Solo retreat at Blackshaw’s Studio

As summer drew to a close, I was so very blessed to be able to retreat away for a night to the beautiful Blackshaw’s Studio, nestled away in the Antrim countryside. 

Our summer was amazing, days jam packed to the brim with family fun! Yet as we approached the start of a new school term, I was acutely aware of needing to steal away some quiet time. Time to reflect on the year so far, time to be grateful for a truly wonderful summer, and time to look ahead to the new academic year. And this is exactly what I did. 

Laura and Peter kindly invited me to stay in their quirky Airbnb - Blackshaw’s Studio. This newly renovated painting studio allows guests to focus on the simple, slow life and rest for a few days in the countryside whilst breathing in some of the nostalgia of one of Ireland’s greatest artists - the late Basil Blackshaw. The space itself is stunning … Framed in stonework, Blackshaw's Studio has been lovingly restored using all the rustic features found before renovations began, but with a few quirky twists. Most of the furniture in situ has been taken from the painting studio and restored to give this space real authenticity, yet the soft furnishings and ambient lighting give it the necessary chill factor for guests to kick back and relax.

The closer it got to my stay, the more excited I became. It had been a long time since I stole away for a solo overnight retreat. The last time was in Sligo in 2018 - 4 whole summers ago! You can read about that experience here. 

Shells, July 2018

I knew that the timing of this retreat was right. I’d opened the door of summer with a strong sense of the importance of ‘retreating’. I’d been on an amazing overnight retreat to the beautiful Murlough House with work colleagues in June and was encouraged to set aside time for a personal retreat each term.

I’d enjoyed a day away (once again to Sligo - my favourite place) at the end of June - lunch and reflections at Shells, a walk on the beach and 30 mins in the sauna - and I came home feeling so refreshed. I wanted this same refreshment before starting back into routine in September. I wanted to close the door of summer in the same way I’d opened it … 

Matt and Phoebe waved me off on Sunday 21st August and I headed for my first port of call - Established Coffee in Belfast for pie and drip. Every Sunday at 1pm, Established offer a different, delicious combo of coffee and pie. It had been years and years since I’d been for Sunday’s pie and drip, so I needed no excuse to visit before checking in at the studio! With John Mayer in my speakers, I drove happily up the motorway.

As is often the case, Belfast was bustling and Established was full. I placed my order and pulled up a stool next to a girl at the window, asking if it was ok for me to perch up beside her. After a little while we got talking … 2 hours and 2 coffees later we’d exchanged numbers and promised to keep in touch! We had such a great conversation and agreed that it was obviously meant to be that we’d both ended up there together. I just love when that happens! I left Established already feeling like my soul-cup had started to fill up and was now just so excited to get to the studio!

I pulled the car onto the gravel at the studio and felt my shoulders drop. This was home for the next 24 hours. 

I took a wee tour of the studio, getting my bearings before unpacking the car. And as I was heading in with my last bag, one of Laura and Peter’s sons popped by with some fresh eggs and the warmest of welcomes. What a lovely touch! Already I was feeling so at home! 

During my wee tour, I’d noticed that there was no microwave in the studio so I nipped across to Asda (about a 5 min drive away) to get myself something for tea. On return to the studio, I kicked off my shoes (and instantly regretted not bringing my slippers!), popped open a bottle of wine and began to relax. 

Relax was the theme of this retreat for sure! What a joy and pleasure to simply not do anything. There was no cooking of fancy food - it was good old super noodles and toast for tea! There was no rush, no hustle, no expectation … just chill. 

I grabbed a blanket and sat out to watch the sun go down. Peter also popped by to check how I was getting on and we chatted about how he and Laura came to renovating the studio. It was fascinating to hear their story. 

As day turned into night, I retreated back into the studio for a cosy evening. I kept thinking how nice it would be to come back in the Autumn/Winter, and to light the little stove! 

Always have NYRO with me wherever I go!

Next morning I enjoyed a hearty breakfast (my favourite meal of the day), including the delicious eggs I’d been so kindly given on my arrival at the studio. It was simply bliss.

Then, with a full tummy, I settled down with my Bible and notebook to reflect and plan. 

Laura popped down to see me mid-morning and we had such a lovely chat. I was able to stay on well past the check out time and was so grateful for the extra time to rest, relax, reflect and continue to enjoy the beautiful studio. I loved reading through the guest book where people thanked Laura and Peter for creating such a gorgeous space to enjoy and inspire. 

In what felt like the blink of an eye, the time came to pack away my belongings and say goodbye to the studio. What a tonic! I’ll definitely be back. 

I stopped at Third Day Coffee in Antrim on route home - always a good shout for good coffee and vibes. 

I’ll leave you with a few more photos of the studio …

Thank you once again to Laura and Peter for generously allowing me the opportunity to enjoy their little piece of magic that is Blackshaw’s Studio. Go and take a solo retreat, go with your family or friends … just go. You’ll not regret it.