It’s with a heavy heart that we share the following news from our trustees, 29th August 2025:

Earlier this week we met with Dave and Lizzie McLean, owners of Ballawattleworth House, together with David Shirtliff, Warden of Thie dy Vea, to review the first 5 years of the life and work of the house as it nears the end of its lease, at the close of this year.

Due entirely to the faithfulness, hard work and prayer of many staff and volunteers, it is clear that many lives have been touched, and we thank God for that.

However, Thie dy Vea has faced constant challenges to adequately staff, fund and utilise the house. Various efforts have been made on all these fronts, but the challenges remain. To continue in its current form is not good stewardship - neither is it fair to the present staff and volunteers. Therefore, Thie Dy Vea Retreat House will close on December 9th.

It would be lovely if it could continue in some way to be a place of healing and welcome.

Ballawattleworth House has successfully been many things over the years – a place of healing as a doctor’s surgery, a busy nursing home, a happy family home and, most recently, a Retreat House.

So - what now? Thie Dy Vea was born out of prayer - so the next chapter will also be shaped by prayer.

May Ballawattleworth continue to be a ‘House of Life’ in the next chapter of its story. Please watch the website towards the end of the year for any further news.

With heartfelt thanks for your support in so many ways.

Richard, Simon, Sheila and Philip

Trustees: Thie Dy Vea

During the next few months we will continue to operate as normal, until we close in December.