Curious House
Sussex, England
Short and brilliant art and craft retreats in a characterful location
Curious House enables guests to explore their creative skills and simultaneously relax and unwind. Founded by art lover Philippa King, course subjects range from painting and printing to wreath making and calligraphy. Retreats are held at The Bell, a characterful and centuries-old pub in Ticehurst, Sussex, and at Birchwood Studio, just two miles away. Nourish your creative spirit with art ‘therapy’ at its best.
our Reviewer Pamela Goodman says:
‘I feel more at ease, more confident to strike out with colour and pattern, less judgemental of myself and others, less bothered by the outside world, more at peace, in fact, than I’ve felt for a while’
Queen of Retreats says:
‘This is your chance to forget your hang-ups, explore your creativity and have fun with like-minded souls. Although the emphasis is on the journey, not the outcome, there is a massive sense of achievement when you create something new. Choose to come for the day or stay over at The Bell, which is an award-winning quirky pub and a lovely place to enjoy’
Experiences
Come for inspirational year-round creative courses from one to three days in painting and upcycling, craft and creative writing, mixed media and photography, or curate your own retreat to suit your specific needs.
Create your landscape masterpiece. Forage for textures and print onto paper. Weave a Christmas wreath or recreate the beauty of trees in thread.
Philippa hand-selects inspiring, talented tutors with a gentle approach to their craft. Many are professionals in their own field and all have sensitive and patient teaching skills.
Retreats are often nature-inspired, using raw materials like willow, capturing outdoor scenes through painting, or involving walks in nature to forage for ingredients.
All classes take place in a safe, supportive space where the emphasis is on experimenting and flexing your creative muscles without judgement.
Spaces
Your creative days will be spent in the wonderfully inspiring rooms at The Bell, where there’s interesting art on the walls and fabulous quirky spaces or at Birchwood Studio in a light and airy space overlooking beautiful, established woodland.
You stay at The Bell, where the gorgeous garden is designed by world-renowned designer Jo Thompson, who lives in the village. The 11 bedrooms are highly eccentric and superbly comfortable. Names like ‘Anything is Possible', ‘Benefit of Doubt' and ‘Hush of Trees’ create a sense of poetic whimsy.
Each room has a range of Love & More toiletries and delicious cookies. All bedrooms are en-suite, with a king or superking Somnus mattress, and some have deep copper bathtubs. You might hear some traffic noise in the morning from the front bedrooms.
There are also four garden lodges set around a fabulous fire pit, for those who like to be closer to nature. Each has its own private outdoor space.
Sustenance
Refreshments are included in the price of all morning courses and a light lunch, such as hearty soups and home-made breads, is included in all day courses, catered for by The Bell and Birchwood restaurant.
Breakfast is included if you are staying at the pub. Choose whether to have dinner in the pub restaurant or try another local restaurant.
The Bell prides itself on its smart pub classics and locally sourced ingredients. Specialties include Trenchmore Farm Beef Burgers and local line-caught fish.
Desserts include old favourites like sticky toffee pudding, treacle tart, and Sussex cheese.
There’s a good range of non-alcoholic drinks on offer, as well as quirky cocktails, home-infused spirits and a hand-selected wine list.
