Furniture painting retreat 3rd- 8th June 2026
FURNITURE PAINTING WITH Annie Sloan Chalk Paint
Retreat Details
Dates: 3-8 June 2026
Duration: 6 days/ 5 nights
Tutor: Tristan Merriam (Doghead Designs and Annie Sloan Brand ambassador)
Visiting Tutor: Annie Sloan- Founder of Chalk Paint
Hosts: Helen, Mick & CHF team (Victoria, Kirstie, Sophie, Paris)
Venue: Court House Farm, Portishead BS20 6PU, UK
Experience level: Suitable for all levels
Small group for focused tuition and connection
Includes
5 nights’ accommodation, all meals and refreshments, expert tuition, inspiring talks, studio time, activities, and local visitsCost
£2550 residential - Private ensuite room
About the retreat
Bold Colour. Creative Confidence. A Retreat Like No Other.
Step into the world of Chalk Paint® and immerse yourself in the richly creative universe of Doghead Designs. This Six day retreat is a rare opportunity to explore decorative furniture painting and upcycling within the historic, soul-stirring setting of Court House Farm.
Led by Tristan of Doghead Designs—a celebrated Annie Sloan Chalk Paint® brand ambassador—the retreat brings together expert technique, creative play, and inspiring conversation. During the week, you’ll be joined by Annie Sloan herself, whose pioneering approach to colour and decorative paint has inspired people all over the world to join the Chalk Paint® family and rediscover the joy of making.
Expect hands-on workshops, lively demonstrations, and one-to-one guidance as you transform a small piece of furniture and explore your own creative rhythm. It’s a retreat that blends skill with soul—part workshop, part gathering, part creative reset.
What You’ll Learn
Across Six days of immersive workshops and guided projects, you’ll gain the confidence and skills to create distinctive, characterful furniture and decorative art.
You’ll learn:
Annie Sloan Chalk Paint® techniques including blending, distressing, gilding, stencilling, and ombré
How to build colour palettes and surface texture through creative mark-making
Approaches to upcycling and repurposing with imagination and flair
How to design and style a finished piece for photography and display
Ways to nurture your creative process and confidence, from concept to completion
The retreat also includes Q & A with Annie Sloan, demonstrations & more, offering insight into her pioneering approach to colour and furniture painting.
About Court House Farm
Nestled in the conversation area of Portishead, just outside Bristol, Court House Farm is a beautifully restored medieval manor and Tudor house and Farmstead, offering space, character, and quiet inspiration.
Guests stay in individually styled rooms overlooking the gardens and historic barns or in our Lodge House at the end of the Drive, enjoy seasonal food prepared by our private chef, and share slow, convivial evenings around the table. Between workshops, there’s time to wander the grounds, pick flowers, or simply rest in the stillness of the setting.
What’s Included
Five nights’ accommodation at Court House Farm (private ensuite or shared bathroom options)
All meals & refreshments, Our in-house chef Kirstie produces seasonal, bountiful food, shared slowly over conversation
Daily workshops with Tristan of Doghead Designs
Annie Sloan Techniques Workshop (blending, distressing, gilding, stencilling, ombré and more)
1:1 tuition while working on your own small piece of furniture (brought from home)
Creative upcycling sessions for example canvas colour work, glass painting, and napkin dyeing
Demonstrations and Q&A with Annie Sloan, founder of Chalk Paint®
Styling and photography session with your finished piece
Guest activities: mindful movement and art history talk
Optional trip to local landmark and a trip to Doghead Designs studio & shop in Clevedon
Be the First to Know
These retreats with Tristan & Annie have become a firm favourite, selling out each year. Guests return for the creativity, the connection, and the generous spirit of the experience.
Places are limited, and this retreat is expected to fill quickly.
Register your interest below to receive full details and booking information.
This is the only furniture painting retreat of its kind in the UK—creative, curated, and filled with soul.
About Tristan Merriam
Founder of Doghead Designs | Annie Sloan brand Ambassador | BBC Money for Nothing Designer
Tristan Merriam is the creative force behind Doghead Designs, known for bold, expressive furniture transformations that celebrate character and craftsmanship. Based in Clevedon, North Somerset, Tristan is an official Annie Sloan Chalk Paint® stockist and leads regular workshops from his flagship shop.
His passion lies in rescuing quality vintage furniture and reimagining it with specialist paint techniques, rich colour palettes, and unexpected finishes. No two pieces are ever the same — and that’s exactly the point.
A regular designer on the BBC’s Money For Nothing, Tristan brings humour, hands-on knowledge, and a deep respect for the stories objects carry. His teaching style is energetic, empowering, and endlessly encouraging — whether you’re a total beginner or looking to refine your skills.
see more www.dogheaddesigns.com
Love this retreat but can’t make the date? We ask you to register your interest below so we can contact you with new dates listed and availability