Name: Stanton House
Item: Stanton House
Rating: 5
Author: Rev’d Mark Ruoff

Stanton House continues to hold to the vision of providing space for individuals and groups to meet to discern God’s call on their lives. The House and Grounds provide, in the words of the original vision, ‘a place for Christian folk who have a need to stand back a little from the pressure of events and seek renewal and adjustment’. The House was given to the Trust with no endowment. We continue to rely on donations and contributions from guests to cover all costs, including modest staff team allowances. It remains a principle that individual retreat guests are not given a bill but are invited to contribute towards their stay and, thanks to the generosity of some, others are not prevented from coming through lack of means. The House continues to be busy and attracts many visitors from all walks of life.

Stanton House is situated in seventeen acres of land – a green sanctuary with ancient trees, a peaceful stream at the bottom of the hill, and open view towards the Chilterns, and Oxford and the surrounding area. There are plenty of corners to rest and sit, ponder and relax. There is plenty of shade in the garden for the hot summery days, and a prayer cabin to enjoy the view in the presence of the One who created it all. Sheep are often found enjoying our fields, and pheasants, deer and badger are seen regularly in the grounds too. Flowers give rhythm to the passing seasons and the panorama constantly changes as the seasons pass by.

Each of our homely bedrooms has its own unique character and are all different in shape, size and décor. There’s something for everyone. We have a range of single, twin or double bedrooms. Each bedroom has got its own wash hand basin, comfy armchair and a writing desk. There are ten bedrooms (11 max) and there’s space for maximum of 23 guests where visitors coming with a group are happy to share their room. We provide bedlinen and towels.

The many demands of our daily routine can make it hard to make space for God. We find ourselves needing time – time to be alone, to unwind, to do nothing, to catch up with ourselves; time to read, to think, to feel, to be creative; time to look back and plan ahead, to speak and to listen, to lay things down and to take up new challenges; time to take stock, to pray, and to deepen our relationship with God.

There is no structured programme, apart from an informal devotion after supper. Guests are encouraged to plan their time to suit their individual needs.  The house, grounds and stream, and walks in the surrounding area, provide plenty of space for quiet reflection, rest and relaxation.

Whilst we do not offer a structured retreat or formal counselling facilities, our Team members are usually more than willing to provide a listening ear, and pray with our guests on request.

Once you open the door of Stanton House, you find yourself in the entrance hall with Victorian tiled floor before entering the large main hall where there is a cosy corner with Danish wood burner. There's a coffee corner and a small but useful bookstall with a comfortable seating area, so you can enjoy your cups of tea and coffee, and indulge yourself by trying the famous afternoon cakes and enjoy the beautiful view. From the main hall you can access the dining room with a lovely view through the large bay window to the Wellingtonia tree. Two lounges are also accessed from the main hall. The larger one has a piano and many windows, and the smaller one has a TV, a stove burner and bookshelves. You will always find a comfy chair and a space for rest or fellowship. From the main hall it is possible to get out into the gardens through the glass door which is often left open in summer.

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Rev’d Mark Ruoff
Overall Experience

Go to Stanton House for a retreat and time with Jesus. You will not be disappointed! A place of beauty and God’s peace. To get away with the Lord and and rest for your souls. To hear his voice like his sheep. To be lead by streams of living water. ‘Surely the Lord is in this place’ and I was aware of it!
Wish I’d discovered Stanton House years ago (and it’s close to London too) but I will be back some day. Thoroughly recommend it for a day, 48 hours or longer if you can. Wonderful caring community who run the house will bless you so much. They really prepare the table of blessing for you to dine from in so many rich ways. To them I say, ‘Thank you my friends.’
4 years ago
Rev’d Mark Ruoff
Overall Experience

A hidden treasure. A place of God’s, beauty, peace and presence. A house that is like a home where the Lord is welcome and all guests are welcome to rest in Him and find fellowship with others as they so desire. A place to tell stories and find prayer and encouragement. A dwelling place to wait on God and listen to His still small voice. You will find the best nights sleep, the finest of fare, the warmest of welcomes, the most stunning of grounds l, fields and gardens. Come here and be still and know that He is God. He will restore your soul by His streams of living water.
I so wish I had found Stanton House many years ago but I will be back.
4 years ago

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