Rains Retreat – Creating the UK’s First Cancer Retreat for Children and Their Families
Rains Retreat is a landmark project to create the UK’s first dedicated retreat for children suffering from cancer, their families navigating treatment, and bereaved families seeking support.
In partnership with Children With Cancer, the project involves the complete transformation of Rains Farm — formerly a dated holiday site comprising a farmhouse and several cottages — into a tranquil sanctuary designed to provide comfort, connection, and relief from the emotional and physical toll of cancer.
This pioneering retreat will serve as a welcoming, restorative environment where up to 300 families per year can stay together, reflect, heal, and support one another within a peaceful rural setting.
PROJECT GOALS
Create the nation’s first dedicated retreat specifically for children with cancer and their families
Transform Rains Farm’s outdated farmhouse and cottages into a modern, therapeutic environment
Provide a safe and peaceful refuge for grieving families to reconnect and recover
Redesign and install a new sustainable drainage system, including swales and
pond integration
Establish the award-winning Chelsea Flower Show garden as the centrepiece of
the retreat
Ensure full CDM compliance, site security, and principal contractor duties
throughout
Deliver a wholly accessible, family-oriented design that prioritises comfort,
privacy, and wellbeing
BACKGROUND
With thousands of families affected by childhood cancer each year, the need for safe, supportive spaces has never been greater. Children With Cancer sought to create a retreat that would allow families to step away from hospital environments and difficult routines, providing a chance to reconnect in a calm and nurturing setting.
Rains Farm, previously used as a rural holiday site, provided the perfect location but required comprehensive renovation to meet the emotional, physical, and accessibility needs of families coping with cancer or bereavement. This project represents a major commitment to supporting these families during their most challenging moments.
PLANNING AND DESIGN
The design approach centred on creating a peaceful, accessible environment that supports emotional wellbeing. Layouts were reconfigured to maximise comfort and privacy, with an emphasis on natural light, calming materials, and seamless access to outdoor spaces.
The landscaping strategy drew inspiration from therapeutic garden principles, culminating in the installation of the award-winning Chelsea Flower Show garden as the retreat’s signature feature. Futureproofing, sustainability, and ecological sensitivity — including bird and bat box installations — were key considerations throughout.
CONSTRUCTION
Site Preparation - Full site clearance from previous works, levelling, and assessment of existing infrastructure.
Structural Works - Resolution of significant structural issues discovered during strip-out; reinforcement of building integrity.
Drainage & Earthworks - Complete redesign and installation of drainage systems, including swales and pond- linked solutions.
Extension Construction - New extension added to the farmhouse to increase internal capacity and flexibility.
Roofing & External Envelope - Roof repairs, guttering installation, and full manufacture and installation of windows and doors.
Electrical, Plumbing & MEP Systems - Complete rewiring, new plumbing systems, new water tank and booster system, and in- house MEP design.
Solar Installation - Roof-mounted solar arrays for sustainable energy generation.
Interior Fitout - New kitchens, finishes, materials, fixtures, and internal layouts across all units.
Landscaping - Full-site landscaping culminating in the installation of the Chelsea Flower Show award- winning garden.
Compliance & Testing - Building control, planning support, and full CDM management throughout.
PROJECT EXECUTION
The project required the complete strip-out and renovation of the original farmhouse and individual cottages, both of which had become outdated and unsuitable for the intended therapeutic purpose. Our role as principal contractor included full site security management, CDM responsibilities, and extensive site clearance from previous works.
Key aspects of the project included the redesign and installation of an entirely new drainage system, the creation of earthworks and swales designed to integrate with an existing pond system, and comprehensive landscaping across the whole site. Structural issues uncovered during the renovation required careful engineering solutions to ensure long-term stability and safety.
Internally, the buildings received new electrics, plumbing, kitchens, windows, and doors — manufactured and installed in-house — along with complete interior fitouts across all spaces. Externally, works included roofing, guttering, solar installation, and the construction of a new farmhouse extension.
A standout feature of the project is the installation of the award-winning Chelsea Flower Show garden, which serves as the emotional statement piece of the entire retreat and forms a core element of the therapeutic experience.
Our team also delivered in-house MEP design, project management, site management, and full building control and planning assistance to ensure smooth progression and full compliance.
ACHIEVEMENTS
The redevelopment of Rains Farm has created a serene, purpose-built retreat that offers families facing childhood cancer a place of rest, reflection, and togetherness. The transformation provides:
A tranquil environment where families can stay together and support one another
Modern, safe, and accessible accommodation across both the farmhouse and cottages
A welcoming space that supports emotional wellbeing during treatment or bereavement
The ability to host up to 300 families per year
A centrepiece award-winning Chelsea Flower Show garden that enhances the
retreat’s therapeutic value
A sustainable, futureproof site underpinned by a redesigned drainage system and ecological enhancements
This retreat stands as a vital resource for families across the UK, offering comfort and respite away from the daily realities of cancer.
CONCLUSION
Rains Retreat represents a significant and meaningful step forward in supporting families affected by childhood cancer. Through a combination of sensitive design, technical excellence, and meticulous construction, the project has delivered a unique, emotionally supportive sanctuary unlike any other in the UK. Balancing professional rigour with deep compassion, this project establishes a benchmark for charitable retreats and stands as a lasting testament to the importance of providing families with spaces to heal, connect, and find peace.