An Update on the Future of the Coach House - January 2026

The Board of the Coach House Kilmuir Trust is delighted to share an update following a ten-month period of discernment about the future of the Coach House. It is January and although we are still in winter, there are signs of new growth all around us, and with them a renewed sense of hope for what lies ahead.

In March last year, we made the difficult decision to pause operations at the Coach House, from the end of May. This pause gave us space to listen carefully and to discern a way forward amid significant financial and human challenges. We are deeply grateful for the patience, encouragement, and thoughtful engagement of our supporters during this time.

Over these months, the Board has met regularly, giving considerable time and energy to prayerful listening, discerning, and planning. This has been a process of careful tending and, necessary pruning. While some aspects of the Coach House’s life will look different in the future, we believe that the way forward offers genuine hope and the potential for fruitfulness in the years ahead.

From mid-March, the Coach House will reopen for retreats and other events that support spiritual growth and flourishing. We will welcome groups and organisations to hire the premises to run their own activities, with responsibility for their programme and catering. Nancy Billias will continue in her administrative role ensuring good management of the house, cleaning, laundry etc.

This new pattern of operation will begin as a pilot initiative, which the Board will monitor closely to ensure that the Coach House remains faithful to its vision and guiding principles and is financially and humanly sustainable. We are encouraged already by early expressions of interest from groups keen to use the Coach House in this way.

We recognise that challenges remain, particularly in building awareness and growing levels of use. To support openness and dialogue, the Board will be hosting an open online meeting on 19 February at 7pm, where we will share more about our discernment journey and future plans, and listen to questions and concerns. If you would like an invitation to this meeting, please use our contact form to request one.

Further information about bookings and costs will be available shortly on this website.