relaxation and connection were completely revitalizing.

The schedule continued, and it was time to meet our next instructor, Camila Hambin, who led us through a deep meditation, a Cacao ceremony, and a sound bath. It was a truly calming and completely relaxing experience. There’s no way to recommend this enough—especially in this crazy world, where disconnecting from our phones and deeply connecting with ourselves felt like the perfect reset. During that brief but powerful time, we had the opportunity tomanifest what we wanted for our lives. When I say the whole place truly inspired me, I’m not kidding.

In the end, I felt reset, refreshed, and recharged at The Water Shed. Sometimes, a retreat is all you need. If you’re interested, the next retreat is happening in May, more details are here (https://www.thewatershed.co.uk/retreats). Don’t miss the chance to experience it for yourself!