Honouring The Past, Shaping The Future

by | Nov 4, 2025 | Uncategorised

Stories of Mental Health:
Voices from the Past

Giving new life to the voices of three 19th-century psychiatric patients in York

10

October, 2025

To mark World Mental Health Day, The Retreat York hosted two inspiring creative workshops that gave new life to the voices of three 19th-century psychiatric patients whose words have echoed across time.

Led by local artists in collaboration with the Borthwick Institute for Archives, the sessions invited participants to explore original poems and unsent letters written by patients at The Retreat. Funded by Mentally Fit York, these powerful documents became the catalyst for an afternoon of art-making, kite-building, and open conversation – connecting York’s past approaches to mental health care with the stories and experiences of today.

A Powerful Setting for Reflection

Heritage Events and Engagement Manager Lucy South described the workshops as “a fantastic event in the perfect setting to mark World Mental Health Day.

Seeing archive items in the Recreation Hall where their stories began felt incredibly special – and watching the artworks take shape, alongside the conversations they sparked, was genuinely moving.”

From Archives to Art Collection

The creative outcomes from the workshops – including artworks and kites inspired by the historic writings – will now become part of the University of York Art Collection, ensuring these rediscovered voices continue to inspire reflection, empathy and understanding for generations to come.

By bringing together heritage, creativity, and community, The Retreat York continues to celebrate its remarkable history while fostering meaningful dialogue about mental health – past, present, and future.

If you’d like to hear about upcoming events or about the first release of upcoming homes, register your interest and you’ll be added onto our mailing list.

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Honouring The Past, Shaping The Future

by | Oct 10, 2025 | Blog, Community, Current Developments, News & Events, Uncategorised

10

October, 2025

Stories of Mental Health: Voices from the Past

Giving new life to the voices of three 19th-century psychiatric patients in York

To mark World Mental Health Day, The Retreat York hosted two inspiring creative workshops that gave new life to the voices of three 19th-century psychiatric patients whose words have echoed across time.

Led by local artists in collaboration with the Borthwick Institute for Archives, the sessions invited participants to explore original poems and unsent letters written by patients at The Retreat. Funded by Mentally Fit York, these powerful documents became the catalyst for an afternoon of art-making, kite-building, and open conversation – connecting York’s past approaches to mental health care with the stories and experiences of today.

A Powerful Setting for Reflection

Heritage Events and Engagement Manager Lucy South described the workshops as “a fantastic event in the perfect setting to mark World Mental Health Day. Seeing archive items in the Recreation Hall where their stories began felt incredibly special – and watching the artworks take shape, alongside the conversations they sparked, was genuinely moving.”

From Archives to Art Collection

The creative outcomes from the workshops – including artworks and kites inspired by the historic writings – will now become part of the University of York Art Collection, ensuring these rediscovered voices continue to inspire reflection, empathy and understanding for generations to come.

By bringing together heritage, creativity, and community, The Retreat York continues to celebrate its remarkable history while fostering meaningful dialogue about mental health – past, present, and future.

If you’d like to hear about upcoming events or about the first release of upcoming homes, register your interest and you’ll be added onto our mailing list.

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Yorkshire Philosophical Society Lecture

by | Oct 6, 2025 | Blog, Current Developments, News & Events, Uncategorised

06

October, 2025

Building The Retreat: the first 60 years

Yorkshire Philosophical Society (YPS) joined us for a lecture

Celebrating History and Community at The Retreat York

Last week, The Retreat York had the pleasure of welcoming 50 members of the Yorkshire Philosophical Society (YPS) for a captivating afternoon exploring the origins of one of York’s most significant historic sites.

The event featured an insightful lecture, Building The Retreat: the first 60 years (1794–1854), delivered by Dr Victoria Hopgood, architectural historian. Her talk delved into the remarkable early years of The Retreat’s creation, revealing the enduring Quaker values and visionary leadership of its founder, William Tuke, whose pioneering approach transformed mental health care across the world.

A Living Connection to York’s Past

Among the audience was Emma Darbyshire, a history student from York St John University, who is currently writing her dissertation on The Retreat’s history. We’re delighted to be supporting her research as it develops – a testament to our ongoing commitment to education, heritage, and community engagement.

It was wonderful to see such genuine enthusiasm for the story of this extraordinary place. The event also sparked great interest in The Retreat’s evolving heritage programme – with ten guests joining our Heritage mailing list and several more taking away information about our current restoration and development work.

Looking Ahead: A Hub for Knowledge and Culture.

This inaugural lecture was run as a pilot in partnership with the YPS, and the response could not have been more positive. Plans are already underway to host a series of future lectures and events exploring themes across natural and social sciences – bringing fresh opportunities for conversation, learning, and discovery within the walls of this historic landmark.

We’re thrilled to see The Retreat once again becoming a vibrant part of York’s cultural and intellectual life, connecting its rich past with a dynamic future.

A heartfelt thank you to everyone who joined us – we look forward to welcoming you back soon for more inspiring events.

If you’d like to hear about upcoming events or about the first release of upcoming homes, register your interest and you’ll be added onto our mailing list.

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Demand soars as 40% of homes are snapped up

by | Jul 24, 2025 | Blog, Current Developments, Sales Information, Uncategorised

24

July, 2025

Demand soars at The Retreat, Parbold

With 40% of its unique homes already sold off-plan

The main heritage building, Lancaster House, is currently being sensitively refurbished and repurposed into five grand character properties.

The Ainscough is an exquisite four bedroom centrepiece heritage home entered via the grand facade and final property available situated within the iconic conversion of Lancaster House.

Due to it’s exceptional ornate staircase, stain glass window and stunning architecture it is being dressed as a show home, due to open it’s doors to the public at the end of September, 2025.

Phase 2 of our heritage homes will include the conversion of The Coach House into five unique homes.

Alongside these beautiful pieces of history will sit a limited collection of distinctive energy efficient newly built houses, starting from £499,950.

These homes are built to the highest energy-efficiency ratings designed for lower running costs and year-round comfort. Features like solar panels and triple glazing keep your bills down, while underfloor heating and mechanical ventilation systems ensure a consistently pleasant environment.

The extensive walled gardens are a major selling point. Mature trees, hedged walkways, quiet seating spots and tranquil formal gardens surround the properties, with re-opened pathways creating a new trail for people to soak up the surrounding nature – hence the name, The Retreat

Heads of sales, Sue and Gavin, have been guiding buyers through the vision for The Retreat and are encouraging anyone interested in the remaining properties to get in touch. A trip to the marketing suite allows guests to view detailed floor plans, images of what the homes will look like, and examples of the kitchen and bathroom finishes.

Sue, head of sales at The Retreat, said:

“The response has been fantastic. Buyers are captivated by the unique blend of local history and modern, sustainable living. With 40% of homes now sold, a wonderful community is already taking shape. We encourage anyone curious to come and see for themselves why these homes are selling so quickly.”

The marketing suite on Lancaster Lane, Parbold (WN8 7HT) is open Thursday to Monday, 10am – 5pm.

With high demand for the remaining homes, we highly recommend booking a private viewing to avoid disappointment. To secure your appointment, call our team on 0800 151 0960 or email sales@theretreat-parbold.co.uk.

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Transformation of former World War 1 assembly hall

by | Jul 16, 2025 | Blog, Current Developments, Recently Acquired, Sales Information, St. James Hospital, Portsmouth, Uncategorised

16

July, 2025

First glimpse inside transformation

Stunning images unveiling of former World War 1 assembly hall transformed

Specialist heritage property developer PJ Livesey Group has unveiled stunning new images showcasing the transformation of an historic military assembly hall into an elegant resident’s lounge at its St James Park community in Southsea.

The striking images reveal how the Grade II listed building’s distinctive striped arches, which once echoed with the voices of American servicemen during the First World War, will be reimagined as a sophisticated communal space. The new shots demonstrate a contemporary sage green colour palette with natural timber elements and carefully preserved architectural details.

The remarkable space, originally built in the 1870s by renowned Victorian architect George Rake, served as an entertainment hall when St James operated as US Army Base hospital 33. Historic photographs from 1918 show the grand hall packed with soldiers sitting beneath the Byzantine arches.

The residents lounge forms the centrepiece of St James Park’s extensive communal facilities and compliments the 209 heritage and newly built homes set within mature parkland.

The main building also features dedicated workspaces and other communal facilities creating an inviting environment that balances both relaxation and productivity. Residents also gain access to ample-off street parking and scenic open areas.

Georgina Lynch Managing Director at PJ Livesey Group said:
“We’re incredibly proud to unveil these new images of the resident’s lounge, which epitomises our vision for St James Park – honouring the building’s remarkable history while creating exceptional spaces for modern living.

“The transformation of this former military assembly hall showcases our commitment to preserving architectural heritage with sensitivity and imagination. We’ve worked meticulously to maintain the building’s distinctive character whilst creating a meeting space our residents can enjoy for generations to come.”

Work continues on the Grade II listed main building with the new resident’s lounge expected to be completed alongside the remaining heritage homes, which have nearly all been snapped up already after strong demand. The collection of newly built homes have also seen a strong uptake, with only a handful remaining.

PJ Livesey will soon be offering a new wave of heritage homes at St James Park, offering buyers another chance to secure a piece of Portsmouth history reimagined for contemporary living.

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