Retreat center - The big fields STAY
Beyond recovery
The Big Fields sTAY
Going beyond eating disorder recovery
You’ve made it through the hardest part. You’re eating again, your body is stable, and from the outside, it looks like you’re doing fine. But inside, you might still feel a little lost.
After months – maybe years – of appointments, meal plans, hospital visits, and just trying to survive… you’ve landed in this strange in-between zone. You’re no longer in crisis, but you’re not quite living fully either. And no one really talks about this part of recovery.
You want to experience life again. To try things. Be away from home. Do something that feels free and real. But a solo backpacking trip still feels like too much. And another clinic? Definitely not what you need.
I see you. I was there too. That’s why we created this stay at The Big Fields: a hands-on, heart-centered experience for young adults in recovery who want to reconnect with life -gently, safely, and fully.
Here, you’ll work with your hands, rest with intention, spend time with animals, and rediscover who you are beyond the eating disorder. It’s not about therapy or fixing you. It’s about living.
Our Approach
A next step toward living your life again
This stay is not a clinic, but it’s not a job, either. Think of it as your next step toward living your life again – a space designed for young adults in recovery who are ready to move forward, but still need a setting that understands where they’re coming from.
At The Big Fields, you’ll be part of a small, supportive environment where you can explore independence without being thrown in the deep end. It’s a place to work with your hands, rest without guilt, connect with nature, and feel like a human again – not a patient, not a project.
Simply living – in a way that feels safe, supported, and real.
What we DO
How your days will look at the ranch
Your days at The Big Fields follow a gentle rhythm
Structured enough to feel safe, flexible enough to meet you where you are. You’ll know what’s expected of you and when. And by the end of your stay, you’ll be able to look at something you created and say: “I did this.”
Most stays are shared, with one other person, living together in the gîte. That means you’ll have someone to swap thoughts at the end of the day, and laugh with when the wheelbarrow tips over, or a chicken steals your sandwich. That shared experience tends to open things up in a natural, gentle way. Prefer to come on your own? One-on-one stays are also possible for an additional fee.
Shared meals
We eat three meals a day together, often with food from our garden. You’ll also have access to a snack shelf stocked with things you like or need. Before you arrive, we’ll chat about any preferences, allergies, food-related fears, or patterns you’d like some support with, so meals feel easy, not stressful.
Ongoing support
This isn’t a clinic. But it is a space where you’ll be met, seen, and gently supported. I’m around throughout the day – doing the work alongside you, checking in casually, sharing meals, offering perspective when things feel sticky. You’ll have regular rhythm, clear expectations, and someone nearby who understands what recovery actually feels like – on the ground, in real time.
We’ll also have three online sessions before your stay to set intentions and help you feel prepared (and yes, meet your fellow intern if there is one). During your time here, you’ll get one horse-coaching session to help you process anything that’s coming up. And after you leave, we’ll check in again – with the option to stay connected if that feels right for you.
A good start of the day
2 hours each day
After breakfast, we begin each day with a short guided ritual – some gentle movement to shake off the night, a bit of journalling, or maybe even a cold dip in the river. Then it’s boots on, and time to feed the animals. Scoop the poop. Brush the horses. Water the garden. These morning hours aren’t about performance – they’re about showing up. For the land, for the animals, and for yourself.
Time for a personal project
Grow and develop
Before arrival, you’ll choose a small hands-on project you can complete during your stay. Whether it’s something on the farm (painting shutters, renovating the chicken coop), or a project for yourself (application for study, making a plan for the coming months) or a skill you would like to learn, we’ll plan it together and support you through it.
Afternoons to recharge
Rest and connection
Yoga at the lake, joint hikes through the hills, a riding lesson, a walk to the village bakery, or just lying in the grass while watching the chicken. You’ll have options, plenty of them, but no pressure. This is your time to explore what feels good in your body. Maybe that means movement, maybe it means a long nap in the shade. We believe in rhythm, not rush. Effort balanced with real rest.
What you take home with you
The shift that happens when you live it, not just talk about it
What you take home isn’t just memories – it’s a shift. You’ll leave The Big Fields with more than just pictures of horses and soil under your nails.
If you’re in the later stages of recovery, you might already be functioning, doing well on paper, even thriving in some areas. But deep down, things can still feel fragile. Food routines work, but only in your own kitchen. Rest still comes with guilt. Connection is something you crave, but it can feel complicated. You want to live fully – but part of you still wonders if that’s safe.
This week is a chance to practice. To live inside your recovery – not just manage it. You’ll have structure without rigidity. Support without being watched. Freedom without feeling lost.
You’ll get your hands dirty. You’ll move your body without overthinking it. You’ll rest when you’re tired. You’ll share meals without over-explaining. You’ll build something real and small and yours – and you’ll leave knowing you can do that again, back home.
You’ll take home:
- A morning rhythm that grounds you without needing rules
- Real experience navigating meals in a shared setting - without pressure or performance
- Practice recognising what your body actually wants (and letting that be enough)
- Tools for calming your system when you feel overwhelmed, frozen, or disconnected
- Confidence that you can start and finish something - even if it’s small, even if it’s messy
- A more relaxed relationship with movement - without tracking or pushing
- Skills for making space for both effort and rest, without guilt
- The felt sense that connection doesn’t cost your autonomy
- A reminder that your sensitivity is not a weakness, it’s your strength
- Proof that you can live in your body, not just manage it
Requirements
Is this something for you?
This is for you if
- You’ve made it through the darkest part of your eating disorder and you’re ready to reconnect with life - but need a place that understands where you’re coming from.
- You’re between 18–35 and want to experience independence, nature, and rhythm without being thrown in the deep end.
- Your body is physically stable, you can eat enough to keep yourself safe, and you’re not in crisis - but you’re not “fully recovered” either.
- You long for community, but not chaos. For freedom, but not disconnection.
- You want to feel like a person again - not a patient, not a project, not someone who needs to be fixed.
- You’re open to soft structure, shared meals, laughter, animal care, nature, and gentle support when needed.
This is NOT for you if
- You are in the early or acute stage of eating disorder recovery
- You are physically unstable, require clinical supervision, or are not able to nourish yourself independently
- You are currently in crisis, or needing a treatment or inpatient program
- You are looking for a clinic, hospital, or medically monitored program
- You are unwilling to participate in shared rhythms, basic tasks, or self-reflection
Still unsure? We always start with a free get-to-know session to check if this is a good fit. No pressure, just honesty. If you are not a match for the stay, we can always discuss different options.
It’s not about therapy or fixing you. It’s about living.
Where You'll Stay
A french gîte as your own apartment
You’ll stay on our property in a cozy, private space – simple, peaceful, and designed for rest. Each intern has:
- Their own bedroom with a queen size bed, a desk and enough storage space
- Access to a shared living area, kitchenette, and bathroom
- A yoga/movement space
- Fast Wi-Fi and quiet corners for journaling, reading, or just being
- Full access to the garden, lake, walking trails, and outdoor spaces
You’ll be part of the rhythm of this place and our family, but never pressured to perform. There’s room to stretch out – or tuck in.
Whether you’re someone who needs time alone to recharge or someone who thrives in small, shared moments – we’ll make sure you’re supported in a way that works for you.
We’ll go over your setup during the prep calls, so everything feels settled before you even arrive.
Pricing
Your investment and what's included
We’re currently offering a limited number of pilot spots for young adults who want to be part of shaping this experience with us. You’ll receive the all-inclusive stay, at a reduced price.
- A private bedroom with queen-size bed, desk, and storage
- A shared gîte with living area, kitchenette, and bathroom - shared with one other intern, or just for you in the one-on-one option
- Three nourishing vegetarian meals a day, plus snacks and drinks you enjoy
- Three online prep sessions before arrival and one follow-up session after your stay
- One horse-coaching session during your stay
- Hands-on farm work and daily animal care
- Your own personal project - with support in planning and execution
- 2–3 guided outings (horse rides, hikes, village visits, etc.)
- Access to our yoga/movement space, lake, trails, and quiet corners to rest
- A daily rhythm of gentle support, shared meals, check-ins, and time to just be
Duration of your stay
1 or 2 weeks
Longer stays possible upon request
Your investment for the pilot spots
1 week: €1.200
2 weeks: €2.000
(Add-on therapy sessions or an one-on-one experience are available at extra cost)
How to apply
Fill in the contact form or schedule a free get-to-know call during which you can ask all your questions, and we can see if this is the right fit for you.
Availability 2025
July & August
- 7-13 July (week 28)
- 4-11 August (week 32)
September & October
- 1-7 September (week 36)
- 8-14 September (week 37)
- 15-21 September (week 38)
- 29 Sept – 5 Oct (week 40)
- 6 – 12 October (week 41)
- 13-19 October (week 42)
- 20-26 October (week 43)
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FAQ
Anything you might still want to know
What if I'm not sure this is the right phase for me?
No worries, we always start with one online get-to-know session to explore whether this is a good fit for you.
Can I come with a friend or partner?
The stay is designed as a solo journey, but please do reach out if you have something specific in mind – we are always open to discussion.
Can you align with my treatment team or dietitian beforehand?
Yes, we’re happy to coordinate with your current therapist or team!
Can I continue sessions with you afterwards?
Absolutely, even though you are standing more and more on your own feet, having a sparring partner can massively help. Ongoing support is available through online coaching or therapy.
Do I have to join farm chores every day?
No, nothing is forced. But we do encourage to take your work seriously and participate to help build rhythm and connection. Plus the work is fun and a great start of the day!
Do I need to be still in active treatment?
No. You don’t need to be in active treatment, but we do ask that your recovery is stable and that you’re open to support
Is it a problem if I have other diagnoses? (ADHD, PTSD, ASD, high sensitivity etc.)
Yes. We don’t define people by labels. We’ll get to know you and discuss together what kind of support you need.
I am currently in the middle of an ED and/or approaching a crisis and I need to get away, could this be an option at the big fields too?
If you’re feeling a strong pull toward The Big Fields – whether to step away for a moment, reconnect to your body and nature, or simply be somewhere different – we’re open to exploring what’s possible. In close collaboration with your current treatment team, we can discuss a tailored stay that fits your needs and safety. While we’re not a treatment center, we do offer a grounding, supportive environment – and sometimes, that’s exactly what’s needed.
Your question not here? Drop us a message or schedule a get-to-know call!
Let's talk.
If you’ve made it this far, something here is calling to you. Let’s explore together, free and no strings attached.