New extended 3-night stay!
Step into a playful watercolour adventure with artist Shari Arnott for an extended residential stay, where paint flows freely and happy accidents are very much encouraged.
This joyful journey will explore the magic of wet-into-wet techniques, expressive mark making, and the beauty of letting colour mingle and bloom on the page.
Drawing inspiration from nature’s ever-changing shapes and seasonal colours, you’ll experiment, loosen up, and discover fresh ways of seeing and painting the world around you. Expect splashes, soft edges, unexpected textures, and plenty of creative surprises along the way.
This course is open to all levels — whether you’re a confident watercolourist looking to play and push your practice, or completely new and keen to dive in. Come curious, leave inspired, and enjoy the process as much as the results.
Set in the peaceful Somerset countryside near Wincanton, Holbrook Manor is a graceful Georgian house combining heritage, comfort, and tranquillity. Its elegant architecture and landscaped gardens create a calm, inspiring setting, while cosy bedrooms and freshly prepared home-cooked meals ensure a relaxing stay. Guests can also enjoy complimentary use of the indoor pool, spa bath, sauna, and steam room.
With its serene atmosphere and warm hospitality, Holbrook Manor is the perfect place to learn, connect, and unwind.
The course runs from dinner on the first day (13th July) until lunch on the last day (16th July)
(Don’t forget to check out the materials list of a few things that Shari requests you bring along - Just scroll to the bottom of this page and click where it says ‘What To Bring’ to see the full list)
Prices (per-person)
Residential (Single Occupancy - En-suite): £890
Residential (Shared Occupancy - En-suite): £690
Non-resident: £340
For a full course description, including details on the tutor, venue, accommodation (where applicable) and more, visit our full listings page by clicking here.
-
Shari Arnott has been a practicing artist and watercolour tutor for over twenty five years, originally working for the WEA (Workers Educational Association) and a variety of adult education providers. This included many happy years running residential watercolour breaks at Dillington House in Somerset. Although she also works in ceramics, watercolour is her passion.
Click here to find out more about Shari and her other available courses
-
Nestled in the Somerset countryside near Wincanton, Holbrook Manor is a charming Georgian house offering comfort, calm, and character — ideal for residential courses and retreats. With elegant rooms, home-cooked meals, and access to the indoor pool, spa bath, sauna, and steam room, it’s the perfect place to learn, relax, and recharge.
The venue has plenty of free parking, accessible course rooms and some accessible bedrooms. There are also a few bedrooms which are dog friendly.
-
You can book either as a resident or as a non-resident student for this course.
RESIDENT (Single occupancy)
Each booking includes one place on the course plus bed, breakfast, lunch, dinner and refreshments at break times (tea/coffee etc.) for the duration of the course.RESIDENT (Shared occupancy) [Double or Twin]*
Each booking includes one place on the course plus bed, breakfast, lunch, dinner and refreshments at break times (tea/coffee etc.) for the duration of the course.*Rooms are for 2 people sharing only. Each guest staying must book one of these tickets.
NON-RESIDENT
Includes one place on the course plus lunch and refreshments at break times (tea/coffee etc.) for the duration of the course.
If, as a non-resident student, you wish to join the group for breakfast or dinner on any of the days then this can be arranged and charged separately. Simply send a request, no later than 2 weeks before the course start date, to info@neighbourhoodlearning.com -
Holbrook Manor has 15 enchanting and spacious bedrooms in the manor along with 5 garden rooms with private terraces located within our stunning grounds.
All rooms are en-suite and come with towels included.
The garden rooms are located on the ground floor and suitable for those with access needs. They are also dog friendly.
Rooms are allocated on a first come, first served basis. We will of course always try to accommodate requests where possible!
Check in is from 15:00 on the day of arrival
-
Please note: The following timings are just for guidance. Confirmed timings will be released to students nearer the course start date.
DAY ONE
The tutor will meet you at dinner in the evening and there will be some time to get to know everyone.
Plus you are welcome to set up some materials and equipment in the studio should you wish.DAY TWO
The second day will begin from 09:30 and run with lunch and refreshment breaks until 16:30DAY THREE
The third day will begin from 09:30 and run with lunch and refreshment breaks until 16:30DAY FOUR
Our final day will run though from 09:30 until 13:00, at which point the course will finish with lunch. -
There are a few things to bring with you when attending...
Click here to download the materials list you will need for the course
