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Backbury House

Herefordshire, West, England

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Phone

07584 081970

Email

sbrookes@bhretreats.co.uk

Address

Backbury House, Checkley, Hereford, Herefordshire, HR1 4NA, United Kingdom

Location

Herefordshire · West

Grape Varieties (2)

Phoenix Seyval Blanc

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Backbury House Vineyard & Art Retreat, Herefordshire

An Introduction to Backbury House Retreats and its Herefordshire Vineyard

Nestled in the rolling countryside of the Wye Valley, just seven miles east of Hereford, Backbury House Retreats is best known as an award-winning creative retreat, but it also harbours a quietly charming private vineyard. The estate sits within six acres of private land that includes woodlands, orchards, a working vineyard, grazing paddocks and wildlife ponds, and from its elevated, south-facing hillside the views stretch over a designated Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty.

The retreat was founded in 2022 by Sharon Brookes, a fully qualified art teacher and practising artist with nearly thirty years of classroom experience. In 2023, the business was recognised by LuxLife Magazine with an award for "Best Idyllic Creative Education Retreat". Today, the venue combines a boutique art school with a small but mature vineyard, a gallery shop and a programme of year-round creative events.

The Backbury House Vineyard

The vineyard occupies roughly one acre of south-facing hillside and was planted in 2004. Two grape varieties are cultivated on the slope: Phoenix, which is the dominant variety with around 175 vines, and Seyval. The Phoenix grape was chosen for its low-maintenance habit, generous yields and natural disease resistance - qualities that make it well suited to a small estate vineyard managed alongside a busy teaching schedule.

Grape Varieties in Detail

Phoenix is a German hybrid developed at the Geisenheim Grape Breeding Institute. It is a cross between Bacchus and Villard Blanc and is prized for its hardiness and Sauvignon Blanc-like aromatic profile. Seyval Blanc, the second variety grown at Backbury, is a French-American hybrid that also performs well in cooler UK climates and contributes structure and acidity to the final blend.

The Character of the Wine

The wine produced at Backbury House draws its character primarily from the Phoenix grape. On opening, it releases fresh, floral aromatics that are often compared to Sauvignon Blanc. On the palate, the wine shows an apple-like acidity balanced with sweet undercurrents, giving a clean, aromatic still white that reflects the cool-climate terroir of the Wye Valley. Visitors who are curious to sample the wine are encouraged to enquire using the contact details below.

An Award-Winning Artist's Retreat

Although the vineyard forms an attractive part of the estate, Backbury House Retreats is primarily an artist-led retreat. The centrepiece is a pair of fully equipped studios set within the grounds of the house, surrounded by panoramic views over unspoilt woodlands and wildflower meadows. The teaching programme is designed and led by proprietor Sharon Brookes, who holds a BA (Hons) in Fine Art from the University of East London and a postgraduate teaching qualification from Cambridge University. She also holds qualifications in mindfulness teaching and art therapy, and continues to work as an examination-board Assessment Associate.

The Studios and Setting

The Main Studio is a 20-square-metre ground-floor space featuring north, east and southern aspect windows and a log burner set inside a restored old cider press. The Top Studio, on the first floor, is a bright, airy and versatile room used as an art studio, gallery, meeting room, photography studio, meditation space or treatment room. Both studios share access to a kitchen, bathroom and well-stocked art store, and open onto a spacious patio with seating and far-reaching views.

Award Recognition

In 2023, Backbury House Retreats was honoured with a LuxLife Magazine award for "Best Idyllic Creative Education Retreat", validating its blend of professional tuition, small class sizes and inspiring location.

Art Classes, Workshops and Courses

The retreat runs an extensive programme of creative courses catering for beginners, improvers and more experienced artists. Class sizes are deliberately kept to a maximum of eight attendees so that every participant receives tailored, individual support.

Weekly Backbury Art Classes

Two weekly 10-week class blocks run throughout the year - a Spring, Summer, Autumn and Winter term - each focused on a different theme. Sessions run on either Wednesdays 10am-12pm or Thursdays 2pm-4pm. Themes rotate through landscapes, seascapes, florals and portraiture, with guided tasks designed to build skills progressively. The Autumn 2026 term costs £155 for the full 10-week block, with classes starting on Wednesday 2 September and Thursday 3 September and running until 11 and 12 November respectively, with a half-term break in late October.

Saturday Taster Workshops

Three-hour Saturday workshops provide a compact introduction to a specific medium or technique and are ideal for newcomers. The current programme includes:

  • Beginner's Watercolour Workshop - 22 August 2026, 1pm-4pm, £48 per ticket. Step-by-step demonstrations of watercolour technique culminating in a finished painting to take home.
  • Acrylics Techniques Workshop - 12 September 2026, 1pm-4pm, £53 per ticket. Hands-on practice of underpainting, glazing, dry brush, impasto, knife work and scraping back.
  • Understanding Colour Workshop - 3 October 2026, 1pm-4pm, £48 per ticket. A guided tour of the colour wheel and colour mixing.
  • Beginner's Drawing Workshop - 21 November 2026, 1pm-4pm, £48 per ticket. Tonal shading, depth, perspective and a finished drawing.
  • Beginner's Watercolour Workshop (December) - 12 December 2026, 1pm-4pm, £48 per ticket.

Weekend Courses

Two-day weekend courses, running Saturday-Sunday 10:30am-3:30pm each day, offer a more immersive experience at £189 per course. All materials, a simple lunch and refreshments are included. The current schedule includes:

  • Water Patterns and Reflections Course - 8-9 August 2026. Learn to capture light, movement and pattern in water scenes.
  • Impressionistic Acrylic Techniques Course - 19-20 September 2026. Capture mood and atmosphere rather than realism using acrylic paints.
  • Nature Journalling Course - 17-18 October 2026. Combines a guided nature walk in the surrounding AONB with creative workshops in drawing, painting and printmaking.
  • Developing Abstract Techniques Course - 7-8 November 2026. A creative reboot exploring mixed media, collage, wax resist and intuitive mark-making.

Private Tuition and Bespoke Workshops

One-to-one tuition and bespoke group workshops can be tailored to any theme, medium or skill level. A five-week individual package including an in-person consultation, programme design, materials and five one-hour lessons costs £575. Group private classes for 4-8 attendees run for 5 x 2-hour sessions at £30 per person per session. Bespoke three-hour workshops for groups of 4-8 are priced at £65 per person.

Online Course in Mindful Drawing

For those who prefer to learn at home, a Downloadable Online Course in Mindful Drawing is available for £19.99. The four-week programme covers decorative patterns, Zentangles, zen animal drawings and mandala creation, supported by downloadable video tutorials and printable templates. It is suitable for beginners and improvers alike.

The Gallery Shop

The on-site gallery shop showcases original artwork created by Sharon Brookes, who has been a practising artist alongside her teaching career since gaining her BA (Hons) in 1993. The collection includes limited-edition original etchings (framed, £120-£150), original watercolour paintings on Bockingford paper (£120) and high-quality framed digital photographic prints (£45-£60). A selection of gift vouchers is also available, redeemable against art classes, workshops, weekend courses and Christmas craft workshops.

An Eco-Friendly Estate

Sustainability is central to the retreat's ethos. The estate is powered in part by solar panels, draws water from a borehole, harvests rainwater for irrigation and runs a waste-disposal system. A thriving kitchen garden supplies fruit and vegetables, while woodland, wildlife ponds and insect-friendly flower borders actively encourage biodiversity.

Studio Hire and Private Events

The studios are available to hire at £35 per hour between 9am and 6pm, with a 15% discount on block bookings of three or more sessions. Hire includes access to both studios, the kitchen, bathroom and outdoor seating area, plus complimentary tea and coffee. Additional equipment bundles - including an A/V pack with ViewSonic projector and 60-inch screen, a photography studio kit with backdrops and lighting, and a painting equipment set - can be added to any booking.

Getting to Backbury House Retreats

The retreat is located at Backbury House, Checkley, Hereford, Herefordshire HR1 4NA. By car, Herefordshire is easily reached via the M5 and M50 motorways; from the M50, leave at the Ledbury A417 exit and follow the A438 towards Hereford before turning off at Dormington/Mordiford and then to Prior's Frome. By rail, Hereford has direct services from Birmingham, Cardiff, Oxford, London and Manchester, with the station a short six-mile taxi ride from the retreat. Pre-booked taxis include High Town Taxis (01432 354321) and Blueline Taxis (01432 343435). Coach services to Hereford are operated by National Express. The nearest airports are Birmingham International, Cardiff and Bristol.

Local Accommodation

Accommodation is not included in course fees, but a curated selection of nearby places to stay is available, including:

Booking and Contact Information

Tickets for all classes, workshops and weekend courses can be booked online 24/7, with confirmation emails containing full event information. For any queries, including access arrangements, private tuition enquiries or vineyard visits, Sharon Brookes can be contacted directly:

  • Telephone: 07584 081970
  • Email: sbrookes@bhretreats.co.uk
  • Address: Backbury House, Checkley, Hereford, Herefordshire, HR1 4NA
  • What3Words: poorly.coffee.hiding

Follow Backbury House Retreats on Facebook, Sharon Brookes on Instagram, the Backbury House Studio YouTube channel and Sharon on LinkedIn for news of new courses, offers and vineyard updates.

Event Cancellation Policy

Tickets can be cancelled up to 21 days before an event start time for a full refund less a £10 administration fee. Cancellations made within 21 days of the event are not eligible for a refund. Any questions about access, dietary requirements or bespoke arrangements can be discussed with Sharon prior to booking.

Wines & Products (30)

Downloadable Online Course in Mindful Drawing · other £19.99
Attitude – Digital Photograph · other £45
Captivity – Digital Photograph · other £45
Gift Voucher – Christmas Craft Workshop · other £45
Gift Voucher – Workshops · other £53
Atmospheric Woodland – Digital Photograph · other £60
Autumnal Woodland Scene – Digital Photograph · other £60
Blue Hues – Digital Photograph · other £60
Misty Views at Stowe – Digital Photograph · other £60
Mosaic at Sudeley – Digital Photograph · other £60
Pretty in Pink – Digital Photograph · other £60
Regal Views of Sudeley – Digital Photograph · other £60
Bespoke Workshop Ticket (3 hours) · other £65
Anemone Print – Original Etching · other £120
Cornflower Print – Original Etching · other £120
Echinacea Print – Original Etching · other £120
Head Turner – Original Watercolour Painting · other £120
Iris Print – Original Etching · other £120
Lily Print – Original Etching · other £120
Mother and Son – Original Watercolour Painting · other £120
Mr Waddle – Original Watercolour Painting · other £120
Sweet Pea Print – Original Etching · other £120
Evening Light – Original Etching · other £150
Gift Voucher – Ten Week Art Class · other £150
Hare in Wheatfield – Original Etching · other £150
Owl with Attitude – Original Etching · other £150
Private Art Classes Ticket (5 x 2 hours) · other £150
Seedheads – Original Etching · other £150
The Majestic Lion – Original Etching · other £150
Visiting Dragonfly – Original Etching · other £150

Shop wines ↗

Tours & Experiences (14)

Studio Hire (per hour) · Hourly (09:00-18:00) £35
Saturday Workshop – Beginner's Drawing · 3 hours (1pm-4pm) £48
Saturday Workshop – Beginner's Watercolour · 3 hours (1pm-4pm) £48
Saturday Workshop – Understanding Colour · 3 hours (1pm-4pm) £48
Saturday Workshop – Acrylics Techniques · 3 hours (1pm-4pm) £53
Bespoke Workshop (group of 4-8) · 3 hours £65
Private Art Class (Group) – 5-Week Package · 5 x 2-hour sessions (£30pp/session) £150
10-Week Art Class – Autumn Term (Thursday Group) · 10 weekly 2-hour sessions £155
10-Week Art Class – Autumn Term (Wednesday Group) · 10 weekly 2-hour sessions £155
Weekend Course – Developing Abstract Techniques · 2 days (Sat-Sun, 10:30am-3:30pm) £189
Weekend Course – Impressionistic Acrylic Techniques · 2 days (Sat-Sun, 10:30am-3:30pm) £189
Weekend Course – Nature Journalling · 2 days (Sat-Sun, 10:30am-3:30pm) £189
Weekend Course – Water Patterns and Reflections · 2 days (Sat-Sun, 10:30am-3:30pm) £189
Private Art Class (Individual) – 5-Week Package · 5 x 1 hour one-to-one £575

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Events (18)

2026-06-03 Backbury Art Classes – Wednesday Group – Summer Term
10-week summer term weekly art class on Wednesdays 10am–12pm, limited to 8 attendees. Themes include landscapes, seascapes, florals, portraiture. Suitable for beginners to improvers.
2026-06-04 Backbury Art Classes – Thursday Group – Summer Term
10-week summer term weekly art class on Thursdays 2pm–4pm, limited to 8 attendees.
2026-08-08 Water Patterns and Reflections Course
A two-day weekend course teaching participants how to capture light, movement and pattern in water scenes using layers of paint and mark making. Suitable for beginners to improvers, limited to 8 attendees.
2026-08-22 Beginner's Watercolour Workshop
A 3-hour taster workshop guiding beginners in essential watercolour techniques with demonstrations and a practice piece to take home.
2026-08-22 Beginner's Watercolour Workshop – August
3-hour watercolour taster workshop covering technique, effects, fine detail and a finished practice piece.
2026-09-02 ↻ Backbury Art Classes – Wednesday Group – Autumn Term
A 10-week weekly art class held on Wednesdays 10am-12pm, exploring themes such as landscapes, seascapes, florals and portraiture. Limited to 8 attendees for tailored support.
2026-09-03 ↻ Backbury Art Classes – Thursday Group – Autumn Term
A 10-week weekly art class held on Thursdays 2pm-4pm, exploring a range of art techniques within a structured programme. Limited to 8 attendees.
2026-09-12 Acrylics Techniques Workshop
A 3-hour hands-on workshop covering underpainting, glazing, dry brush, impasto, knife work and scraping back techniques. Limited to 8 attendees.
2026-09-12 Acrylics Techniques Workshop – September
3-hour acrylic workshop covering underpainting, glazing, dry brush, impasto, knife work and scraping back.
2026-09-19 Impressionistic Acrylic Techniques Course
A two-day weekend course exploring impressionistic acrylic painting to capture sense and mood rather than realism. Suitable for beginners to improvers.
2026-10-03 Understanding Colour Workshop
A 3-hour workshop introducing colour theory, the colour wheel, colour mixing and complementary colour use. Suitable for beginners to improvers.
2026-10-03 Understanding Colour Workshop – October
3-hour colour theory workshop covering the colour wheel, mixing of secondary, tertiary, analogous and complementary colours.
2026-10-17 Nature Journalling Course
A two-day weekend course combining a guided nature walk in the Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty with creative workshops in drawing, painting and printmaking.
2026-11-07 Developing Abstract Techniques Course
A two-day weekend course exploring mixed media, collage, wax resist, mark-making and intuitive abstract art for a creative reboot.
2026-11-21 Beginner's Drawing Workshop
A 3-hour drawing workshop covering marks, tones, textures, tonal shading, depth and perspective, with a final practice piece.
2026-11-21 Beginner's Drawing Workshop – Nov
3-hour drawing taster workshop covering mark-making, tone, texture, shading, depth and perspective.
2026-12-12 Beginner's Watercolour Workshop
A 3-hour watercolour taster workshop with step-by-step demonstrations, technique practice and a finished painting to take home.
2026-12-12 Beginner's Watercolour Workshop – December
3-hour watercolour workshop covering technique, effects and a finished practice piece.

See all events ↗

Location

HR1 4NA