A CLUSTER of 14th-century thatched barns primarily used for hosting wedding ceremonies and events have been transformed into workspaces.

The Tythe Barn in Launton, near Bicester, has unveiled its plans to become a workplace environment with an emphasis on physical and mental wellbeing.

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Surrounded by Oxfordshire countryside, the concept dubbed Tythe Works is set to launch on Thursday, December 3 and aims to attract those seeking a Covid-safe workspace away from home as well as from the ‘usual day in the office’.

On site are three dedicated converted barns to work in with flexibility allowing them to be adapted to suit individuals, meetings, small group lunches or socially distanced conferences.

Emma Deeley director of The Tythe Barn said Tythe Works was an idea that came to light before the pandemic, but that by launching it now, it will help keep the barn going as it has had to postpone weddings.

She said: “Tythe Works was something we had discussed previously, before Covid-19. This year and the onset of the pandemic and the consequences on the wedding industry has provided us with the opportunity to drive our idea forwards and launch.

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“Of course, the pandemic has had a huge impact on life at The Tythe Barn, with more than 70 weddings from 2020 being postponed into a busy 2021. We knew our idea could sustain the barn going forwards and Tythe Works is the result of a need to adapt to the ever-changing environment we find ourselves in.

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“It has allowed The Tythe Barn to explore opportunity to diversify a business model that has, up until now, been primarily a wedding venue. It’s an exciting time for us, dipping our toes in to a completely new field.”

To use the barn offices, people must sign up to one of four membership packages where different levels have different perks such as priority booking for workshops, wellbeing classes and events.

They allow you to drop in up to four days per month or secure a desk more long-term.

There are also plans to set up a busy calendar of talks, workshops and various networking events which members will be able to take advantage of and it is hoped wellbeing classes in the dedicated studio space will be introduced – with quieter areas of the barn kitted out for members to sit, meditate and lounge throughout the day, complete with mats, yoga pillows and eye masks.

Ms Deeley added: “Tythe Works is at the heart of the family farm and we as owners have a history deeply rooted in the health and fitness industry. This combination offers, not surprisingly, a rather unique concept in the world of co-working where the daily office grind can be rejuvenated by the opportunities for time outdoors.

“It’s not often that you step outside the office or away from the desk and walk straight into the open fields of the Oxfordshire countryside- with the added bonus of a flock of sheep as your backdrop.

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“Tythe Works recognises this is a huge point of difference and will focus on offering dog walks, trails over the farm and even pack a picnic for your lunchtime reset. We’re also looking to launch our weekly pizza nights on December 10 – another way for our gusts to switch off after a busy day at their desks.”

There are numerous tucked away spots around the gardens offering a place to take time out, breathe, make a call or grab lunch.

Tythe Works has found a way for its members to do some exercise while embracing the outdoors, with various levels of walking routes called ‘Tythe Trails’ mapped out around the surrounding family-run farm and adjacent fields.

The site also has a cafe and bar for people to 'wind down' at and there are plans for a wood-fired pizza night with cocktails every Thursday.

For more information go to www.thetythebarn.co.uk.