It’s our 5 year anniversary at The Sewing Retreat in 2026 - come and celebrate with us - next years dates are June 19-26 / July 2-9 /July 13-20
From tiny acorns - we have grown into a flourishing bloom - we now offer 3 retreats - each a week long. Whether you are a complete beginner or an experienced sewist, you are all welcome. You can bring along that unfinished project which has been hidden at the back of a drawer or learn and perfect a new sewing skill. Alternatively I have had ladies who bring along their embroidery or quilting and are just happy to get a whole week of uninterrupted sewing in the sunshine. Do you have an overlocker perhaps which you are a little afraid of ?- i’ve got two here and can show you how to get the most out of them - they wont bite (promise)!
Now 3 sewing retreats
This year was fantastic 3 great weeks of sewing in the sun ….Boy was it hot
My Sewing retreats for ladies only. This is due to the accommodation and the dynamics of the rooms available. All our rooms are lovely and I pride myself on offering individually and tastefully decorated rooms in the classic French style.
Four guest bedrooms are located in our gite And we occasionally use one of the many bedrooms in the main house if demand requires it. Several rooms have ensuite facilities and there are other large bathrooms which are shared.
Let me explain
We own a large very old farmhouse (Chez Dauve) near Barbezieux which is a half hours drive from Cognac.
We converted our barn into a gite (Maison D’hibou) and this is where we host our sewing holidays or as I like to call them RETREATS
Classic Interior
4 double bedrooms. 2 with ensuite bathrooms, 1 Double (bathroom downstairs) and one twin with adjoining bathroom
4 bathrooms in total
Large open plan living, dining, kitchen
Wifi free and reliable
Stunning Exterior
Private garden with sun terrace
Al fresco dining area
Heated outdoor pool
Sun loungers and shaded area
Beautiful views and secluded location
tranquil setting
Orchard
wood burning fire
This year’s sewing retreats offertt something for all sewing enthusiasts ….
Complete beginners
Improvers
Established sewists
Or bring along your embroidery or patchwork project.
Get to know your overlocker and sewing machine - its easy once you know how!
Our beautiful home
Bring along your sewing project or choose something when you arrive. Swim, read, relax, and make new friends whilst we do all the cooking - you wont be disappointed- it might be just what you need….a bit of space to relax and enjoy yourself ….doing what YOU want to do!
The sewing space
Alfresco dining
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Heated Pool
You have your own outdoor, heated swimming pool.
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Pamper yourself
During your stay treat the ladies to a pampering spa treatment.
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Pizza Night
We "fire up" the outdoor pizza oven once a week for pizza night.
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Free Wi-Fi
In the middle of nowhere you won't be cut off! Free wifi throughout.
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Borrow a bike
Take a family bike ride in the lovely countryside and quiet lanes.
Relax and enjoy the sunflowers & vines of the Charante
We offer our guests all the comforts of home plus other features to ensure a relaxing and enjoyable stay in Maison D'Hibou.
If it's peace, calm and a restful holiday you want in a tranquil setting away from the normal hectic stresses of daily life, then look no further. Surrounded by vines and sunflowers our gite is a fantastic place for you to unwind and enjoy a holiday or retreat in the Charente region of France.
Relax with a glass of wine under the trees or next to the pool and listen to nothing but the grapes growing and birds singing, or soak up the panoramic views and superb sunsets over the vines - cest manifique!
Testimonials -
“I can't thank you enough Kate for giving me the ‘gift of sewing’. I get so much enjoyment from it and would never have taken it up without your lovely classes. Sending hugs and enjoy the sewing bee!”
— Fantastic food!
“What can I say - a wonderful holiday as usual. Thank you for look after us all, we really enjoyed it. We now need to go on a diet!!”
— See you next year!
“Thank you for another thoroughly enjoyable & relaxing time. We all look forward to our yearly visit, and upon arriving back home will no doubt look towards next year's visit!”