Welsh singer Charlotte Church has poured more than half a million pounds of her own money into keeping her holistic retreat afloat, as the venture faces debts exceeding £800,000. The star is now turning to her social media followers, inviting them to join a new online course in a bid to sustain the project.
A Retreat Built on Vision and Financial Strain
Located in the quiet Powys village of Cwmdauddwr, The Dreaming at Rhydoldog House spans 40 acres and was launched by Church after she purchased the property in 2021. The retreat offers various alternative spiritual experiences, including sessions on witchcraft personally overseen by Church herself.
However, the idyllic venture is facing significant financial challenges. According to the latest accounts filed at Companies House, The Dreaming Ltd is now £811,626 in debt, a rise from £707,550 in 2024. To support the business, two firms connected to Church have injected £610,149, with Charlotte Church Ltd owed £516,563 and Chick Flicks Ltd £93,586.
The Dreaming of the Earth: A New Digital Sanctuary
In a move to engage a wider audience and generate income, Church, 39, has promoted a new online offering called 'The Dreaming of the Earth'. Described as an 'eight chapter, land led' course, it is being advertised on the retreat's official Instagram page.
"Across these chapters, you are invited into a slower, softer rhythm of being," Church told her followers. She promises each session will include "ritual, imagination, and intimate practice with me, Charlotte Church." The course aims to help participants "reconnect, and belong" through practices like tending to elements, intentional walking, and hand-making.
The course operates on a tiered pricing model designed for accessibility:
- £90 'Supported Access': For those facing financial strain, caring responsibilities, or illness.
- £150 'Sustainable Price': For the generally financially stable.
- £220 'Pay It Forward': For those who are financially comfortable and wish to support others.
Financial Backing and a Downsized Lifestyle
Despite the retreat's debts, Church's personal finances appear robust. Accounts for Charlotte Church Ltd show reserves of £3,099,848. This follows her comments last year that she was "not a millionaire anymore" after downsizing from a mansion to a semi-detached house, having reportedly earned up to £25 million during her peak singing career.
The retreat itself, a £1.5 million mansion bought with her husband Jonathan Powell, was converted to host up to 16 guests. Its journey has not been smooth, facing building problems and planning battles. Church has also relied on volunteers, offering accommodation and food in exchange for gardening and maintenance work, appealing to those "feeling a call to the land."
Charlotte Church's determination to make The Dreaming a success is clear, blending her personal spiritual advocacy with a pragmatic, if costly, business strategy. The launch of the online course marks a pivotal attempt to create a sustainable revenue stream for her Welsh wellness vision.
