This is a guest post by Lara Tabatznik who talks more about building 42 Acres – a dream retreat in Somerset, UK. You can find out more about Lara here, read our interview with her here and read her last blog post here.
I found that the most daunting part of building this dream was making the decision to actually do it. It is always scary when you’ve never done something before and so much is unknown; it takes courage and conviction to take that blind leap of faith and go for it.
After that the most difficult bit was actually getting started. I really have just been putting one foot in front of the other, making mistakes, learning from them, and fully trusting the process. I recognised early on that I needed to seek advice from people I trust and ask for help, something I don’t do often, but I allowed my intuition to lead the way. I believe with a strong foundation for being, the doing is much easier. When we are open to receiving the wisdom of each moment as it unfolds, we invite synchronistic magic into our daily lives.
Me on site at 42 Acres – project managing my dream
No wonder the venue for my retreat center manifested a long time before my dream actually did! My brother, an environmentalist, moved to Somerset a couple of years ago, as he wanted land in order to plant trees, create renewable energy, and develop more sustainable ventures. He found an idyllic location just outside a small village in Somerset. At the same time, the seed had been planted and my idea was starting to grow. I had no idea what it would look like, other than a place for transformation, healing and growth.
In early 2014, the property adjacent to my brother’s farm became available. I remember the day we walked across his farm onto the land of what is now called 42 Acres so clearly. Something in me came alive. Creating a retreat center was something I’d imagined I’d do ‘in the future.’ On that walk I realised that ‘the future’ was now. The property called me forth and we purchased the land in April 2014. We had our property, and that felt huge, the vision and strategy would follow. It was almost as if the land choose us, and was going to work with us to create the vision rather than the other way around.
After we had come up with a structure for the business, set up bank accounts, and drawn up a budget, we started working with local town planners, an architect, an ecologist and a landscape architect to create a long-term vision. We wanted to see how the land housing our dream retreat would look in five to 10 years.
We discussed which trees we would plant in different areas, where we could create a track, where a natural swimming pool and lake would be most feasible, where our biomass system and solar park would be best placed and where best our vegetable garden would sit. Then we made plans to convert the barn into the main space for groups, and include a steam room, sauna and treatment area.
As our dream grew bigger, our planners became increasingly concerned, so we decided to scale back and begin with a phased approach. We broke it down into baby steps and prioritised.
Phase 1 masterplan
It felt most important to begin with gaining planning permission, as we knew this could be a lengthy, drawn out process. And we were right; it’s been quite a journey (it still is!) but one that’s involved lots of learning and the opportunity to revisit our plans and gain an even deeper understanding of what we are creating and how things will work most effectively.
With planning underway, we brought on a building and interior design team – our close friends who we trust and love dearly. We felt it was important to not rush this part of the process, as only by spending time at the property would we get a feel for the space and how it would work best. After getting clear on our plans for the structural changes to the existing house and cottage, and deciding building out the barn would be part of phase two, we began the building changes in December 2014 and are scheduled for completion in early April this year.
Looking ahead to Phase 2 at 42 Acres: plans for the barn
We have also brought a brilliant designer on board to help us with our logo, brand identity and website, which is very exciting. Every person who has played a part in bringing this dream to life – from the designers, to the planners, to the architects and builders – has helped us get clearer on what we want to create. And each time something gets pushed back or changed, it always seems to be a blessing in disguise – like it’s for a reason and all part of the grand plan. I’ve come to realise that this venture is also hugely important for my own personal journey and transformation; I’ve learned many valuable lessons already.
At 42 Acres we are creating a chic contemporary venue, a place that feels warm, safe and comfortable, and far more luxurious than a basic retreat center. It is set on beautiful secluded land surrounded by hundred of acres of woodlands and it will be run entirely on renewable energy. We believe that quality – in terms of the interior space, the magical landscape, and most of all, the overall experience – is what will set us apart.
We plan to bring in world-class practitioners, healers and leaders, and allow 42 Acres to evolve into a place that people are naturally drawn to. It will be a center where change happens from the inside out. A place that changes lives through experiences and we will offer everything from meditation and natural movement to leadership to nutrition. And a home for wisdom, growth and transformation and somewhere which supports people who are passionate about achieving their full potential.
Just like we were drawn to the property before we’d even realised the dream, we trust that people will be drawn to 42 Acres because of the wonderful things they’ve read or heard, and we can’t wait to welcome them and support them on their voyage of self-discovery.
