The Wisp Retreat Project

Our offering is split into two categories. The first is as a venue for personal retreats and short break accommodation for individuals and couples. We can provide an all inclusive package including communally prepared food, use of facilities and accommodation. 

The site is also available for hire by self organised groups. These can either be fully self organised or we can help with itineraries, meal planning and entertainment.

If you are organising your own group you will have access to our commercial kitchen and sole access to all the communal parts of the building as well as your sleeping accommodation.

Much research has been done on the benefits of being outside and noticing what is around you.  The Wisp Retreat offers many ways of immersing yourself in nature, from enjoying the bird life at Mosspaul (Merlin Bird ID app picked up over 10 different species in 5 minutes this summer), to forest bathing in the ancient woodlands on the Tarras Valley Nature Reserve.  Around the Retreat, the wildlife will not jump out at you, but if you have patience and sit quietly you can spot foxes, a variety of voles, owls, trout, buzzards and badgers on a regular basis. Further afield at the Tarras Valley Nature Reserve you can see wild goats, hen harriers, otters, water voles, polecats and even the occasional visiting golden eagle.

Owing to the earthworks undertaken during the building of the cabins, much of the top soil previously on the site has gone.  We see this as an opportunity and have planted and sown wildflowers, a variety of clovers, and natives trees to attract bees and other pollinators.  Just a step over the fence and a short walk will reveal a plethora of native wildflowers.  All  your senses will benefit from this closeness to nature and we suggest that you include a good walk during your stay to maximise the impact and hopefully create a habit of spending more time outside.

When developing the site we have done our best to reduce, reuse and recycle wherever we can. The new cabins were old static caravans destined for the scrap yard. We have stripped these down and refitted them using upcycled furniture which was largely donated or bought second hand, the carpets are leftovers from office refurbishments and we have clad the outsides with locally sourced Scottish larch.

The cabins have been fitted with electric water heaters providing hot water on demand in order to reduce energy usage, electric in order to switch to solar or other renewable power when the budget allows.

Continuing to explore our energy use and consumption, alternative methods of energy generation and our carbon footprint in general is a key project for us. By reducing our reliance on traditional energy provision, being one of the biggest costs to most businesses behind staffing and rent, we can ensure that the Retreat can be insulated from rising energy costs and the need to pass these on to the customer.

We hope that all of our guests will appreciate the importance of this project and embrace the lifestyle adjustments required to achieve this.