At Gathered Living, we’re always inspired by stories of spaces that blend personal vision, creativity, and a deep sense of belonging. Bonington Farm is one of those very special places a beautiful, ever-evolving retreat that has truly captured the hearts of many. We recently sat down with Sonya, one half of the creative duo behind the farm, to hear about the vision she and Raffaele have for this remarkable retreat. From its humble beginnings to what’s next on the horizon, their journey is one of passion, dedication, and community.

We proudly hosted our last gathering at Bonington Farm on Saturday, 26th April - Gathering Roots: Spring at Bonington Farm. It was a chance to immerse ourselves in the charm and creativity that make this space so unique.

Read on to learn more about their journey and what makes Bonington Farm truly one-of-a-kind.

It all started when we went to view the farm, which was being sold by one of our landlords from our student property business, Loc8me. We arrived to find a completely derelict site. Raff was immediately excited and saw potential in what was a rough patch of land full of old cars and overgrown grass. He shared his vision of turning it into a 10-year project (although, it’s taken 6 years so far!). At the time, I couldn't see past the mess, but Raff had a deep belief that it would be our family home and a place we could share with others.

By the end of this year, we’re hoping to complete the pool house, which has been in the works for a while. We’d love to collaborate with creative individuals who have inspiring ideas. We’re also thinking about hosting more retreats, expanding the farm’s purpose as a place of both relaxation and community.

It’s hard to choose, but the favourite space has to be Freya’s farmhouse — it was our first home together as a family, and it’s where we brought our daughter home for the first time. We also adore the main barn; it’s become a gathering space, filled with laughter and memories shared with friends.

The interiors at Bonington Farm are a true reflection of our love for character and history. Raff designed both the farmhouse and Molly’s space, making sure nearly everything was repurposed or reclaimed. We even used old flooring from a local school hall as the flooring in the main barn’s bedrooms. We love exploring reclamation yards and antique fairs to find pieces with history and personality, which we can bring back to life.

We’d love for Bonington Farm to be known for its spirit of creativity, community, and authenticity. It’s not just a retreat; it’s a place where people can slow down, connect, and be inspired.

The most fulfilling part of running Bonington Farm is definitely meeting people and sharing our space with friends and guests. It’s about building connections, whether it’s through a retreat, a shared meal, or just time spent in nature.

Raff is incredibly creative and has channeled that energy into several other ventures, including The Neighbourhood, Public and Plants, and Peter’s Pizzas. While Raff is the one leading the creative charge, I’m the one behind the scenes, ensuring everything runs smoothly.