Our Story
🌳 A Home That Welcomes All
The Oaks has always been more than a home — it’s a place of welcome. A refuge not just for friends and family, but for anyone in need of a safe haven. Over the years, we’ve had the privilege of opening our doors to extraordinary people from around the world — refugees from Afghanistan, the Congo, Gaza, Albania, Rwanda, and beyond.
Each guest brought with them stories of resilience, courage, and hope — and left behind a little bit of magic.
❤️ A Mission Rooted in Care
Our love for community goes beyond hospitality. We founded the Congenital Anaemia Network, a charity dedicated to supporting families living with rare congenital anaemias — raising both awareness and vital funds.
Every stay, every jar of honey, and every chocolate bonbon helps us continue this mission of compassion.
🌿 The Garden That Gathers Us
For years, our garden has been a place of celebration — a setting for joyful fundraising events, laughter-filled garden parties, and quiet moments of connection under the trees.
But as anyone living in Britain knows… the weather has its own agenda. After one too many soggy “just in case” tents, we began dreaming of something more magical. And weatherproof.
🛖 The Birth of the Treehouse
That dream took shape among the trees: a treehouse built not just as shelter, but as a sanctuary for imagination. Designed to host gatherings rain or shine, it soon became something far greater.
Tucked beneath the branches, it became a creative hideaway. We filled it with wonders—AI experiments, handmade props, and little touches of fantasy. It was a place where creativity could stretch its wings.
✨ An Unexpected Invitation
As friends and patients visited, they began asking if they could stay overnight. There was something about the snug charm, the rustle of leaves, and the sense of magic that made it feel like stepping into another world.
Their delight sparked an idea: what if we opened this treehouse to others, so more people could experience its magic?
🌟 When the Treehouse Went Viral
We applied for planning permission to offer it as a holiday rental—and then something unexpected happened. Word spread fast. Cedar Hollow, as it came to be known, caught the imagination of travelers near and far.
Today, every booking helps support the Congenital Anaemia Network, helping us continue our mission of care, compassion, and community. It’s more than a stay—it’s a way to make a difference.
🪄 Growing the Magic
The success of the treehouse lit a creative spark. Why stop there? We began to imagine new spaces—each one filled with wonder, storytelling, and immersive design.
And so The Faun’s Hideaway came to life, followed by The Beaver’s Den—each one crafted with love, creativity, and a little help from magic. From ancient beams salvaged from the church where C.S. Lewis is buried, to talking mirrors powered by AI, every detail pays homage to the worlds of imagination that shaped our childhoods.
🫶 A Space for Everyone
Whether welcoming refugees, families on medical journeys, or travellers seeking wonder, The Oaks has always been about connection. Each visitor brings their own story — and leaves with a little of the magic.
🕯️ Come Be Part of the Story
We’d love to welcome you too. To share in the stillness, the stories, the laughter, and the magic of Cedar Hollow at The Oaks.
Because here, the wardrobe is always ajar. And wonder is never far away.
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Please help support our charity
If you are a patient who suffers from a congenital anaemia or know someone who might enjoy staying at the treehouse, please fill out this form. We reserve one weekend per month for the use of patients.