WHAT'S INCLUDED
HASSLE-FREE, PERSONALISED RETREATS WITH
EVERYTHING YOU COULD WANT, AND MORE.
Luxurious en-suite accommodation in the recently refurbished, 'fairytale' Chateau de la Motte Henry
Nutritious, specifically designed menu, including 3 meals per day, readily available snacks and all drinks
Great social and relaxation areas - lakeside decking, walled garden, woodland paths, secret picnic spots
Carbon offset of your trip to see us, paid for by us
Comprehensive Covid refund policy, if your attendance is rendered impossible due to Covid.
Ready access to explore your ideas with our host, Leigh Russell, a published author experienced in nurturing a love of reading and writing
Initial Skype or phone consultation to introduce ourselves, discuss our approach and your objectives
Informative group and small group discussions and creative writing practice
Time to reflect and relax in comfort, with excursions to local places of interest
inspiring host
Hailed as a ‘rare talent’ by the Daily Mail and ‘unmissable’ by Lee Child, Leigh Russell is the author of nearly 30 books, including the internationally bestselling Geraldine Steel crime series, several psychological thrillers, a dystopian novel and, recently, a historical novel set in the sixteenth century. She studied literature at the University of Kent and spent several decades sharing her enthusiasm as a secondary school teacher. As a Consultant Royal Literary Fellow, she supports adults with academic and professional writing and is Chair of Judges for the Crime Writer's Association Debut Dagger Award. She also set up and runs the critiquing service for the CWA and is an experienced editor and creative writing tutor. Passionate about writing, she loves sharing what she has learnt on her journey so far.
exclusive venue
Our guests benefit from exclusive use of the gorgeous, mid-nineteenth century, Chateau de la Motte Henry in the Pays de la Loire, France. Our secluded estate, is accessible from the UK and Continental Europe, close to the ports of Normandy and Brittany, with a well-served plane and train network.
The Chateau itself, provides luxury, boutique-style accommodation and superb social spaces, decorated with period antiques. On site there are superb exercise facilities, welcoming relaxation areas and an ability to escape the hustle and bustle of everyday life. The Chateau is set within 9 hectares of beautiful woodland grounds, with a lakeside terrace, trail paths, walled garden and 25 metre swimming pool.
hassle free
We offer personal transfers from local airports and train stations. Your whole experience is tailored to you, addresses your challenges and is truly relevant from the moment you arrive.
Your stay will provide you with plenty of time to explore the local area, with optional excursions included in your package. At the Chateau, you can relax by the pool or lake, join in a restorative yoga class or enjoy a massage.
delicious food
Throughout your stay all your meals and snacks are freshly prepared and served in our wood-paneled dining room. We will consult with you to ensure that your dietary preferences are catered for, even incorporating your food favorites in our menus, whilst avoiding foods you dislike. Utilising the very best in local ingredients, from the 'Garden of France', each eye-catching meal will support your lifestyle, but also be tasty, culinarily rich and exciting.
THE VENUE
Chateau de la Motte Henry is a beautiful, 19th Century Chateau set in over 9 hectares of glorious parkland in the Pays de la Loire. Easy to get to from the UK and mainland Europe, the Chateau is equipped with first class health, fitness and leisure facilities to allow guests to relax and reenergise. The spacious accommodation remains true to the Chateau’s heritage, updated for modern convenience.
HEALTHY, NUTRITIOUS FOOD
LOVINGLY PREPARED
Our nutritionist and chef have designed an eye-catching, delicious menu, founded in local, organic produce. We serve the highest quality, locally sourced organic food to produce an energising and detoxifying menu throughout your stay. Vegetarians and vegans catered for.
SAMPLE MENU
BREAKFAST
Signature home-made Granola
Fresh fruit platter
Scrambled eggs with smoked trout & dill
Oat & Chia seed bircher pots with mixed berries
Wake up energising smoothies
Fresh orange and pink grapefruit juice
LUNCH
Moroccan Spiced Turkey Breast
Guacamole
Puy lentil, sun-dried tomato and feta salad
Minted cucumber & tomato salad
Chick pea & pomegranate cous-cous
Green Salad
DINNER
Roasted tomato & basil soup
South American sweet potato & haddock fishcakes, with a lemon & thyme sauce
Wilted Spinach
French Beans
Glazed Carrots
Raspberry & Chia Pot
UPCOMING RETREATS
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English (UK)