Andy Bearpark’s Featherston retreat is ready after several setbacks. PHOTO/FILE
HAYLEY GASTMEIER
Andy Bearpark’s tranquil Featherston retreat is on hold until he can find the right person to steer the ship.
The former chief of staff to British Prime Minister Margaret Thatcher had plans to open a yoga hideaway at his Renall St property in 2016.
However, his dream was put on hold when a fire ripped through and destroyed the newly renovated house.
Not long after, Mr Bearpark was set back again when he suffered a stroke.
Following on from his recovery, he forged ahead in 2017, rebuilding and redecorating his home.
Now he is on the hunt for the right person to manage the retreat.
“Since the stroke I just don’t seem to have the energy to get things done myself,” Mr Bearpark said.
“I’m happy moseying along meditating and that, but I need someone with a bit more energy than me.”
He said the ideal person would be passionate.
“They can take the profit, I don’t have a problem with that — they can make a real go of it.
“I’ll provide the facilities, and they can run the courses and do whatever they want to do.”
As soon as he found the ideal candidate, the retreat could open its doors.
The property had been decked out to offer day courses in yoga, meditation, and a purpose-built kitchen meant Ayurvedic cooking could be explored.
When Mr Bearpark moved to South Wairarapa a few years ago, he adopted a lifestyle worlds removed from his previous life as a highflying British public servant.
In August 2016, weeks after the blaze, Mr Bearpark launched a self-published memoir.
It covered off how he was once responsible for a budget of $18.6 billion, and included stories from his time in Zimbabwe, Kosovo and Iraq.
To my long lost friend, Andy, elated to see you have found your true calling and path, wishing you a beautiful and peaceful journey. Everything is as it is intended to be. Nameste Dear Friend.
Jacci
I wish you all the best with finding the right person that will be just as passionate as you are Mr Bearpark.29 Renall street was my home I grew up in for many years&you have picked the right place for this retreat&wish you a awesome magical Journey.
What a wonderful story. I used to see Mr Bearpark walking his dogs every morning when we drove to Wellington and used to wonder who he was; mystery solved.