This week marked the beginning of Neptune’s 30th anniversary celebrations – a moment not only to gather, but to pause and reflect. Because it’s only when looking back that you can truly appreciate the journey to get there.
As Neptune celebrates 30 years of making houses into homes, we invited journalists and friends to the Neptune Retreat at Kin House, a beautiful Georgian manor set in the Wiltshire countryside. With sunshine overhead and tulips in full bloom, the setting felt perfect for the occasion. The timeless nature of Neptune’s designs meant that our furniture and accessories seamlessly integrated into the stylish spaces of Kin House, designed by leading interior designers Barlow & Barlow, creating a welcoming backdrop for our guests.
During the Retreat we hosted two days of immersive activities and thoughtful discussions, to share the values that have shaped Neptune over three decades, while looking forward to what’s next.
In the light-filled garden room, guests enjoyed a talk between leading interior editor Suzanne Imre, Neptune co-founder John Sims-Hilditch, design director Fred Horlock and design service lead Lulu Keyzar, discussing the delicate balance and creative tension between enduring design and fresh innovation. Discussions flowed between Neptune’s philosophy on creating forever homes and resisting flash trends, to how the rise in ‘soft’ decorated kitchens has turned them into more emotional spaces at the heart of the home.
Between moments of conversation, there was time to slow down. Guests wandered through the gardens and terraces, reconnected with nature, and took part in making their own medicinal balms using locally foraged plants. As evening fell, the day gave way to a relaxed dinner. Tables were laid with our new thistle-printed Sylvie tablecloth, Callington hand-painted plates and scalloped Sennen bowls, ready to enjoy a delicious seasonal meal. A speech from John reflected on Neptune’s beginnings, from a simple hammock idea to a business built with purpose, creating designs made to be loved for generations.
The second day started with a restorative sound bath, before guests travelled to the nearby Wiltshire home of John and Emma Sims-Hilditch for an exciting preview of our next innovative launch. While visiting, guests enjoyed a guided tour by John and Emma and were welcomed into the kitchen where Neptune’s interiors story essentially started. Following the success of Neptune’s garden furniture pieces, John shared how, in 2007, a search for a well-crafted kitchen at an affordable price led him to design his own freestanding cabinets – the foundations of which became the Chichester collection – and are still in situ and looking as good as ever, nearly 20 years later.
The retreat closed with a final meal served in the garden loggia. A fitting end to a gathering rooted in reflection, connection and gratitude.
