Testimonials

Last Thursday,  I had the opportunity to attend a complimentary sketching day at Toolerstone House in  Cuddington. Never heard of it? Me neither. Without doubt, this will soon change, as the concept of mindfulness & nature will definitely put this lit known place on the map! 

I think it’s fair to say that in Cheshire, we have more than our fair share of both natural beauty in both the landscape and the architecture it houses. 

Full disclosure: I was not being ungrateful, but I really wasn’t in the right frame of mind for this type of activity, but I went along,  and to say that I was glad I did, would be the understatement of the year! The last thing I needed was to be sat half freezing to death in a private back garden, sketching flora & fauna!!

However, my mood changed immediately, when driving the almost hidden approach off Norley Rd; which had a seemingly ethereal quality to it. An imperceptible turn in the drive revealed a welcoming, partly black & white timbered family home, but it was the folly-esque tower emerging in the mist of a November morning, that looked intriguing to say the least! 

The ubiquitous reception tea, coffee etc , often tepid at best, as veterans of many courses will know, was of surprisingly superb quality and served with genuine warmth- indeed the staff were rightly delighted to share their work on making Toolerstone House a welcoming experience from the outset. No attention to detail is too small, or has been missed throughout the whole complex here. The former family home,offers homemade treats and a lunch that Claridges would envy; it has the qualities of a natural restorative retreat with the touches of luxury,  one might expect at a 5* venue. 

The course itself was in the spacious and well designed studio area, under the expert tutelage & entertaining care of local artist, Michael Troy. Throughout the well-planned day, he guided his charges through the skills & techniques of using a variety of media,which culminated in a beautiful gallery of pieces we all felt more than a little pleased with. Perhaps of more value, was the opportunity to reflect on nature and relax- which was at the heart of not just this course, but the whole ethos of Toolerstone House itself: Bourne out of personal tragedy for the family, what is emerging here is now full of joy- and the opportunity to escape, nourish and create.  Made all the more incredible as the majority of the courses are ‘gifted’ to those who work tirelessly dedicating their time to care for others.

We were also given a tour of the lake and the stunning, contemplative gardens by Gary, the estate manager, who is rightly proud and passionate, about what the team here are working together to achieve.

Therese