What is our ambition?
To restore the mystery, purpose and practicality of the sacred and the beautiful.
The Problem
Modernity was built on the idea we could engineer the best of all worlds by ditching anything spiritual or traditional, transferring our common needs to the state and relying totally on science and technology.
It was a radical experiment. No society has ever willingly traded its spiritual roots, cultural stories, community infrastructure and connection to the land for pure and and placeless ‘progress’.
We are now living in the results of that experiment. Our belief is that not only has it failed to deliver, but it has also undermined the wellbeing of our selves, our social fabric, our economies and our natural world.
The Possibility
The sense that our culture has run thin is growing a hunger for something more soulful and cosmic, expressed through nature, community, place and divinity.
Humanity is hard wired for the things people increasingly hunger for, hence the sense of void: we need a ‘bigger story’ to make sense of the world. The reason it is exhausting and harmful to live without it is because it is not a made-up set of ideas: it is a pattern of being that holds life together, no less meaningful than the laws of physics.
Recentring ourselves within this pattern will offer the sense of depth, freedom, energy and vision to thrive.
The Approach
Even though our family life revolves around a deep and mystical Christianity, we recognise we’re far more disconnected from nature, tradition and sacred stories than our ancestors ever were.
Where do we begin? Any starting point says a lot about what’s trusted for the best outcomes. For us, it’s God and our relationship with Him.
Deepening our spiritual life will change us for the better and align us with the best. From there we can more wisely and lovingly care for the people, community, place and gifts in front of us. If we do our part, and trust God with the rest, that’s how real transformation happens.
What does it look like?
What we hope to offer
A centre of energy for our “Big Themes”: content, events etc.
A place of retreat, particularly for people in high pressure roles.
A hub of hospitality for communal festivity and celebration.
What needs to be done
Whilst it is a beautiful site with exciting potential there is a lot to do given it has only ever been a traditional farm. Everything you can imagine that needs doing, needs doing.
The house needs refurbishing and its adjacent barn needs rescuing. The farmyard is a blank canvas: it is currently only suitable for cattle and outdoor storage. The orchards are nearing the end of their life. The vegetable gardens have disappeared.
It feels like no accident that our desire to restore something at large involves a journey to restore the place we live and plan to do it from.
What are our ‘Big Themes’?
Enterprise
Place
Myth
Mysticism
Beauty
Land
Faith
Family
With a focus on how they interact under the guidance of the Christian worldview, which is as mysterious as it is useful.
How do we hope
to achieve this?
By blend the cultural innovations of yesterday to meet the needs of today
Grange
Abbey
Inn
Guild
Farmer
Friar
Hospitalier
Merchant
What was a Grange?
A monastic farm or estate where supplies were generated for an Abbey. Whilst the Abbey provided prayer and learning, the Grange contributed food and resources.
What was an Abbey?
A monastery/convent under the authority of an Abbot/ess. A centre of religious life, learning and stewardship. It held in trust sacred rhythms, pattern and storytelling.
What was an Inn?
A place of hospitality providing lodging and sustenance for travellers and pilgrims. A bridge between private and public gathering, with warm service.
What was a Guild?
An association of artisans and merchants in a craft. Maintained high standards, cared for members’ prosperity and provided a structured social community.