A greater vision

A Greater Vision

For our founder Matt Spence, the idea for Natural Retreats came about after a lifetime of working in luxury developments around the world and as a result of his own experiences growing up surrounded by the beautiful British countryside.

"I was raised on a farm. I understood from an early age what community and sustainability meant to people who live and work in the countryside. I also appreciated the power of nature, both to inspire and to challenge.

I knew also that for people who didn't live in the countryside, it was hard to truly appreciate what it could offer. For many the experience was sanitized, reduced to a token appreciation. It is a feeling that has stayed with me over the years. One that has led directly to the development of Natural Retreats.

I wanted to challenge the way people saw and experienced the countryside. I wanted to show them there was more to the breathtaking and varied landscapes we have in this amazing country. But more than that I wanted to do it in a way that had never been seen in this UK before.

The creation of truly luxurious residences that integrated with the immediate environment and local communities to create a harmonious unique experience. The chance to enjoy nature at its most amazing in environmentally sustainable luxury never before seen in the UK.

I wanted to bring together luxury, nature and sustainability in a new way. Natural Retreats is the result of that ambition and dream and I think it provides a unique experience for holiday makers in the UK. Eventually I would like to see everyone spending more time in this country if only because I believe it has a varied splendour like no other. For that to happen people need to believe they can get more from the experience than they may be used to. That's why we developed Natural Retreats and making sure we do the right thing for nature, community and our guests is at the cornerstone of everything we do."

Matthew Spence
Matthew Spence