There are few meetings venues where, in the silence between presentations or debate, you can hear the sound of water lapping the shores of a neighbouring lake, but that’s certainly the case with Sheepdrove’s new Boathouse.

Due to open in September 2008, the Boathouse is situated on the edge of a lake, surrounded by woodland three quarters of a mile away from the main Sheepdrove Eco Conference Centre in Berkshire. The timber-framed building is ideal for board or private meetings, teambuilding or training sessions, according to the venue, and is suitable for groups of up to 15 people.




Room with a view: Sheepdrove's new lakeside Boathouse

Delegates can walk to the building through fields and woodland, or hop aboard on of the Sheepdrove Organic Farm’s vehicles. Refreshments and lunches, using fresh, seasonal organic produce from the farm, will be available and delegates can eat inside or use the outdoor seating and barbecue area. There is even a fishing pontoon just outside the main door (although catching your own lunch is discouraged).

“We are constantly looking for new ways to create unusual, creative meeting spaces,” said Sheepdrove Eco Conference Centre manger Russell Downing. “The Rooks’ Nest, with its starry ceiling and sheepskin beanbags, is enormously popular and we expect this newest addition to our meeting rooms to be even better received.”