Crogen Estate was perfect for our recent leadership team away-day. We needed a space that could facilitate our corporate and strategic planning sessions, but also somewhere we could genuinely relax and do some fun team-building, both indoors and out in the amazing grounds. Crogen absolutely delivered on both fronts.
We’ve all been on those ‘away-days’ where you leave the office, but your brain stays stuck at your desk. What made Crogen different was its tranquility and the complete absence of any corporate feel. It allowed everyone to truly switch off, shed their usual work stresses, and really be themselves. That’s why it was such a worthwhile day – everyone felt comfortable enough to ‘bring their authentic selves’ to the discussions.
Crogen genuinely stands out from any other venue we’ve used. It is not a hotel, so there are none of those generic conference rooms, machine coffee, and predictable sandwich lunches. Crogen has so much character and charm, and Sarah Robertson’s warmth and the fact that she’s welcoming you into her family home (not to mention her fantastic homemade lunch and refreshments!) instantly make you feel at ease.
From the moment we first got in touch, Sarah could not have been more helpful. She instantly understood our brief, was prompt and reliable with all her communication, and basically made the whole thing run without a hitch. She worked closely with me and our facilitators to fine-tune the schedule beforehand, and responded instantly to any changes we made during the day.
We left feeling refreshed and invigorated, and determined to return. Crogen isn’t just a venue; it felt like a home away from home that helped us connect and think better as a team.”
Dafydd Bowen, Director of People and Places, Mentera
Crogen near Bala North Wales was the venue for the first ever Claire House fundraising away day. With a packed agenda and emotional and personal subjects to discuss, I was very aware the team would need to feel relaxed in their surroundings whilst also remaining focussed and able to think coherently. Crogen was perfect: set in a beautiful garden with a rolling lawn in an idyllic setting on the banks of the River Dee, it is a truly beautiful place with a charm of its own.
The team at Crogen were efficient, keen to help and provided the most fabulous food and refreshments throughout the day – followed by a barbeque in the evening on the banks of the River Dee. Nothing was too much trouble. I wouldn’t hesitate to recommend Crogen for either a business or personal event. It is a unique and quite special place and one we will definitely revisit.
Claire House
“Your tremendous hard work and cool head over the 2 days was a very great asset and helped ensure that the really rather complex event ran smoothly…No change was too difficult, no request too much – what more could we ask for.”
Swift Horsman
‘Holding our week-long residential training course at Crogen more than met our expectations. We were looked after so well, and our hosts, the Robertsons, were warm, friendly and welcoming – nothing was too much trouble. They went out of their way to ensure that everything went smoothly and that we had an unforgettable week. We were able to tailor the stay to suit our requirements, and last minute changes were incorporated brilliantly by our hosts – thank you for being so flexible! What a fabulous venue! We held our training in the dining hall with incredibly beautiful views over the estate. There was so much to do; orienteering, kayaking, swimming, walks…. but after the training each day we were simply happy to relax in the lovely setting of the estate and enjoy the excellent meals provided and barbeques on the riverbank. Crogen had everything that we had hoped for and more, and we are already making arrangements for our next visit!’
Peaceworks – Mediation
Thank you for hosting our 2-day visit to Crogen. It was such a pleasure working with your flexible, can-do and pro-active team in the planning of this diverse and important ‘retreat’, and then to have constant, un-fussy attention throughout over stay with a seamless and supportive service. The setting of your beautiful home is breathtaking, and this really added to our ability to ‘get away’ and leave behind our literal and metaphorical baggage. Crogen is luxurious and splendid – but also comfortable, easy-going and very much a home-from-home. Nothing was too much trouble and this meant we could focus on our highly-ambitious agenda in the knowledge that room layouts, break-out areas, meals, accommodation and refreshments were all admirably covered by your team. To be able to hold: a workshop, a drinks reception, a board meeting, an AGM, a supper party and all meals, including a working breakfast, in one place within 24 hours must have been a challenge, but you were totally un-phased by this, and even managed to provide delicious, home-made, food to suit some quirky and difficult specifications. Our Board and Team retreat achieved a wide range of results over our 24 hours with you – because of the setting, the accommodation and service, and the sheer fun and energy of your fabulous estate. Thank you.