The Ripple Retreat

Relax and Reflect

The Ripple Retreat is a place for families of young cancer patients in Scotland, where you can unwind during the most challenging of times, at home in our soothing natural surroundings.  

This oasis by the water offers families a calm, caring environment to escape the pressures they find themselves facing. It provides a chance to nurture both physical and mental well-being in a uniquely beautiful natural retreat away from the everyday realities of living with cancer.  

Our Dream

The Ripple Retreat is the realisation of Lynne and Ian’s dream to offer a soothing place of relaxation and support for young cancer patients and their families, recognising the powerful influence nature can have on our emotional and physical health. 

We know cancer affects more than just our bodies. It has a ripple effect on the happiness and well-being of patients and their families. The Ripple Retreat offers a chance to relieve that burden and enjoy the company of loved ones in this stunning location. .

Delivering On Our Dream

In planning the Ripple Retreat, it was important that our design was to complement the local natural surroundings, enhancing the atmosphere of relaxation while being sympathetic to the stunning location.

It was designed by architect Tony Kettle of Kettle Collective pro bono. He took his design from the wonderful local environment, creating the iconic imagery of the Ripple Retreat, a building inspired by the soft ripples of water on the loch and rolling hills that frame it. 

The visionary design was approved, and so the Ripple Retreat was born. Work began in September 2015, and the Ripple Retreat was officially opened on 12 May 2017 by Queen of Daytime TV, Lorraine Kelly, alongside Charity Patron, Grant Stott.

The Ripple Retreat Today

The Ripple Retreat is nestled within the gorgeous landscape of Loch Venachar in the Loch Lomond and Trossachs National Park. The waterside location reflects the rippling surface of the lake, with the rippled roof design sweeping beautifully from the edge of the waters to weave around our unique living space.

The space itself has been designed to offer a connected, shared area of calm relaxation, with a family-friendly environment that offers easy access for individuals of all abilities. Wide expanses of glass connect the interior of the house to the tranquil setting, while providing visibility to the available indoor and outdoor play areas.

The building roof is clad in a pigmento blue zinc, which captures the shifting beauty of the changing light, creating an amazing relationship between the building itself and the shifting ripples of the loch and open skies above.

Staying at the Retreat

Before enquiring about a stay at the Ripple Retreat, please read the information provided below.

The Ripple Retreat is set in a rural location along a single track road. Access to a vehicle is essential as there is no public transport along this route, and the nearest local amenities are 5km away in Callander. Young cancer patients (aged 0-18 years) who reside in Scotland and their immediate family can apply to stay. We can accommodate a maximum of five guests. and whilst we do not charge families, we do ask that you read and agree to our Terms and Conditions before applying.

You can book to stay at the Ripple Retreat for a maximum of four nights from 11am on a Saturday morning until 12 noon the following Wednesday. Our accommodation comprises of three bedrooms; a twin, a double, and a single. The retreat is fully accessible throughout, and includes a wet room with a wheelchair accessible sink in the single bedroom.

Thanks to the ongoing efforts of our fundraisers and supporters we aim to provide all the amenities you need for a calm, relaxing stay. Our kitchen includes a fridge, freezer, oven, microwave and dishwasher, with an induction hob and hot water Quooker tap. A height-adjustable unit with induction hob and sink has also been included to allow easy access for wheelchair users.

Eligibility for Staying at the Ripple Retreat

• Any young cancer patient aged 0-18 years old who resides in Scotland is eligible to stay at the Ripple Retreat with their parent(s) and sibling(s). Please note that we can accommodate up to a maximum of five guests. This includes babies and toddlers.

• The young cancer patient must either be undergoing treatment, or within one year after active treatment for cancer has ended.

• Families of young cancer patients up to 18 years of age who have passed away are eligible for a stay at the Ripple Retreat within one year of their bereavement.

• No pets are allowed.

• Smoking or vaping is not permitted at any time in the house, on the deck, or in the surrounding grounds.

• It is essential to have your own transport as the location is very remote. The Retreat is for immediate family only. Visitors are not permitted during your stay.

To make an enquiry about booking the Ripple Retreat, please get in touch. Availability for 2024 is now very limited, with all of the school holiday dates fully booked.

Special Thanks 

The list of those who have contributed to the success of the Ripple Retreat is truly outstanding, and it would be impossible to name them all. 

Special thanks to the generosity of David and Jean Ferguson, who so kindly donated the land on which the Ripple Retreat now stands, and of course our heartfelt thanks to Tony Kettle and the Kettle Collective for realising the vision and design to make the Ripple Retreat such a unique space for young cancer patients and their families.  

The Ripple Retreat has been a wonderful journey, and one which has been helped by some amazing people along the way. But the journey isn’t over, and we’re always eager to build new friendships to ensure its on-going success.

If you would like to help in any way, please get in touch today.