FANCY A RESET?
Step away from the noise and reconnect with nature. Leave the outside world behind, slow down and rediscover the pleasure of doing things at your own pace. Your own private cottage, surrounded by 36 acres of natural beauty. No distractions. No demands. Just time for yourself.
Perfect for:
PERSONAL GROWTH
YOGA
TIME IN NATURE
MEDITATION
Welcome to the secret space designed to help bring balance back to your life.
Known as The Renaissance Sanctuary, this peaceful retreat is dedicated to personal growth, healing, and tranquillity. Over the past year, it has opened its doors to guests who want to experience the space entirely to themselves when it’s not in use by its regular clients. Perfect for those seeking an exclusive escape and a little spiritual solitude.
Life can feel overwhelming at times, and often all we really need is a little space, some peace, and the freedom to find our own answers. The Renaissance Sanctuary offers exactly that: an opportunity to slow down, reconnect with nature, and rediscover a little clarity.
Located just outside Swarthmore and Media, and only a 25-minute direct train journey from Philadelphia, this secluded haven feels a world away from the demands of everyday life.
For those longing to switch off their phones, quiet their minds, and simply be, The Renaissance Sanctuary might be just what the soul needs.
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Disconnect from the world and reconnect with yourself.
What is a digital detox? Quite simply, it's whatever you need it to be.
Nestled within 36 acres of woodland and natural beauty, the Renaissance Sanctuary offers the freedom to switch off, slow down, and spend time entirely on your own terms.
Wake to the sounds of nature, wander through the grounds, watch the deer, groundhogs, squirrels and chipmunks, or simply find a quiet corner and enjoy doing absolutely nothing.
Meditate, practice yoga, journal, read, explore the grounds, or sit by the fire and let your thoughts wander. Crystals are available for those who enjoy incorporating them into their personal practice.
For anyone wishing to disconnect completely, we even have a phone safe. Hand over your phone, let us lock it away, and rediscover what life feels like without the constant interruptions. We'll happily unlock it whenever you wish.
There's no itinerary, no expectations, and nothing you need to achieve.
Sometimes the most meaningful journey is the one that takes you nowhere at all.
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2. YOUR STAY
A private cottage. A historic estate. A little space to call your own.
Your home during your retreat is a recently converted granary cottage, nestled within the historic, 300-year-old Waterville Estate.
Surrounded by 36 acres of nature, the cottage offers privacy, comfort and character, with modern amenities alongside the charm of its historic surroundings.
Inside, you'll discover a collection of books on personal development, spirituality, and wellbeing, alongside literature to spark a little curiosity. There's also a record player, a vinyl collection, and access to musical equipment for anyone who finds peace through music.
For those interested in relaxation and restorative practices, a HigherWORKS crystalline PEMF mat is also available.
Outside, you'll find space for yoga, a private fire pit, and countless peaceful spots to sit, reflect, or simply take in the natural surroundings.
The sanctuary is deliberately unpretentious. This isn't a meticulously curated corporate retreat or a five-star wellness resort. It's a beautiful, lived-in historic estate with genuine character, a little rustic charm and an abundance of nature.
We recommend the experience particularly for solo guests, although couples are welcome to enquire about staying together.
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3. HOW IT WORKS
Your time. Your space. Your rules.
We've made the experience as simple and flexible as possible.
Arrive from 11 a.m. on your chosen day, so you can enjoy almost an entire first day rather than losing half of it to travel and check-in.
We'll welcome you, show you around the cottage and grounds, explain the facilities, and make sure you have everything you need.
From that point onwards, the time is entirely yours.
The retreat is self-guided and self-catering, so you're free to bring your favorite foods, prepare your own meals, or arrange food deliveries. We can also help organize provisions in advance upon request.
There are no scheduled activities, compulsory workshops, or structured programs. You decide whether to spend the day walking, reading, meditating, playing music or simply resting.
Initially, doing nothing might feel a little unfamiliar. That's perfectly natural. We're so accustomed to constant stimulation that finding our own rhythm can take time.
The estate is also our home, so while you'll enjoy privacy and independence, we're nearby should you need any assistance.
Check-out is at midday, with the option to extend your stay until 2 p.m., when no new guests are arriving.
The only thing you need to bring is yourself. Everything else is entirely up to you.
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4. RATES & AVAILABILITY
A little investment in yourself.
$500 per night
The Renaissance Sanctuary is an independent and intimate, private retreat with limited availability.
Throughout the month, the Renaissance Sanctuary welcomes just two clients for a dedicated, fully supported residential retreat experience, facilitated by a dedicated life coach.
Outside these scheduled retreats, we make the cottage and grounds available for private, self-guided digital detox stays.
This generally leaves approximately two weeks each month when the sanctuary can welcome independent guests.
Your stay includes:
Exclusive use of your private cottage
Access to our 3 acres of land and the adjoining 33 acres of surrounding natural conservation woodland.
Use of the cottage's amenities, books, record player, and available wellness equipment
Access to outdoor relaxation areas and the fire pit
Early check-in from 11 a.m.
Standard check-out at midday, or 2 p.m. when availability permits
Food and personal provisions are not included, although arrangements can be made upon request.
As availability varies around our scheduled retreats, we encourage you to contact us directly with your preferred dates or reach out for availability.
We are here to answer any questions you may have.
Sometimes, the greatest luxury is giving yourself permission to stop.