People of Beden

The first settlers of Beden, Lily and Leo moved here over ten years ago to escape city life and create a safe and magical environment where children can run and play free.

Leo (founder of Eat Work Art) and Lily (founder of The Well Garden and Tiny Wilds) welcomed their son Tor in 2017 and Spring, their daughter in late 2022. Tor is a rock digging woodland nymph and Spring is a tutu wearing fairy!

Sas is a sister of Beden and an early Beden settler. The worldliest, most adventurous soul, Sas has spent much of her life travelling and exploring new cultures and cuisines. A raw food specialist, master crocheter and life coach, Sas has many different strings to her bow.

Dave joined her after a couple of years and they are now a central part of Beden. Dave, an IT specialist, threw in the towel on a long career at the Met Office and together, they are now pursuing their dream business of creating trekking retreats abroad.

Josh is a training osteopath and Reebs works on social change in Plymouth and is also training to be a psychotherapist. Along with their daughter, Oak (almost 6), they moved to Beden to find the perfect balance of private space and shared community experience. Beden is also at the heart of a whole valley, because of the wonderful Mighty Wilds school (which Oak goes to). The threeesome recently welcomed their new addition, baby Ember into the fold, born at home in Gees.

They love living at Gees Cottage at the bottom of Pew Tor, which is where the king of the pixies is said to live! In just a short walk down their drive, they suddenly then find themselves in a valley of ancient woodland, which is pretty special !

They love going for walks, having a sauna, cold water plunge, visiting the local standing stones, cooking and eat together with friends, dancing, and going to bed early!

Originally from Germany (via France, Costa Rica and Edinburgh!) Tara, Reiner and their lovely children have settled in the enchanted valley of Holetown farm.

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Holly is Lily’s assistant. She keeps things running smoothly and makes sure the well oiled machine, including the school, teachers, land keepers, gardeners, residents and maintenance staff are all looked after and supported.

Kate is Beden Manager and Leo’s assistant. Kate is the go-to woman for all things Beden staff and processes. Streamlining and efficiency are her superpowers. She remains totally un-phased on the busiest of days and is a pillar of stability.

Amber initially joined as a Tiny Wilds leader but now supports Kate as Beden Manager Assistant and Nanny to Tor and Spring. When not on admin or child duty, Amber loves attending wacky and wild festivals in snow or sunshine and playing reggae on her decks.

Keeper of the houses and animals, de-cluttering mastermind, we would be lost without Laura. Always smiling, always positive and laughing, Laura is the glue that holds the main house (and its occupiers and those who step through it) together.

Becka is a cleaning superwhizz and works alongside Laura to keep the Beden residence looking spick and span.

Ingenious Wood Wizard, Keith is a master carpenter, fixer upper-er and man of many talents. He has conjured and created a lot of the amazing interiors you will find in the Beden homes and also great at fixing things!

Nick is our land manager and without his knowledge and expertise on livestock and the land, we wouldn’t be able to do the amazing things we’re doing. Like produce goats milk and re-wild the amazing insect and flora we are.

Gavin is our Head Gardener. A passionate Horticulturist, his experience spans over 25 years across botanical and estate gardening from Edinburgh to Cornwall. Gavin is responsible for maintaining and cultivating the land at Beden, including growing our organic fruit and vegetables and floral cutting gardens.

James is our kilt wear Scottish Goliath. You’ll see him casually carrying fence poles around like matchsticks and wearing short sleeves in blizzards.