THE KNITTING HOTEL
The seaside destination dedicated to knitting fans
HOW DOES a long, lazy weekend of knitting, good company and delicious food sound? That’s what is on offer at The Knitting Hotel, the wonderful destination on the Devon coast. It’s the brainchild of Belinda Harris-Reid - knitting designer, yarn producer, and all-round woolly entrepreneur - who has been teaching workshops and organising knitting events for many years.
Belinda decided to set up the hotel to offer retreats where knitters could relax and enjoy their knitting in the company of like-minded people, as well as learn and share skills. Since spring 2018, she has been welcoming guests to Iona House, a villa next to the sea with views across Lyme Bay. “We have six knitting-themed bedrooms with spaces for up to eight guests,” says Belinda. “All our bedrooms are named after knitting techniques: TBL, KFB, PSSO, SSK, M1 and YO.”
Three-day retreats run from Thursday evening to Sunday, and visitors can either choose a ‘Getaway’ retreat - where they can devote time to their own knitting and relaxation - or a ‘Learnaway’ weekend, with dedicated workshops on the Saturday. These are run by Belinda with assistance from Brenda Watson, a knitting expert who has worked as a sample knitter for a long list of designers, as well as Rowan, Wendy and Stylecraft.
All guests receive a goody bag, containing a knitting project, Belinda’s luxurious yarn, and special needles; they’ll also enjoy home-cooked breakfasts and lunches. Belinda invites designers, yarn producers, spinners, hand-dyers and crochet experts to host workshops at the hotel. These have included Sue Blacker, owner of Blacker Yarns, lace designer Anniken Allis, and knitting experts Claire Crompton and Alison Crowther-Smith.
Retreat dates and availability for 2019 and 2020 are listed on the hotel’s website - but be warned, they sell out fast!
So, what is it like staying in a hotel dedicated to knitting? We asked four guests about their experiences. I so enjoyed last weekend, can’t believe it was a week ago! The whole concept works perfectly; from the tea and biccies in the rooms with fluffy towels, to the wonderful food, to the comfy chairs and accessibility to the sea. The teaching was excellent and, although challenging, allowed everyone to achieve at their own pace (with Belinda’s and Brenda’s infinite patience).
“I can think of no better holiday than a long knitting weekend at The Knitting Hotel. I have been lucky enough to attend three weekends there. What a joyful experience each time! Belinda and Alan are gracious hosts as they invite us into their home; knitters of all ages, abilities, shapes and experiences. The major delight of the weekend, obviously, is learning a new skill under specialist instruction with Belinda and Brenda’s support.
“However, for me, an unspoken benefit is spending quality time with enthusiastic knitters from all walks of life. The sharing of life stories and the building of new friendships are at the heart of ‘living in’ and to many, those informal chats, whilst knitting, late into the night, gave a new perspective on life. The fact that all this happens in beautifully appointed accommodation with excellent food provided by Nicola, makes this, for me, a perfect holiday!” LYDIA TAPLEY “You are never too old for a learning experience, particularly if it is in the lovely Knitting Hotel overlooking the sea in Dawlish. It is a most welcoming family home, but also a fascinating place in itself. Knitting is the theme and, after three visits, I still find a feast for my eyes everywhere. I find myself going upstairs for something but keep stopping to admire some new feature: the sheep holding skeins of wonderful wool, the knitted or crocheted curtains and flowers decorating the hall and diningroom, the bathroom with walls papered with vintage knitting patterns.
“Belinda and Brenda have endless patience and good humour with the varied members of the group gathered for the weekend, all learning from each other and making new friendships. To lie in bed, looking at the sea, eating gourmet food in the terrace dining-room and accomplishing something new – it doesn’t get much better than that.” EUNICE PAUL (Note from Belinda: “At 96 years old, Eunice is our most mature guest so far, and our cardboard sheep is named in her honour - Ewe-nice.”) “A visit to The Knitting Hotel is a wonderful experience, whether you are going to a Getaway weekend or one which includes a workshop with excellent tutors. I love my morning walk by the sea before breakfast, summer and winter. There is something for every knitter and crocheter, no matter what your level of expertise. If you need it, Belinda, Brenda, the tutor or someone else in the group will be there to help. My favourite thing is all the lovely people you meet, who share their passion for their craft.” ELAINE ORCHARD