Our Special Offer
We offer exclusive week long retreats focusing on traditional European herbalism, including veterinary herbalism, which feature traditional lavender distillation experiences using our own homegrown lavender. Retreats include classes in herbal energetics, foundations of herbalism, veterinary herbalism, TCM, medicine making and spagyrics. Combining class and interesting field trips with hands-on experience in distilling essential oil, creating salves and lotions using our self-produced olive oil, as well as creative workshops centering around the combination of plants and art. These experiences provide herbalists and interested lay persons with authentic, hands-on learning opportunities in the very landscapes where these herbal and aromatic traditions originated and continue to thrive today.
Our hosted retreats include all classes, field trips, accommodations and food at the house. On some field trips we will be dining out of house, in these cases students will be required to pay for their own meal.
Retreat dates for 2026
May 9-17 – Herbal retreat in German language
June 6-14 – Herbal retreat in English language
Sept. 5-13 – Herbal retreat in English language
Full itinerary and booking will be available in October
The House Herbalist – Swanie Simon
“My own herbal journey began much like many of yours: with a book. In 1985, I was given Juliette de Bairacli Levy’s The Herbal Handbook for the Dog. At the time, my main interest was pet nutrition, but Juliette’s writings sparked what became a lifelong passion for herbal medicine. Over the years, she grew to be both a mentor and a dear friend, spending many seasons at my farm in Germany’s High Forest.”
“Like Juliette, I felt disheartened by the rise in chronic health problems in pets and by how little conventional veterinary medicine seemed able to do for them. I was also troubled by the damage caused by heavily processed commercial diets. This inspired me to dedicate myself to learning everything I could about nutrition and natural therapies for animals.
In those pre-internet days, access to education in animal herbalism was limited. Most structured programs were reserved for veterinarians, so becoming a traditional animal herbalist meant teaching myself. I took extensive courses in human herbalism and holistic healing and developed the skills to translate that knowledge into the animal world. After returning to Europe in 1991, I trained as a certified Tierheilpraktiker (animal naturopath) in Germany and deepened my studies with teachers such as Matthew Wood, Michael Moore, Rosemary Gladstar, Rosalee de la Forêt, 7Song, Michael Tierra, Giovanni Maciocia, Jim McDonald, Cathy Skipper and of course, Juliette de Bairacli Levy herself.”
“I have now been working with dogs and cats holistically for more than 35 years. Since 2004 I’ve been teaching seminars, and in 2014 I began offering online classes in Germany. Beginning in January 2026, my online courses will also be available in English. They are designed for dedicated pet owners as well as for those pursuing a path as an animal herbalist or naturopath. Some courses also explore herbs and holistic care for both animals and their people.”
A note about language
“I’m often asked why I speak English so fluently. The answer is simple: I was born in Bremen in 1962, but my family moved to New York when I was one year old. I lived in the United States until my early thirties, so most of my schooling was in English. For the past three decades, I’ve made my home in Germany and France. Today, I divide my time between my farm in Saarland and my house in Provence, in the village of Les Taillades, where I live surrounded by my animals and the landscapes that continue to inspire my work.”
You can find a list with some of my qualifications here >>
Les Chiens
No retreat at the house would be complete without meeting Swanie’s beloved dogs, who are always by her side and very much part of the family.
Tessa, the eldest and affectionately known as “The Boss of Everything,” keeps a watchful eye on all activities. A rescue from Crete, she survived a serious accident before coming to Germany, and at nearly 16 years old, she still rules with quiet authority.
Poupette, “the Princess,” also from Crete, takes her time before granting newcomers her approval. Should she decide you’re worthy, consider it a rare and noble honor.
Huckleberry, or “Mr. Happy,” is the cheerful pool manager. This big-hearted Golden Retriever loves everyone and firmly believes retreats are best held in the water.
Finally, Peter Simon, herbalist, self-declared most important family member, and convinced of his own striking good looks. Petey is a social butterfly, known to wake guests in the morning and occasionally “borrow” unattended belongings. If something goes missing, he’s your prime suspect.
