The Lounge and Library
Guests or retreatants staying at Launde Abbey, whether for the day or overnight, share use of the Lounge (or Sitting Room) and the Library. There are plenty of comfy chairs to sit and read or gaze out of the window, and a table or two at which you can write (or if you want to guarantee undisturbed space to write, then you might like to book a Shepherd’s Hut). There are also one or two other places to sit, tucked under the stairs or above the Chapel. Many regular guests have their favourite spot.
The Oak Room and Drawing Room
The Oak Room is a splendid oak-panelled room with a bay window. This is sometimes reserved for the use of a group or a Launde Programme retreat, but if not, then personal retreatants can also enjoy its ambience and its sofas.
The Drawing Room, with the other bay window looking out into the park, is also used by groups and you can find it set up as an art room, a board room or for a more informal gathering. This room has a screen and hybrid conference technology installed.
The Gallery
The Gallery, with its impressive Tudor fireplace, used to be the kitchen of the manor house. It is another communal space, open to all, and today it’s the place to go for hot drinks, the bar, the bookshop and to sit with friends around the large refectory table.
The Dining Room
You might also cross paths with other guests in the Dining Room. This is usually laid out so that each group has its own table, and personal retreatants their own space. On one side it opens into the gardens and on the other, its servery is the old brewery opening on to the courtyard outside Reception. On the other side of the courtyard is the Dairy Tea Room, a café open both to resident guests and to anyone who drops by.
The Chapel
Our ancient Chapel is down a flight of stairs as the building level changes, though there is a lift if you need it. We keep the corridor above the Chapel and the Chapel itself as silent areas so that those looking for peace and quiet can find it there. The little Augustine Chapel or Prayer Room in the old cellars opposite to the main Chapel is also open to anyone looking for a quiet spot.
Reception
The Reception area contains a shop with a selection of cards and gifts, as well as essentials that you might have forgotten. Some items are unique to Launde Abbey and might remind you of your stay, or could be a gift for a friend.
Upstairs
Both the oak staircase, and the ‘back stairs’ near Reception lead you to two floors of bedrooms. On the first floor are mainly larger bedrooms for the family and their guests in the heyday of the manor house, and on the second floor are mainly simpler rooms in the eaves on what would have been the servants’ floor.
