The Barns
An informal non-institutional collection of beautifully converted Barns
in Somerset, comprising three main buildings situated around a central
courtyard.
The local area is rural, but rich in historic country houses and gardens (e.g.
Stourhead, Montacute, Tintinhull, Barrington Court) with a wealth of landscapes
within close range. The proximity of these will enrich working groups from
abroad (e.g. Villa
Rosa).
The Barns are home to John, Juliet and Philippa Rees and have been designed
to welcome artists seeking periods of quiet or communal group work. The resident
professional group Parnassus will,
through rehearsals, workshops and individual tuition, increasingly provide
for the local music
enthusiast.
From The Barns other artistic groups may
also extend performances or exhibitions into other venues (e.g. Rook_Lane_Chapel,
Frome). Touring companies can also enjoy a ‘home
base’ between performances.
The Barns are available all year round for residential and non-residential
arts activities.
The ‘Cowshed’ is a pair of self-catering
apartments, sleeping up to eight people. There are two well separated rehearsal/living/writing
spaces,
four bedrooms and a long conservatory where more might dine, or extend for
individual work. There are two kitchens and two bathrooms. All rooms open onto
either garden or courtyard which makes for flexible accommodation. If the ‘Cowshed’ is
booked alternative accommodation can be found locally by arrangement. The ‘Cowshed’ may
be used by arts groups, or rented for periods of work by single writers-in-residence,
musicians or artists. This self-catering accomodation is also available for
groups wishing to visit the many local historic Houses and Gardens.
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‘Hedley’s
Hay’ is a large converted barn with accommodation
on a gallery for two people. With space enough for a medium sized
orchestra and with its own Bluthner grand piano it also has a
kitchen and bathroom. It enjoys the perfect acoustic for everything
from small dramatic or musical performances to recordings. With
its own independent walled garden and access it may be used in
conjunction with or quite separated from the residential occupation
of the Cowshed. ‘Hedley’s Hay’ is also available
for masterclasses, workshops and meetings in all artistic disciplines.
