Sharpham Estate: From Vines to Mindfulness on the Banks of the Dart
Sharpham Estate, long known for its award‑winning wines and sweeping views across the River Dart, has quietly entered a new chapter — one that swaps fermentation tanks for contemplative spaces, and grape harvests for gentle, reflective gatherings. The historic estate, just a short walk or cycle from Totnes, has transitioned from commercial winemaking and cheesemaking to hosting mindful retreats and establishing a natural burial ground.
The change follows the relocation of Sharpham Wine to Sandridge Barton on the opposite side of the river, freeing up the estate’s land and buildings for a different kind of stewardship. Rather than seeking another agricultural or hospitality venture, the Sharpham Trust — the charity that manages the estate — has leaned into its long‑standing ethos of wellbeing, nature connection and low‑impact living.
Today, the estate’s Georgian house, woodland paths and riverside meadows form the backdrop for a year‑round programme of retreats. These range from silent meditation weekends to nature‑based mindfulness courses, designed to help participants slow down, reconnect with the landscape and cultivate a gentler pace of life. Many sessions draw on the Trust’s decades of experience in contemplative practice, blending Buddhist‑influenced teachings with ecological awareness.
Alongside the retreat programme, Sharpham has also opened a natural burial ground. A meadowland site where graves are marked not by headstones but by trees, wildflowers and the gradual return of the land to nature. The burial ground reflects a growing national shift toward environmentally sensitive end‑of‑life choices, offering families a quieter, more personal alternative to conventional cemeteries. Its setting, overlooking the river and framed by ancient woodland, has already drawn interest from across South Devon as featured recently in the Pulse.
For local residents, the estate’s evolution feels both surprising and entirely in keeping with Sharpham’s character. The vineyards may have moved on, but the estate’s commitment to thoughtful land use and community wellbeing remains firmly rooted. What was once a hub of agricultural production has become a place for reflection, restoration and, ultimately, a deeper relationship with the landscape.
These forthcoming events also offer a chance to see parts of the estate that are normally unavailable to visitors:
RIVER DART WALK
Julian Carnell, Director of The Sharpham Trust (the charity conserving the Sharpham Estate just 3 miles outside Totnes) leads a walk along the River Dart valley, coinciding with the publication of his book Becoming the Ocean.
Participants will hear amazing facts, stories and history of the River Dart valley whilst exploring the habitats and ecosystem of the rewilded Sharpham Estate.
DATE/TIME: Sunday 31 May, 11am to 12.30pm
PRICE: Adults £5 or £20 to include Julian’s book, children £3
LINK: https://www.sharphamtrust.org/mindfulness-retreats/details/river-dart-walk-at-sharpham
GARDEN TOURS
Explore the beautiful gardens and grounds surrounding Sharpham House, with Trust gardeners as your guides.
Our year-round mindfulness retreat programme means that there are few opportunities for the public to visit. But we’re inviting you to tour our gardens and grounds to discover the variety of plants, trees, fruit and vegetables that are grown and managed at Sharpham using sustainable, wildlife-supporting practices.
Head Gardeners Emily and Emma will lead you through the formal, woodland and walled gardens that form the inspiring backdrop to our nature-connection mindfulness retreats and courses.
DATE/TIME: Sunday 14 June, 12.30pm to 1.45pm and 2.45pm to 4pm
PRICE: Adults £5 or £20 to include Julian’s book, children £3
LINK: https://www.sharphamtrust.org/mindfulness-retreats/details/garden-tour