Newsletter No 1
Newsletter No 1 from France 7th December 2009
Dear Friends,
We hope this Newsletter finds you well and not feeling too hectic about the forthcoming celebrations. What a great farewell from Duncton and what a wonderful new beginning in France we have had.
It was a sad occasion and yet so heart warming to see so many people at the farewell party. The sun shone, everyone sat in the garden enjoying a tea time feast, prepared by Julie, who has moved to France with us. More than a hundred people really did have a fond and lovely last time, that hot September afternoon, and we certainly went out on a high. At the end there were only two pieces of delicious cake left!
If it hadn’t been for Moira’s amazing help, (she was our rock in those last hectic weeks and is an organiser par excellence), we wouldn’t have had such a smooth move. All in all, our things and ourselves arrived in France unscathed.
I never imagined that anywhere could possibly be as good as Duncton Mill. Its charm and Shangri-La quality beguiled all of us for five years. However the Mill in France quickly made its mark, with a wilder and more natural beauty. For ten days we worked like troupers getting it ready for Mike’s first group. Curtains were dyed, pictures were hung and flower beds planted. Our things blended in beautifully with Kolinka’s (the owner) and by the time the first group arrived, it felt like a gorgeous home. Talk about ‘the Blessing of Insecurity’ – we were falling love, but didn’t know how our new ‘home’ would be received.
The Mill is absolutely wonderful. It has surpassed all our expectations. Being there is a transformative experience, with the water, the spaciousness, the tranquil natural beauty of the house and the surroundings.
These are the aspects of the Mill which make it different and better than Duncton Mill.
The Privacy – many local people do not know of the Mill’s existence. It is tucked away and there are no walkers or people driving through. When you come, the place will be your own and a haven, not the least, for this reason.
The Workshop Spaces – the top floor workshop is nearly three times the size of the Apple Loft and it feels exceptionally good to teach in. Mike and the first group just loved it. Do look at the testimonials from them http://www.stillnessretreats.com/testimonials/
The Large Ground Floor Meeting Room – is a very spacious and flexible room, with a tiled floor, and filled with light. It can be used for all sorts of activities, and for teachers who are sharing, this room can be used simultaneously. There is the extra bonus of a proper cinema facility available, with a full size, drop-down screen and great sound. Bring DVD’s and popcorn for the evenings!
The Accommodation – with 17 bedrooms, allows small groups to have their own room. Imagine, 30+ beds, all with Egyptian cotton sheets and superb, thick blankets in spacious bedrooms. There are plenty of excellent showers and some of them are state of the art, all of them, walk in/cabinet style.
The Centre Of The House – there is an enormous open fireplace in the wonderful entrance room which is the true heart of the building.
The Water – there is the extraordinary contrast of the swift river and canal, flowing through the garden, right in front of you. Then only a few feet away, the deep stillness of the lake. These waters are completely accessible; a major part of the transformative experience of being at the Mill. The canal runs under the house at the west end and joins the river again, forming the garden into a point, like the prow of a ship.
The Fire Circle
At the point where the two waters meet, the terrific fire pit and circle of seats for 30 people have just been made. (See the photo on the Facilities page of the website-http://www.stillnessretreats.com/retreat-facilities/ . We brought ashes from the last fire at Duncton with us. On the first course everyone took some from the bag for the first fire at the Mill. Together, we all threw our handful into the fire with great glee. Even Pawel and Otto joined in.
Pawel (pronounced Pavel) and Otto the gentle, black Lurcher look after the Mill, living in their own apartment. Pawel is a Polish engineer, and amongst all his other jobs, is in charge of renovating the Mill turbine and its workings. Otto oversees everything, with poise and elegance. Pawel made the fire circle in a few hours once we had drawn him a picture. He doesn’t speak much English but is a total star.
Our most recent course was a Yoga and Wine Tasting Weekend at the end of November
It was a gorgeous time with a top Sommelier, Anusara Yoga with Lisa Sanfillipo and of course our wonderful food. The log fires really came into their own, making staying at the Mill cosy and very inviting. The house is lovely and warm and it was so good to see the first yoga group in the workshop with so much space and all our new equipment. Nobody wanted to leave!
We are truly blessed. We can’t wait to welcome you and show you around the Mill….. and feed you again with Julie’s scrumptious food.
Until then, we send greetings to you all for a stress free, Happy Christmas and New Year.
With love, Barbara and Mike
Ps floor plans on the website are now available www.stillnessretreats.com
