Happy Visitors
As soon as I entered the Art Bank Retreat I felt very comfortable. It is a bright and happy place and the host is amazingly helpful and delightful.
I have loved the food and the room was amazing.
Will definitely return for a longer period.
Carmela
I had the most fabulous time at Mandy’s art retreat. I would highly recommend Mandy’s retreats if you love art and you love a relaxed atmosphere where you can unwind and create in a beautiful environment. I’m in awe at how stunning the art bank is - the work Mandy has put into renovating the house - a project full of love and Mandy’s obvious passion for wanting to run these fabulous retreats to help artists. Thank you so much, I shall be coming back!
Lucy
Wow what a weekend at the Art Bank, hosting by Mandy!! Every moment was special, thought-out and gave me space to connect with my emotions. Space to get to know the other guests, be creative and allow me to let go!!
Rachael
So, I am sat in the car on my way home, writing this after a lovely weekend at The Art Bank.
We arrived around 7pm on Friday and Mandy (Owner, Artist, Published Author, and Creative Genius Coach and Mentor) was waiting to greet us, she gave us a quick tour and then left us to get settled for the night.
First impressions were unexpected. I have seen pictures of The Art Bank from the very beginning and I have followed the journey with Mandy but NOTHING could prepare you for how the place feels. From the second you walk in the door, you become a part of the masterpiece.
The individual rooms are spectacular. I don’t know how Mandy has managed it but they have a homely feel whilst staying true to the themes. The beds are really comfy, there is lots of space to move around (we stayed in the Picasso room with a toddler and a baby so had a LOT of stuff with us) but there was still plenty of room for the terror tot to play.
The big thing for me has been the attention to detail. The tiniest details have been thought of... toiletries that you may have forgotten, plates and cutlery, a fridge with complimentary water. Tea, coffee and treats for when you are in your rooms. The rooms have Sky tv but they also have quiet areas for you to sit and chill with a book or a notepad and the views are inspirational.
But that is the thing about The Art Bank... it is an inspirational place. I am not an artist, I am not very creative... in fact, I am much more of a linear thinker. I like lists and order BUT even I found myself doing some mindful colouring whilst I was there...
Breakfast, like everything else, was a little bit special. A huge selection of dry cereal, fruits, nuts, toast with assorted condiments, and a traditional Scottish fry (or parts of depending on your preference). Fruit juice, tea and coffee. My little man (who is a terribly picky eater) was having 3 or 4 courses each morning!
Last but not least, our host. Those of you who know me personally will know that I have worked for Mandy for a couple of years now. I have also bought training from her so I see her world from both sides. What most people will not know is that I’ve only actually met her face to face a couple of times at networking events and team zoom meetings so I was quite apprehensive before I arrived...
Mandy is everything you expect from her social media and SO. MUCH. MORE.
My little family is chaotic and she took it in her stride and did everything possible to make our stay comfortable and enjoyable. She was knowledgeable about things in the area that we could do, or places we could go to eat and she was spot on.
We had lunch at @acorns tea room and shop which was lovely. They were getting close to closing time and still welcomed us like old friends. The food was really good quality and value for money and the staff were friendly and accommodating and I would definitely suggest trying them!
The local pharmacy was also amazing when we needed to go and pick up some monster spray... my 3 year old has a vivid imagination and decided that some of the ‘magic doors’ had monsters. The lady in the pharmacy was ‘on it’ and found us some of her strongest monster repellant to sort out that little problem!
One thing I would say is to book if you want to go for an evening meal or to take kids to an indoor play area because they do get booked up. There is loads to do in season (from April) for kids but even out of season, there are lots of places to walk, explore and feed the ducks!
So all in all, we have had a lovely break and will definately be going back.
We arrived around 7pm on Friday and Mandy (Owner, Artist, Published Author, and Creative Genius Coach and Mentor) was waiting to greet us, she gave us a quick tour and then left us to get settled for the night.
First impressions were unexpected. I have seen pictures of The Art Bank from the very beginning and I have followed the journey with Mandy but NOTHING could prepare you for how the place feels. From the second you walk in the door, you become a part of the masterpiece.
The individual rooms are spectacular. I don’t know how Mandy has managed it but they have a homely feel whilst staying true to the themes. The beds are really comfy, there is lots of space to move around (we stayed in the Picasso room with a toddler and a baby so had a LOT of stuff with us) but there was still plenty of room for the terror tot to play.
The big thing for me has been the attention to detail. The tiniest details have been thought of... toiletries that you may have forgotten, plates and cutlery, a fridge with complimentary water. Tea, coffee and treats for when you are in your rooms. The rooms have Sky tv but they also have quiet areas for you to sit and chill with a book or a notepad and the views are inspirational.
But that is the thing about The Art Bank... it is an inspirational place. I am not an artist, I am not very creative... in fact, I am much more of a linear thinker. I like lists and order BUT even I found myself doing some mindful colouring whilst I was there...
Breakfast, like everything else, was a little bit special. A huge selection of dry cereal, fruits, nuts, toast with assorted condiments, and a traditional Scottish fry (or parts of depending on your preference). Fruit juice, tea and coffee. My little man (who is a terribly picky eater) was having 3 or 4 courses each morning!
Last but not least, our host. Those of you who know me personally will know that I have worked for Mandy for a couple of years now. I have also bought training from her so I see her world from both sides. What most people will not know is that I’ve only actually met her face to face a couple of times at networking events and team zoom meetings so I was quite apprehensive before I arrived...
Mandy is everything you expect from her social media and SO. MUCH. MORE.
My little family is chaotic and she took it in her stride and did everything possible to make our stay comfortable and enjoyable. She was knowledgeable about things in the area that we could do, or places we could go to eat and she was spot on.
We had lunch at @acorns tea room and shop which was lovely. They were getting close to closing time and still welcomed us like old friends. The food was really good quality and value for money and the staff were friendly and accommodating and I would definitely suggest trying them!
The local pharmacy was also amazing when we needed to go and pick up some monster spray... my 3 year old has a vivid imagination and decided that some of the ‘magic doors’ had monsters. The lady in the pharmacy was ‘on it’ and found us some of her strongest monster repellant to sort out that little problem!
One thing I would say is to book if you want to go for an evening meal or to take kids to an indoor play area because they do get booked up. There is loads to do in season (from April) for kids but even out of season, there are lots of places to walk, explore and feed the ducks!
So all in all, we have had a lovely break and will definately be going back.
Stef