And here we go!

One-day Retreat on Saturday 9 September 2023

Four-days retreat from Thursday afternoon 14 September to Sunday morning 17 September 2023

It is a long story. Full of anticipation. Of heartbreak and a “coup de foudre”. Of going forward because forward usually is the only direction left. It’s a long story for long nights at the fireplace. I might tell it, someday, over a glass of that wine from Saint-Maixant, when we meet.

Long story short is, as many of you are aware of, over the coming months we’re moving to our new house, a medieval fortress-turned-chic-farmhouse. It is a very special place and already dear to me, it is THE HOUSE even before I set foot in it. And I still look forward to it despite the fact it requires tremendous work in restorations. Like really tremendous. For those who know us, it won’t come as a surprise that we won’t be rushing things. No BAM here’s the plan done in twelve months. We’re taking it slow. Listening to what the ancient walls tell before coming up with a plan. Thoughtful restoration instead of fast renovation. Which, again long story short, means that the house will remain a work in progress for a long long time to come.

We also decided it would be too bad to stop doing the retreats only to take them up again when we’re done with the major part, because it’s the unfinished and repaired stuff that intrigues us, all that imperfection business that makes life so wonderfully nuanced. I think the Japanese have a word for this, I hope I got this right, it’s called Wabi-Sabi. Time-painted doors and ceilings. The beauty of the world through a cracked windowpane, I could go on and on. And I want you to see it too. I want you to be part of the history of this place, too, which is a constant story of transformation. Hence, the show goes on next year! With two dates in September, September when it’s still warm and glorious, and enough time for us to fix what needs fixing right away.

It’s going to be grand, that much I can promise. With a lot of rustic glamour. I’ve made some basic planning for the programme but will reserve the option to make changes as we go, given that I assume I’ll be discovering a load of exceedingly cool things deemed worthy “retreat material” over the first months we’re there.

Finally, we’ll be able to provide limited in-house accommodation. Very basic, but comfortable. Registration is open at hello@lespoissonchats.com.