Viilavin Farm Retreats 2026

For many years members of Exeter Quilters have enjoyed weekend sewing retreats at Villavin Farm in North Devon near Holsworthy. Accommodation is in one of the three adjoining cottages with lunch and dinner being served in the largest cottage. Supplies for breakfast are provided for the occupants in each of the three cottages.

The number of people who can be catered for depends on how many are prepared to share and so can range from 6 (if everyone requires a single) or a maximum of 9 (if 6 people are prepared to share the 3 twin rooms). A minimum of 5 people is needed to run a retreat.

Each weekend begins at 2 p.m. on the Friday and lasts until after lunch on the following Monday. The sewing studio is open from 9 a.m. – 11 p.m. but there is ample space to chill out in any of the three cosy cottages, walk in the nearby countryside or take a short drive to Holsworthy or Bude. The proprietor, Jo Hendy, and her family provide day long hospitality including the opportunity to shop for fabrics, threads, notions and wadding in case you run short of anything.

The all-in cost of a weekend is £525 for a single room and £490 for a shared room. A deposit of £100 will secure your place on a first come first served basis.

A downloadable booking form (pdf) is attached. For the next retreat (13–16 November) please complete and send it, with a deposit cheque, made out to Flojo Ltd, to Carol Macfadzean by 31 August 2026. If you prefer to pay by BACs or phone, e-mail Barbara or Carol for further details. Even if you have expressed an interest in this date, please confirm with a completed form and your deposit ASAP. If you already paid your deposit, e-mail Barbara or Carol to confirm your place. You will then be sent a list of fellow participants in case you wish to share travel. The balance for the November retreat is to be paid by 31st October 2026

If you are interested in the dates for 2026, please complete a booking form as an expression of your interest. Names will be put on a list in order of receipt.

The dates for 2027 will be:

• 12–15 February

• 11–14 June

• 19–22 November

(there are no 2027 booking forms yet)