Based near Welshpool, a small town in mid-Wales, our Retreat Space is surrounded by the beautiful and uplifting energies of nature. We looked at nearly 40 properties to buy before this one, which we fell in love with on our first visit.

Grounds

The private grounds extend to 14 acres, which allows for a brisk 15 minutes walk without leaving. We are allowing the majority of this to stay close to nature, tending it with a gentle hand. Nature responds with countless beautiful surprises as each season evolves, buzzing with vibrant energy.

We are blessed with a sparkling stream, changing from a gentle trickle in high summer to a gushing babbling wild stream after strong rain. Our land rises above on sunny south-facing slopes.

The highlight is the beautiful native woodland, with a mature mature oak and ash canopy lofting above an understory of beech and hazel. On the woodland floor we see wood anemone, primroses, bluebells and a plethora of interesting fungi. In the cooler months when the leaves have fallen, the sun pierces through the bare branches to make textures of light and shade. In the peak of summer heat, it remains cool, damp and shady in the valley bottom.

On the fringes of the wood are some small fields which we rent to a local farmer. You might see their rare-breed sheep, including cheeky Wensleydales bred for their fabulous wool coats. In the furthest field down by the stream it feels very remote with hardly any sign of man's presence.

Gardens

Our beautiful gardens are gradually evolving as we plant more each season. The front garden has a lawn with wide open views, a lovely spot to practice in the morning sun if you feel enthusiastic to inspire the early dog-walkers. We're gradually expanding the vegetable beds which form a herring-bone mosaic of pesticide-free delicious ingredients.

Behind the house we have the patio with bank of colourful shrubs and aromatic herbs. We have great plans for "The Level" (which the previous owner's kindly flattened for their horses) to provide the main lawn with picnic tables and basic facilities. Above is a grassy bank containing the orchard, transitioning to wild banks of broom where you can sit to enjoy views across the valley.

Below, we have the stream garden, where the lawn slopes gently down to the water's edge. In summer, we love to practice here warmed by the rising sun. We have an idea to reinstate the pond that's still visible on older satellite images.

Wildlife

Buzzards circle overhead, grey wagtails are often flitting about by the stream and see a wide variety of other birds and wildlife around the grounds. For the last couple of years we've had swallows nesting under the Yoga rooms eaves, and they perform their complex aerial dances right in front of our eyes, singing merrily. During Winter we hear the tawny owls hooting away during our morning practice.

Neighbours

Across the lane is an ancient hill fort managed by the Woodland Trust for public use. It's famous locally for bluebells in Spring, with gorgeous colours in Autumn – similar to our wood and great for a longer walk. On the other side we have a private wood. Down the valley is our third neighbour, a cottage that's hard to see from our house.