OUR PROVISION
The Coach House is available for use by groups, organisations and communities who wish to use its space for times of gathering, reflection and retreat. It can be used for day or residential events. Previous guests have run Ignatian retreats, meditation weekends, church gatherings and wellness courses at the house. Everyone is encouraged to come and experience the special sense of comfort, welcome, space and place that The Coach House offers. Our belief in the importance of hospitality and welcome means that we warmly welcome and strongly encourage people of all faiths and none to experience life in The Coach House.
The Coach House is rooted in the belief that everyone benefits from finding times of retreat and silence. Principles of Ignatian practice provide a foundation for our approach and philosophy. As guardians of The Coach House, we will ask some questions about your intentions for your time with us as part of your application to use the property to ensure it aligns with our guiding principles which means we are not available to hire for ‘party events’. While the spirit of the house is precious, we are broadminded, inclusive and liberal about this. Find out more about the booking process.
We are aware that cost is an issue for some. We are delighted to let people know that depending on the purpose of your stay, groups may be entitled to financial assistance from our partners at the Society of Retreat Conductors. Decisions about grants for the purpose of stays at The Coach House are entirely at their discretion. Find out how to apply for funding.
OUR STORY
The Coach House opened in 1992 as a result of a shared vision held by Ursula Burton and Joyce Ferne. Their dream was for a place where everyone would feel welcome and accepted; a safe place for individuals in which to explore profound questions about God, life and themselves; a place in which to rest, be nurtured and restored.
Over the years that vision became a reality for countless individuals who have come through our doors. That was made possible by the love, work, energy, guidance and practical support of so many wonderful people for whom The Coach House has been and is ‘their special place.’ Their dedication was sustained by the establishment of the Coach House Kilmuir Trust as a charity, a rewarding partnership being established between the Trust and the Society of Retreat Conductors (SRC) (who now part own the property) and most ambitiously of all, the extensive extension and refurbishment of the Coach House in 2016 and the construction of an adjoining property within the Steadings grounds.
In recent years, changes in demand for and use of The Coach House means that a decision was reached in 2025 that The Coach House itself would no longer offer retreats catered for and hosted by the Trust and those who worked and volunteered with us. That was a hard decision to take – especially for those of us who had enjoyed the food and hospitality of The Coach House in the past. Yet we felt called to continue to offer this unique and special ‘thin place’ to those who wanted to host, participate in or explore a time of retreat. We welcome groups. collaborations, teams and communities who wish to hire our space for purposes in accordance with our vision.
GUIDING PRINCIPLES
While both Ursula and Joyce have now passed, their vision remains at the heart of the life of The Coach House and the Trust continues to operate along their guiding principles:
Guiding Principle #1
The sacred interconnectedness of life and the unity of Spirit expressed in diverse forms and appreciated in a variety of ways
Guiding Principle #2
The uniqueness, potential and intrinsic worth of every human being.
Guiding Principle #3
To honour whole person learning, enabling greater love, compassion and service.
Guiding Principle #4
The value of individual and corporate silence in the spiritual journey which encourages a transformative response to oneself and others.
Guiding Principle #5
An open door to individuals and groups from all Faith traditions or none.
Guiding Principle #6
To be conscious of our impact on the environment with regard to the type of energy and other products we use.
WORDS FROM OTHERS
We are always grateful for the feedback, encouragement and advice we get from others who use, love and support the Coach House. Read some of what others who have been with us have to say about our setting, spaces and service.
OUR PEOPLE
The Coach House relies on the service and attention of many, including paid staff and volunteers. You can find out more about some of them here. You can find out about volunteering or supporting The Coach House in other ways.