Our History

The Studio

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The Studio Barn started life as a very dilapidated cowshed but we had a vision for what it could be instead! Planning started in November 2011, and on 10th May 2012 plans were approved to convert and extend the barn to form a new "Rural Pursuit Centre". Nearly all of the original barn was removed and rebuilt with the exception of the original stone wall which had a powerwash makeover! Iconic features of the new build included a curved sedum grass roof for the studio and rain chains for drainpipes. The original size and internal division of the cowshed was retained to create the kitchen and gym areas. We opened in November 2012. The original build did not have a car park. This was added a year later.

The Endless Pool

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The Pool started with a much smaller idea to erect a Log Cabin adjacent to the Studio with a single Endless Pool and treadmill. Aspirations grew as we attempted to match the look and feel of the original Studio and Planning Permission was granted in July 2015 for a stand alone pool barn to house a new dual propulsion Endless Pool with double treadmills. Work started in November 2015 and the pool was finished by May 2016. An enclosed link corridor between pool and Studio was built in 2018. Since the original build the pool has been retiled throughout and in March 2021 the changing room and shower rooms were completely refurbished ready for reopening after the COVID pandemic.

The Outdoor Trail & Gym

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The Rainbow Trail grew from an idea shortly after the start of the first COVID Pandemic lockdown to enable older and more vulnerable clients to keep fit and make social contact in a safe, controlled environment. A grant from the Community Lottery Fund was repurposed to build the "Rainbow Trail" with support from multiple individuals and organisations, all credited on our Display Board. When we wanted to add some more exciting equipment in mid 2021 we were incredibly lucky to receive a generous donation which enabled us to buy a small set of outdoor gym equipment. Work started in August 2021 and once again we did all of our own planning, groundwork and installation with volunteer help. The "FreshAirFitness" gym opened in late September 2021 as an adjunct to the Rainbow Trail.