Sustainability

Here at White House Health & Well-Being Retreat, we approach well-being in a holistic way, recognising the importance of the mind, body and spirit in harmony with the environment. We believe sustainability must be approached in the same way.

Sustainability isn’t just about reducing our carbon footprint – it is also about creating a balanced, thriving ecosystem in which people and their environments can flourish together. We take inspiration from the United Nations 17 Sustainable Development Goals, using them as a guiding framework to how we strive to operate here at White House. From our eco-conscious practices to the well-being of our guests and staff, we are committed to fostering a space where every aspect of life is nurtured with care and respect, towards a more sustainable future, together.

The White House is nestled in the Mid-Wales countryside, surrounded by expansive lawns, two small pastures and 6 acres of woodland enfolding a small stream. We harvest fallen and dead wood from this woodland for the log burner inside the house, and for fire-pits outdoors. We also leave a high proportion of fallen wood for the birds, insects and wildlife. This approach has created a thriving habitat for local wildlife, including red kites, barn owls, woodpeckers, shrews, badgers and even wild deer who have been known to wander up from the woodland to say good morning on the lawn! Pheasants also knock on the lower windows and seek refuge here during their mating season.

By protecting this habitat, we actively contribute to SDG 15: Life on Land, which emphasises the importance of biodiversity as humanity’s support system. By safeguarding this natural habitat, we help combat species extinction, allow the woodland to regenerate, and ensure biodiversity flourishes. This preservation also allows us to enjoy the land through low-carbon, sustainable activities such as nature walks, forest bathing, laughter yoga, Pilates, and yoga - connecting guests with nature in ways that support both their well-being and the environment.

“There is a sense of… connectedness, that you're not just an isolated person, you are connected to the landscape”

We embrace sustainability while producing and showcasing delicious, locally sourced food for our guests. Aligned with SDG 2: Zero Hunger, we provide freshly cooked food, locally sourced and prepared in house. Our garden also has a small but effective greenhouse where we grow fresh, organic vegetables during the summer such as tomatoes, squash and cucumber. We will also be planting a vegetable garden this year, growing runner beans, carrots, cauliflower, potatoes, garlic and more! This will reduce our reliance on external food sources - supporting a more self-sustained food system for us and our guests.

This ‘self-sufficient’ lifestyle extends to our guests staying in our residential yurt. While offering luxury outdoor accommodation, guests are encouraged to be self-reliant, using a gas stove for cooking and a log burner for heat. Although these resources are not inherently renewable, their mindful use fosters SDG 12: Responsible Consumption and Production by promoting sustainable consumption habits which reduce unnecessary waste. Additionally, we mainly focus on solar powered lights rather than battery powered lights, which serve as the primary source of light in the yurt, helping to balance energy use.

This year we will be installing air source heat pumps and solar panels to replace the existing oil fired central heating system. By combining the use of responsibly sourced wood acquired from our own woodland management system, alongside two renewable energy sources, we reduce overall energy demand, contributing to SDG 7: Affordable and Clean Energy.

The White House Health and Wellbeing is a Business Partnership directed by Helen Taylor and Anne-Marie Topel, who each bring their unique and extensive expertise to all that White House offers. Helen Taylor is a Clinical Hypnotherapist, Master NLP Practitioner, Life and Business Coach who brings a wealth of experience and expertise to her practice together with a national and international reputation. Anne-Marie Topel is an Advanced Physiotherapist who specialises in neurology, with a special interest in sports injuries, fitness and joint pain.

Their knowledge and leadership resonates specifically with Target 5.5, which promotes equal opportunities for leadership and participation. Their joint vision of a mind-body fusion approach has created an environment where empowerment, inclusivity and well-being can flourish. Beyond these roles, they also support a diverse team, including skilled craftspeople who contribute towards the maintenance and improvement of the beautiful grounds and gardens.

They also lead Pilates, Yoga classes, and personalised treatment sessions which are open to everyone. Their depth of expertise also ensures that classes and treatment sessions are a safe space that nurtures both togetherness and personal growth, which are evidently felt from our guests.

“I enjoy talking to the other ladies who come to Pilates and who come from diverse backgrounds and have a lot to offer through their experiences of life. We learn from one another.”

“We like a laugh, which helps a lot. I think I would definitely miss it if it wasn't there.”

Finally, sustainability is at the core of what we provide at The White House. SDG 3: Good Health and Well-Being focuses on ensuring healthy lives for people of all ages – physically, mentally and emotionally. This goal is intrinsically linked to sustainability, as improving health outcomes not only reduces the strain on healthcare systems but also addresses health inequalities, ensuring that vulnerable populations are not left behind. We encourage anybody and everybody to visit the retreat.

Well-being is essential for everyone to live productive and meaningful lives, and at White House Health and Wellbeing we believe an holistic approach to care extends into how we treat the environment. Our commitment to nurturing the health of our guests and staff reflects our broader dedication to sustainability, creating a space where both people and nature can thrive towards a more sustainable future, together.

“It's a special place to us and we always leave there with a new sense of well-being.”

A Word cloud showing the most frequent words used by clients to describe the White House Health & Well-being Retreat

Produced and written by Tomos Owen