A Winter retreat at Willowbank in celebration of Jane Austen’s 250th birthday

5th - 7th December, 2025
Willowbank, Titchfield, Hampshire

Brunches, candlelit dinners, aperitifs and wines, warm spiced apple juice and home made cakes, nature bathing walks,  fireside readings, in the c18th period home of Willowbank.

This December, Willowbank Retreats invites you to cross the threshold and linger a while in its timeless calm, to mark the 250th anniversary of Jane Austen's birth, in December 1775.

Set within the soft hush of Titchfield's medieval heart, Willowbank, a Grade II listed Elizabethan and Georgian manor, rests just a few miles from Chawton where Austen lived, wrote and dreamed.

Here, the days unfold gently; as they did then, so they do now. Stroll the oak woods and read aloud by the fireside. Sharing favourite scenes and well-loved words. Bake loaves of bread for supper. Read, write, sketch, paint, or sew pre-loved fabric in the drawing room.

Sit quietly in the sun's winter rays in the orangery, or in the library, simply being. Each evening, candlelight gathers us round the table, where simple soulful suppers bring warmth to the winter hours.

The bedrooms at Willowbank each tell their own story. Perhaps a four-poster bed hung with antique lace, or a small room looking out onto the ancient magnolia.

Willowbank opens its arms in quiet invitation, to step softly into the pages of its story. Come, and find a little Austen gentleness in the stillness of Winter.

The finer details...

Friday 5th to Sunday 7th December 2025
Arrival from 2pm on Friday, departure by 3pm on Sunday

Slow, languid brunches
Time to write, sketch, watercolour, embroider, read
Group walks and forest bathing
Bread baking
Warm scones, homemade cakes, antique china, crystal glasses, warm spiced pear juice
Shared Jane Austen readings
Candlelit suppers inspired by ‘Mrs Beeton’s Household Management'

Your 2 night stay includes accommodation, all meals and drinks (alcohol and non-alcohol options), craft materials, a goodie bag to take home.

From £450 per person (dependent on room)

Enquire now

Read what our lovely guests say about Willowbank Retreats

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I keep thinking about what a lovely time we had at the weekend. Thank you for making it so special. I loved having something active in the morning and then allowing people to spend their afternoons as they wished. The house is unique and very special. The food was out of this world and I loved the variety. Helen is an exceptional cook and the flavours were stunning. I have taken inspiration and made some sweet potato and apple soup with my apple flurry. We very much want to come again, maybe a different season to see Willowbank in another beautiful light.

For me a major highlight was the food which was all delicious and plenty. The walk to the beach and sound bath were really lovely...I'm struggling to think of any other things I'd improve as you were both so thoughtful. I will definitely come back again, it was a perfect little sanctuary. I've told everyone how wonderful my weekend was.

The first time I set foot in Willowbank, I knew I had found somewhere special. It has a laid back calm which instantly made me feel at ease. Helen invites you to think of Willowbank as your home, there are no pretensions - it all feels comfortable and easy. It is a wonderful place to write and paint, surrounded by like-spirited new friends. There is space to work alone or alongside others - with delicious food served in a relaxed way. The garden is restful and beautify and the walks at Titchfield Haven were perfect when I needed to take a break from writing.

I keep thinking about what a lovely time we had at the weekend. Thank you for making it so special. I loved having something active in the morning and then allowing people to spend their afternoons as they wished. The house is unique and very special. The food was out of this world and I loved the variety. Helen is an exceptional cook and the flavours were stunning. I have taken inspiration and made some sweet potato and apple soup with my apple flurry. We very much want to come again, maybe a different season to see Willowbank in another beautiful light.

For me a major highlight was the food which was all delicious and plenty. The walk to the beach and sound bath were really lovely...I'm struggling to think of any other things I'd improve as you were both so thoughtful. I will definitely come back again, it was a perfect little sanctuary. I've told everyone how wonderful my weekend was.

The first time I set foot in Willowbank, I knew I had found somewhere special. It has a laid back calm which instantly made me feel at ease. Helen invites you to think of Willowbank as your home, there are no pretensions - it all feels comfortable and easy. It is a wonderful place to write and paint, surrounded by like-spirited new friends. There is space to work alone or alongside others - with delicious food served in a relaxed way. The garden is restful and beautify and the walks at Titchfield Haven were perfect when I needed to take a break from writing.

I keep thinking about what a lovely time we had at the weekend. Thank you for making it so special. I loved having something active in the morning and then allowing people to spend their afternoons as they wished. The house is unique and very special. The food was out of this world and I loved the variety. Helen is an exceptional cook and the flavours were stunning. I have taken inspiration and made some sweet potato and apple soup with my apple flurry. We very much want to come again, maybe a different season to see Willowbank in another beautiful light.

For me a major highlight was the food which was all delicious and plenty. The walk to the beach and sound bath were really lovely...I'm struggling to think of any other things I'd improve as you were both so thoughtful. I will definitely come back again, it was a perfect little sanctuary. I've told everyone how wonderful my weekend was.

The first time I set foot in Willowbank, I knew I had found somewhere special. It has a laid back calm which instantly made me feel at ease. Helen invites you to think of Willowbank as your home, there are no pretensions - it all feels comfortable and easy. It is a wonderful place to write and paint, surrounded by like-spirited new friends. There is space to work alone or alongside others - with delicious food served in a relaxed way. The garden is restful and beautify and the walks at Titchfield Haven were perfect when I needed to take a break from writing.