Martha’s Yard is all about nourishment – for the body, mind and spirit. Set in a beautiful courtyard of stables we are building a destination day spa with artisan cafe and bakery that also runs cookery lessons, gardening courses and lots of other life style learning. There will be a healing garden (think James Wong) and a kitchen garden (think River Cottage) as well as treatment rooms and a studio (think Daylesford and Cowshed)
We will also be generating our own heat and power and show casing how you too can become more sustainable at home. We want to minimise the impact that we make on our surroundings so we will manage our waste carefully and catch rainwater to use where possible.
We have started a blog where we chart the ups and downs of creating this new business. Times are tough, people don’t want to lend us money and we need to persuade the council to let us open but this feels so right that we just have to do it.
We are going to involve you with polls and questions so please let us know you think.
If you want to get involved send us a comment. We will reply!
Dear Sam – a wonderful start – I feel I want to move to Sussex right now and have Martha’s Yard in my life – please build into your business plan the ability to expand and even franchise out to the Isle of Wight – Steyne Yard has an equal ring to it!
Good luck.
With love Amandax
We would love, one day, to have lots of Martha’s Yards around the countryside. The Isle of Wight is top of our list for a seasonal summer one. Careful what you wish for. Thank you for reading.
i was going to say exactly the same thing – it makes you want to move to W Sussex. whereabouts will you be? well done & good luck! xx
We are hoping to be close to Petworth. We have found an amazing location with beautiful buildings – tomorrow the planners from the council are visiting the site so we have everything crossed tht we make a good first impression.
A great idea doing a blog Sam. Very proud of my sister. Stay positive and if you need any company on any research trips you know where to find me!!
Thank you sweetheart
Fascinating! An inspiring read – well done Sam. We think it is a brilliant idea and can’t wait til the vision is a reality.
Love Serena and Charlie
Think Cowshed too – the most inspiring treatment spas and fabulous therapeutic products which would blend beautifully into your rural styling! Why not try their franchise?
Absolutely, genius. We are huge fans and would like to emulate them. Not sure they do franchises but we certainly aspire to the standards and experience that they create.
Hi – a mutual friend (Jane Wood) pointed me in your direction. We live very close to Petworth too. I’m just about to give up my job and love the sound of what you propose to do – I would be interested to hear of any opportunities that may arise! Good luck!
Sam
This is brilliant idea to keep people in the loop. I can picture it now. Here’s to the journey that will follow!
Good Luck ! This sounds like a fabulous Project. (Alex G-S pointed me in your direction) I am just moving to Petworth and would love to be kept updated on your progress, I will be opening an office in Petworth, New Street in the next few weeks, and also like you tackling the commute to london a few days a week! Keep Blogging! Best Wishes Clare
Your Blog has turned up on my screen and I am delighted to have found it. Congratulations. Starting a new business is always a vortex of inertia and frustration. However if anyone can do it you can. Don’t reject compost processors too quickly. No one has manufactured a totally satisfactory compost bin, yet.
Good luck and keep me posted, hope to see you in Portsmouth.
CB