High Dalby House had humble origins as a single roomed 17th century
farmhouse. The Boddy family farmed the land for over 250 years during which
time the house was periodically extended. In the 1930’s the property was
first used to offer holidays and at that time there was a tennis court
created in the area that later became a horse ménage and is now the wild
flower and observation area.In the 1940s the Forestry Commission bought the
house and used it to accommodate their senior officers, before selling it on
to newspaper magnate Sir Meredith Whittaker in 1956.He and his wife
undertook major works,including the installation of electricity, to create a
country house.
The owners previous to us bought it in 2010 making
alterations and improvements to welcome guests. We bought the property in
March 2018 and have continued to further improve the property and the site
undertaking new landscaping and conversion of semi-derelict buildings into
new facilities.
Whilst we continue to offer holidays, our vision is
to refine the direction of our home to exploit its private location,
luxurious ambience and restful welcoming atmosphere to offer retreats,
Holidays and Holydays.
Offering an extremely warm welcome in an
unrivalled location High Dalby House is the perfect get away and the special
welcome and atmosphere of peace and tranquillity as you step through the
gates makes this is a place for guests to press the pause button, reflect,
re-calibrate and recreate themselves.
As well as the truly awesome
opportunities to explore the surroundings, our Quiet Garden provides a true
retreat, however you may wish to define or experience it. We can offer
bespoke retreat experiences, guided, reflective, spiritual, practical or
creative; just contact us to tailor your break to your needs
All
guests are at liberty to roam the grounds, take woodland walks and enjoy the
outdoor space. Stretch out on our south facing patio, engage in wildlife
observationand at night, gaze at the stars. You may find inspiration to
write, meditate, paint, weave willow, take photographs, or simply sit by the
lake or stream where you may catch a glimpse of kingfisher or otter.
High Dalby House and cottages also present a magnificent venue for your
exclusive use, prayer group,family celebration, house party, business
meeting, symposium, for parties of up to 15 guests.
Since arriving here at High Dalby, and taking responsibility for
stewardship of its inspiring grounds and buildings we have not rested on our
laurels but have sought, as those before us have done, to further enhance
the facilities and setting.
We started by creating separate space for
us to relax in thereby making a second very special lounge with log burning
stove and large screen TV available to guests. During 2020/21 lockdown we
were able to repaint throughout the house and cottages, to refit the
cottages and to carry out extensive works in the grounds.
We have
converted an existing building creating the Hermitage with its chapel,
leisure facilities, decked area and outdoor kitchen, utility/drying room and
bike store.
The overgrown ménage has been drained and built up
creating the wildflower are with dark skies observatory, summer
house/reading room and the standing sculptural tree.
Decked walkways
have been introduced along with many handrails, a decked seating created
alongside the beck, other new seating areas created for quiet reflection and
observation, new bridges have been built over various springs and streams.
The tennis court has been converted into a purpose designed labyrinth
for prayer and mindful walking and a fire pit built for gatherings.
Amongst all of this you’ll find commissioned pieces of art work that seek to
tell something of the story of our life and faith