The Retreat is one of the earliest mental healthcare facilities remaining in its original use. It was established in 1792 by the Tuke family as a reaction to the mistreatment of patients at York’s public 'asylum'. The grounds associated with the Retreat are particularly important for their pioneering role in the therapeutic treatment of the mentally ill and influence upon future health care.

The Retreat and grounds are now entering a new era in their evolution. As the NHS and health care move off the site, the Retreat is set to become a new community of high quality apartments and houses. The grounds, like the buildings, have grown, changed and evolved over the years and we are excited to be working with our clients PJ Livesey to ensure the grounds are restored and re-imagined in a sensitive way that preserves the original ethos of a productive landscape that benefits the health and well-being of those who live at the Retreat.