SUNDAY 26TH APRIL - FRIDAY 1ST MAY 2026
The Design Retreat
You are invited…
The Design Retreat offers a rare opportunity to engage directly with leading British designers, artists and makers, through a carefully curated programme brimming with inspiration. Experience privileged access to private houses and conversations with experts working at the highest level of their fields.
The retreat combines exceptional hospitality and elegant farm-to-fork food with experiences not ordinarily open to the public.
Explore the Cotswolds like a local with your hosts for the week: the Founder of Thyme, Caryn Hibbert, and her daughter, Thyme’s General Manager, Milly Hibbert.
The Highlights.
Tea with David & Jorge Gibson, founders of world renowned Brownrigg Antiques.
An exclusive tour with Sophie Conran of her private home.
Lunch with Mona Perlhagen, the founder of Chelsea Textiles, at her exquisite, historic home - Pusey House
A day of painting at the medieval home of Matthew Rice.
Fabulous food from our chef director, Charlie Hibbert.
Dinner by Henry Harris, acclaimed London chef of Bouchin Racine.
Elevenses at The Manor, the private home of Caryn Hibbert.
Private tour of 16th Century Buscot Park.
The Itinerary
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The first evening is designed to ease you gently into the rhythm of the retreat - relaxed, convivial and deeply rooted in a sense of place.
You will be welcomed by your hosts, the Hibbert family, where drinks and canapés will be served in our magnificent 17th Century Tithe Barn amongst a new exhibition of artworks by Arthur Parkinson.
Dinner follows in the Home Kitchen with your hosts, where conversation and connection flourish.
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The retreat begins by tuning into the ethos of Thyme. After a leisurely breakfast, guests are invited on an intimate garden walk with Caryn, exploring the planting and philosophies that shape the estate’s evolving landscape.
Elevenses and an introduction to the Bertioli by Thyme designs at Southrop Manor, Caryn’s private home.
Next, head out with Jerry, Caryn’s husband, on a history tour of the estate, before a relaxed lunch together in the Ox Barn.
The afternoon offers an excursion to Buscot Park, the home of Lord Faringdon.
Returning to Thyme, the day concludes with dinner in the Ox Barn.
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This day turns outward, exploring the world of British design and decorative arts. Guests travel to Tetbury for a private conversation with David and Jorge of Brownrigg.
Next, we walk to Lorfords Antiques, home to one of Europe’s largest and most inspiring collections of decorative antiques.
After lunch, we head back to Thyme. The evening begins with a cocktail-making workshop before gathering for an intimate Chef’s Table dinner in the Ox Barn.
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This day is devoted to creative immersion. After breakfast, guests depart for Ham Court - a home built from the remains of a 14th-century Medieval castle - where artist Matthew Rice will host a workshop within extraordinary surroundings.
The afternoon unfolds at an unhurried pace before returning to Thyme in time for the evening’s Bouchin Racine dinner in the Ox Barn. This will bring a touch of classic French elegance, and the opportunity to taste the cuisine of one of London’s most celebrated chefs, Henry Harris.
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A day celebrating English country house living, offering rare access to private homes and personal stories.
The day will reveal layers of history, craftsmanship and lived-in beauty.
Back at Thyme, drinks with Munder Skiles lead into dinner at The Swan, our early 17th Century pub.
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The final day celebrates the makers and materials that define British craft with workshops offering insight into true craftsmanship and handmade work.
Returning to Thyme, the retreat closes with a final lunch in the Farmhouse Kitchen, allowing time to reflect, exchange ideas and savour connections made over the week.
01367850174
VIPs@thyme.co.uk
The Important Details
Arrival is Sunday 26th April 2026. Check in is available from 4pm, with the first activity at 6pm. The retreat ends on Friday 1st May after lunch, with a farewell at 3pm. Guests are welcome to extend on either side of the dates if they wish. The retreat has limited availability with a total of 10 spaces, and we ask all guests to register interest in attending before being given the opportunity to book. Payment is due at the time of booking and is non-refundable.
Pricing starts from £4,485 (Single Occupancy, Per Person) £6,640 (Double Occupancy) £3,320 (Double Occupancy, Per Person). detailed information on bedroom details can be provided on request. inclusions: 5 nights accommodation, daily breakfast, all activities and transfers, all meals, meal time soft drinks, dinner wine. exclusions: further drinks including cocktails, spa treatments, arrival & departure transfers. service charge: we kindly ask guests not to tip in cash. a discretionary service charge is available to pay on departure.
FOR MORE INFORMATION, EMAIL VIPS@THYME.CO.UK
The Experts
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Caryn & Jerry Hibbert
Caryn and Jerry Hibbert are the founders of Thyme. Since acquiring the estate, they have led its restoration and development, combining hospitality, gardening, food and design to create a working rural estate and hotel in the Cotswolds.
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Sophie Conran
Sophie Conran is a designer, author and entrepreneur. She is known for her work across homewares, furniture, gardens and lifestyle products, as well as for her books on modern living, cooking and entertaining.
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Matthew Rice
Matthew Rice is an established and much loved teacher of drawing and painting in the medium of watercolour. Matthew works directly from observation and his teaching encourages confidence and curiousity, set in his extraordinary home - the 14th Century Ham Court.
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Mona Perlhagen & Jenny Simpson
Mona Perlhagen is Founder of Chelsea Textiles, the British interiors brand known for its hand-printed and woven fabrics inspired by historic textiles. Mona, along with her daughter Jenny, oversee every detail from design direction, collaborations and collections, drawing on extensive experience in styling and interiors.
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David Gibson & Jorge Perez-Martín
David Gibson & Jorge Perez-Martín are the founders of Brownrigg, renowned for their eclectic and ever-evolving collection of antiques and decorative pieces. Their approach blends deep knowledge, intuition and a passion for sourcing objects with character and soul.
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Lorfords Antiques
Lorfords Antiques is one of Europe’s largest dealers of decorative antiques. The business specialises in both antique and contemporary pieces, offering furniture, lighting and objects sourced internationally for private clients and interior designers. Alongside its antiques business, Lorfords Contemporary makes furnishings locally, championing exquisite designing and craftsmanship.
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Rapture & Wright
British textile designers Rapture & Wright are known for their richly layered designs. Drawing inspiration from nature, travel and the handmade, their fabrics and wallpapers balance artistry with everyday practicality.
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Whichford Pottery
Whichford Pottery is celebrated for its handmade terracotta garden pots, crafted using traditional techniques and fired in wood-burning kilns. Each piece reflects a commitment to longevity, beauty and the poetry of the garden.
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Munder Skiles
Munder Skiles is a garden furniture and outdoor living company specialising in well-crafted, functional designs for gardens and terraces. The collection draws on classical forms and traditional materials, produced with a focus on durability, proportion and outdoor use.
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Charlie Hibbert
Charlie Hibbert is the Chef Director of Thyme, leading the chefs in the restaurants and bringing his passion for seasonality and fine produce to the menus.
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Henry Harris & Bouchin Racine
Chef Henry Harris is the founder of Bouchin Racine and one of Britain’s most respected champions of classic French cooking. His food is defined by precision, generosity and a deep respect for tradition, ingredients and convivial dining.
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Camilla Hibbert
Camilla (Milly) Hibbert is the General Manager of Thyme, overseeing the day-to-day operations of the estate; bringing together its many elements, from hospitality and retail to food and gardens, ensuring every detail aligns with the Thyme experience.
