Oulton, nr Aylsham, Norfolk · Solo stays 5 to 28 nights

The Retreat

A space that holds you.

A tiny private cabin in rural Norfolk, available to solo retreat guests for stays of 5 to 28 nights. No WiFi. No television. Limited phone signal. A half-acre garden surrounded by farmland, birds, and quiet.

The Retreat cottage and garden in rural Norfolk
The Retreat

For the right person, the size is the point. Everything is within reach. There is nowhere to be except here.

Before you book

This is a very small space, intentionally

The Retreat is a brick-built single-storey cabin, something like a brick-built shepherd's hut. Its dimensions are 22 feet long by 7 feet wide.

Past guests have been surprised by the size, so it is important to be honest about this. There is one room: a studio bedsit with exposed beams and a small wall window. A separate shower room. A compact but well-equipped kitchen. That's it.

At a glance

  • Solo guests only.
  • Minimum stay 5 nights, maximum stay 28 nights.
  • No WiFi, no TV, limited phone signal.
  • Self-catering, with a properly equipped kitchen.
  • Separate shower room.
  • Off-road parking for one car.

Studio bedsit

A single studio space with exposed beamed ceiling, small wall window, and double sofa bed.

Practice space

There is floor space to set up a cushion, a yoga mat, or simply to move.

Longer stays

The kitchen includes a full-sized cooker, fridge, kettle, washing machine, and what is needed for a longer self-catering stay. A full inventory is available on request.

Outside

The grounds

The cabin sits within a half-acre plot surrounded by farmland. It is private and completely separate from the neighbouring houses. The garden has a lawn, patio, and mature trees, good for walking practice, sitting outside, or simply being in the open air. There are birds and wildlife.

To maintain the half-acre, gardeners attend approximately once a fortnight. They work outside only and guests are not expected to interact with them, though they may briefly be aware of their presence. Wherever possible this falls on a fixed day, with details in the welcome note.

Local area

  • Itteringham village shop and cafe: around 20 minutes on foot.
  • Blickling Hall: about 1.5 miles by road and track.
  • Aylsham: 4 miles.
  • Norfolk coast: around 10 miles north.
  • Norwich: 16.6 miles south.

Who this is for

The right guest

This is not a holiday cottage. It is a retreat space. The absence of television, internet, and distraction is not a limitation; it is the whole point.

Good fit

  • Solo meditation or mindfulness retreat.
  • Writing, creative work, or study.
  • Recovery from burnout or illness.
  • Grief, transition, or a major life threshold.
  • Spiritual or contemplative practice.
  • A genuine digital detox.

Probably not for you

  • You need constant internet access.
  • You want a base for exploring Norfolk.
  • You are looking for luxury or modern comforts.
  • You dislike silence.
  • You want a romantic break for two.
  • You are booking for more than one person.

Preparation

What to bring

Guests bring their own linen, towels, and kitchen towels. Please also bring whatever practice materials you need: cushion, altar items, books, art materials, or anything else that supports your time here.

This is not a serviced property. Guests are responsible for cleaning the cabin before they leave. Instructions and cleaning materials are provided.

Cleaning

If the cabin requires a professional clean on departure, this will be charged at £100. The £150 deposit covers this and any electricity balance.

Pricing

Simple rates, with support available

Standard

Both summer and winter.

£50 per night

Supported summer

Easter to the end of October half term.

£40 per night

Supported winter

November to Easter.

£35 per night

Supported rates are available on request with no explanation needed, for meditators, dharma practitioners, and anyone for whom the standard rate is a genuine obstacle.

Stay length

5-28 nights

20% off for stays of 15-28 nights.

Electricity is charged at cost, based on meter readings taken at arrival and departure.

£150 deposit required on booking.

A space that holds you.

Enquiries

Get in touch before booking

If you are not sure whether the cabin is right for your retreat, or if you are planning a longer stay, JaneCatherine is happy to talk it through before you book.

Email JaneCatherine