When Louise Monk purchased a property on neighbouring land across the lane from where she was brought up, on the family farm where she still lives, she had grand plans to turn the waterlogged, run-down land into something beautiful.
In 2020, having worked tirelessly, she obtained planning permission for her dream of a relaxing retreat nestled in the Ribble Valley.
Now, Everything Retreat has become a reality – and it offers something completely different for guests who travel from all over the country for a luxurious break surrounded by stunning views and countryside walks just a stone’s throw from some of the best restaurants in the region, including Michelin starred Northcote.
Each one of the 12 cedar lodges has been meticulously designed, with bespoke products by local producers incorporated throughout the space. Every lodge also comes with its own private terrace with a hot tub and seating area to enjoy the views across this area of outstanding natural beauty.
“When you wake each morning and open your doors to see nothing but green countryside and sheep grazing on the dew-covered fields, you can’t help but relax,” says Louise. “We’re here to give people permission to stop, sleep, disconnect, reconnect, hibernate, take it slow – whatever you need to do at that time.
“The hustle and bustle of city life is great, but personally as soon as I start to see green fields and breathe the fresh air from this part of the world, I can feel the stress begin to melt away. That’s something I wanted to bring to as many people as possible, so when the opportunity arose to create a retreat in these stunning surroundings, where it’s okay to just ‘be’, I knew this is what I had to do.”
The six Unique Collection lodges are individually themed with inspiration taken from around the world, whilst the six Signature Collection lodges have been designed to complement the beautiful surroundings, with open plan living spaces and full-length glass windows.
The Unique Collection lodges include Byre, with rustic wood, rich velvet accents, calming green hues and delicate country patterns; Hütte, a ski lodge inspired by chalets of the French Alps; Itambé, an African themed lodge with traditional tribal prints; and Skála, a clean, crisp yet cosy Scandi style lodge.
The Japanese inspired Koya is becoming one of the most popular lodges, says Louise, with dark and dramatic interior design, a four-poster bed and a private zen garden to watch the sunset.
We opted for Bothy, Everything Retreat’s Highlands themed space with tartan touches, oak flooring, cosy furs and, of course, a log fire, perfect for curling up with a single malt.
All of the lodges sleep two people in a king-size bed, with mattresses that were especially commissioned by owner Louise, who suffered for years with back pain until she found a local supplier that made mattresses so comfortable they solved her problems.
Luxurious finishing touches are included throughout. Underfloor heating provides warmth and comfort, and a smart TV with streaming services allows guests to hunker down and watch a show with a glass of wine. The private bathroom with shower has a heated towel rail and the fluffiest of towels, plus toiletries by Bath House, a locally made brand.
Self-catering facilities in each lodge include a kitchenette complete with Nespresso coffee machine, combi oven, integrated fridge, induction hob (upon request) and a dining area/breakfast bar. The lodges are fully stocked with utensils, crockery and glassware.
If you’d rather head out of your lodge for a drink or bite to eat, but don’t want to travel far, the newly opened onsite bar is a place for guests to relax and unwind, serving snacks such as cheese platters and charcuterie boards alongside wines, beers and spirits.
The space also has an onsite kitchen, and Louise has curated partnerships with local businesses who will offer bespoke catering options from fine dining to ultra-healthy soups, smoothies and salads.
More details on dining options will be released in the near future, including the facility to order dinner to your lodge in partnership with local chefs. In the meantime, there are a wealth of pubs, restaurants and takeaway options within the local area, for which the Everything Concierge can make recommendations and bookings.
When it comes to breakfast, you can opt for a hamper delivered to your door packed with treats including pastries, pancakes, waffles, fresh fruit and yoghurt. They even leave it outside your room so as not to disturb your morning lie-in.
Everything Retreat is dog-friendly, allowing one small, well-behaved dog per lodge, though children are not allowed – this is a space for adults to relax and enjoy some peace. There is free onsite parking for all guests. And Louise really has thought of everything. Free Wi-Fi and sockets near the bed come as standard, with hairdryer, wardrobe and two bathrobes also included.
And there’s more to come. Plans for introducing health and wellness activities to the site are well underway, including a versatile new wellness space where activities such as yoga, Pilates and meditation will be available to guests, with treatment facilities under development.
Planning permission has also been given to completely overhaul the house at the entrance to the property, which will be transformed into six-bedroomed private-hire, luxury accommodation complete with sunken hot tub pool.
“We wanted to create a place where a guest’s every need is taken care of, and nothing is too much to ask, she says.
“I’m very proud of what we’ve created, not just the facilities and the lodges, but the service levels, too. We go above and beyond to make every guest feel special, and we want them to know we are here to help them with any request, no matter how unique.
“Creating this place has been a labour of love and I hope that translates into every guest feeling at home here.”
Mission successful, we say.
Everything Retreat, Pendle View Lodges, Primrose Lane, Mellor, BB2 7EQ. Prices start from £250 per lodge, per night. For the latest availability and to book, visit everything-retreat.com or call 01254 20965095.
