We arrived in Sherborne, a small town about two hours south west of London, just as the mist began to set in for the afternoon. The rain spitting lightly, Dominic Harvey from Middle Piccadilly Rural Spa Retreat swept us up in his four wheel drive from Sherborne train station. Twenty minutes and a few narrow, country roads later and we arrived at Middle Piccadilly farm, our relaxation destination for the next two nights.
Morning light hitting the house at Middle Piccadilly Rural Spa Retreat. Image © Skye Gilkeson
The Setting
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Middle Piccadilly is an unassuming property, surrounded by lush green gardens and paddocks, located down a typical country lane in Dorset. The original thatched roof house dates back to the 17th Century. Dominic’s parents, Eliana and Gerry Harvey began the retreat in 1975. Dominic and Lisa now run the retreat.
Morning frost in the front garden at Middle Piccadilly Rural Spa Retreat. Image © Skye Gilkeson
One of the guest and treatment wings at Middle Piccadilly Rural Spa Retreat. Image © Skye Gilkeson
Middle Piccadilly Rural Spa Retreat is set within two acres of lush gardens and green grounds. Image © Skye Gilkeson
The five rooms on site range in size.We stayed in a comfortable room with a four poster bed, dresser, organic coffee and tea and Damana organic bath products. All rooms are modestly decorated and one has an ensuite (ask for this room when booking if you need your own bathroom). The other rooms, like ours, have access to a large shared bathroom. Guest rooms, treatment rooms, a reading and multimedia room and the Starhouse are spread throughout a few different buildings on the property. Each area has been decorated to promote calm, comfort and a “home away from home” feel that the retreat aims to achieve.
Rooms at Middle Piccadilly Rural Retreat and Spa are cosy and comfortable. Image © Skye Gilkeson
Cosy country touches are a part of the decor at Middle Piccadilly Rural Spa Retreat. Image © Skye Gilkeson
Guests are supplied with Damana organic bath products. Image © Skye Gilkeson
The Schedule
This retreat is unique. It’s not a five star resort. It doesn’t run like a hotel at all. Taking a maximum of nine guests at a time, there is an intimate, personal feel to Middle Piccadilly. Unlike most retreats, there are no expectations to be met here in terms of activities or treatments. If you are after a luxury resort style retreat with a rigid schedule and strict rules, this isn’t the place for you. Instead, it’s a case of choose your own healing adventure at Middle Piccadilly with the team there to gently guide you down your chosen path.
Grab a fresh juicy apple on the walk along the path to the Star Room at Middle Piccadilly Rural Spa Retreat. Image © Skye Gilkeson
When it comes to your time, you spend it as you wish. If you want to indulge in a digital detox, the main reading room offers cosy couches, a gorgeous view of the garden, a wood fire, a full bookshelf and most importantly, lots of peace and quiet. If you need to keep in touch with the outside world, the multimedia room (and some guest rooms) have wifi access and the option to watch DVDs. The Starhouse an wooden bale is located offers a space to meditate or practice yoga in a quiet setting among the apples trees. If you have a little more energy there are endless country paths and roads for a country run, ride or stroll. We found ourselves discovering a new back road each day on our running route.
The Starhouse at Middle Piccadilly Rural Spa Retreat is the perfect place for to meditate and practice yoga. Image © Skye Gilkeson
Yoga mats at the ready in the Starhouse at Middle Piccadilly Rural Spa Retreat. Image © Skye Gilkeson
Exploring the quiet country roads around Middle Piccadilly is a great way to get to know the local area and get some exercise. Image © Skye Gilkeson
The Food
Meal times are the only part of the day that is universally scheduled at Middle Piccadilly. Guests converge on the communal table in the kitchen three times a day. The conversation usually begins with each person explaining the motivation for choosing a rural retreat in the middle of the English countryside. Each guest’s reason is different; some need a break from work, others a break from the kids and others some time for healing. As with most retreats, the common theme is that everyone here is taking some valuable time for self reflection and self care and each guest is supportive and respectful of the others’ goals.
