Our Story
Summer House Retreat
Rest. Relax. Restore. Rejuvenate. Retreat.
Retreats can be incredibly powerful experiences for both attendees and facilitators alike. They deserve a space as special as the individuals involved. When we consider why people embrace the retreat concept, it’s not surprising that the experience of deep rest, reflection and rejuvenation is only enhanced by a beautiful, luxurious surrounding and physical environment as well as a well-considered itinerary.
Summer House is a relaxed yet lavish retreat, featuring stunning interiors and expansive outdoor spaces just minutes from the fabled Bells Beach Ocean Reserve. Originally built as a small miner’s cottage in 1922, the homestead was transformed into a family home by a local surfer in the 1980s. Additional rooms were added to embrace the sweeping ocean views, and the house now sits quietly surrounded by nature.
In 2016, I stumbled upon its winding pathway and fell in love, instantly knowing this would be my next chapter. From that moment, the Summer House retreat journey began. The transformation unfolded slowly, as the space I had envisioned started to take shape and come to life. Today, it is a beautifully appointed sanctuary for escape, reflection, and transformation.
Hi I'm Debbie Fowler a life coach, retreat mentor and the founder, owner and creative spirit behind the Summer House Retreat, one of Australia’s leading retreat spaces.
My passion is working with, yoga teachers and wellness facilitators, life coaches and small business owners to add soulful, profitable and sustainable retreat offerings to their suite of services.
For more than a decade, I have curated and cultivated retreat experiences that align luxury with tranquillity, and holistic wellbeing with personal and professional growth. Its aligns with my values and beliefs and also my own journey of holistic healing.
When I'm not coaching facilitators in creating incredible retreats, you’ll often find me wandering in my edible garden planting seedling and spending time with my chooks, living a simple but meaningful life, taking beach walks, and spending quality time with my family.
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Deb’s business has been named as one of the leading Retreat Venues in Victoria and hosts approx 35-40 retreat annually with many return facilitators. Deb, a trained life coach is continually learning and growing with her business and additionally has completed an Intuitive Medicine course to allow her a deeper understanding into trauma and the body awareness and also continue her own journey with holistic health. Deb is constantly reviewing her service offering with her add on services, professional service providers including speakers, breath work persons, yoga and meditation persons, sound healers, nutritionists, chefs and caterers and her signature guided walks along the beautiful surfcoast.
The moment Deb spotted what would become Summer House Retreat she felt an immediate connection with the space. So much about the building resonated with her own journey, of falling down and the struggle to stand tall and shine again. It needed so much love and attention- and so did Deb! Over nine months, Deb and her husband Brett restored the house. The renovation also rebuilt Deb. The house transformed, and Deb did too.
Now others can experience transformation at Summer House Retreat, supported by Deb's extensive experience and expertise as well as her step-by-step Retreat Planning Guide that brings your retreat vision to light.