Furniture painting retreat 3rd- 8th June 2026
FURNITURE PAINTING WITH DOGHEAD DESIGNS
3rd- 8th june 2026
Court House Farm & Gardens, Portishead UK
Summary:
Doghead Designs: Furniture Painting Retreat with Annie Sloan
Dates
3rd- 8th June 2026
Location
Court House Farm, Portishead, Somerset, UK
Includes
5 nights’ accommodation, all meals and refreshments, expert tuition, inspiring talks, activities, and local visits
Cost
From £2250
Residential and Non-residential spaces available
About the retreat
Bold Colour. Creative Confidence. A Retreat Like No Other.
Step away from the everyday and immerse yourself in the richly creative world of Doghead Designs. This five-night retreat is a unique opportunity to explore decorative furniture painting and upcycling within the historic, soul-stirring setting of Court House Farm.
Whether you’re a complete beginner or looking to refresh your creative confidence, this retreat offers expert-led workshops, inspiration at every turn, and a chance to slow down and reconnect—with your hands, your imagination, and yourself.
Led by Tristan of Doghead Designs ( Annie Sloan Chalk paint brand ambassador), the retreat blends practical technique teaching with artistic play. Expect hands-on sessions, inspiring demonstrations, and 1:1 guidance as you transform your chosen piece of furniture and build a new creative language rooted in colour, texture, and self-expression.
You’ll be staying in our beautifully restored medieval manor and adjoining Tudor house, with time to walk the gardens, eat seasonally, and enjoy evenings with likeminded guests around the table. It’s a creative experience like no other—part workshop, part social gathering, part personal reset.
What’s included
A 5-night stay at Court House Farm in a private with ensuite or shared bathroom room
All meals catered by our private chef (breakfast, lunch, tea, dinner, wine)
Daily painting workshops with Tristan of Doghead Designs
Annie Sloan Techniques Workshop: blending, distressing, gilding, stencilling, ombré and more
1:1 tuition working on a piece of your own (bring your own small item of furniture)
Upcycling projects: canvas colour work, glass painting, creative mark-making
A live Q&A with Annie Sloan, founder of Chalk Paint®
Flower picking and arranging from the gardens
Styling and photography session with your finished piece
Guest sessions on wellbeing (mindful movement) and art history
Downtime to rest, reflect, and soak up the inspiring surroundings
Optional trip to local coastal landmarks and the Doghead studio & shop
Be the First to Know
These retreats with Doghead Designs have been running for the past few years and have quickly become a firm favourite—selling out each time. Guests return year after year for the creativity, the setting, and the warm, welcoming spirit of the experience.
Places are limited and this retreat is expected to fill quickly.
To be the first to receive full details, dates, and booking information, please register your interest below
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