Q & A with Co-Founders Phil and Bernadette
We speak to Co-Founders of Solscape – Phil McCabe and Bernadette Gavin a bit about how Solscape has developed over the years and what is in store for the future.
How long have you been living in Raglan?
P: 22 years and 4 days
B: I grew up in Raglan, left when I was 17 to travel and came back for what I thought was going to be a brief visit when I was 28.
What inspired you to buy the Raglan Wagon Cabins and start Solscape?
P: We were in Byron Bay and I saw a place called The Arts Factory and even though I had zero money, within an hour I had figured out how I could buy it.. I just had to make it happen. I had been working away from Raglan and really wanted to stop doing that!
B: I have always wanted to have a place where people could come to be inspired and reconnect with nature. I searched the whole world for a suitable spot and wound up back in my home town!
What has been your favourite project in Solscape’s development?
P: Generally implementing the permaculture practices. But specifically the Tipi area was the funnest project because we were able to build a little village up there!
B: Setting up the yoga and massage aspect of what we offer.
Where did the name Solscape come from?
P: I think it was Bernadette who came up with the name. Just a play on words – in a physical sense we see the sun rising to setting – Sol meaning Sun and in a spiritual sense it’s also a hint/lean toward the landscape of the soul.
B: A blend of Sol as in the sun and Soul, and escape, seascape and landscape.
Is there anything you would have done differently along the way?
P: There are always things in retrospect that you could do differently but really you just add that learning to what you do next.
b: I agree with Phil.
What would you say has been the biggest learning curve for you?
P: Gaining a deeper understanding of how we as humans affect the environment and ways that we can reduce those affects.
B: That all good things take time!
What do you hope people get from a stay at Solscape?
P: I hope that people get what they need while they are with us. Whatever that might be I hope the space we provide allows for people to get filled up on what they need.
B: I hope that people get the time and space to reconnect with the natural world, themselves and also with others in a positive way. I feel its important for us all to revive, to rejuvenate. It not only has a huge impact on our own world but also has a ripple effect out to others and the whole planet.
Are there any big plans for the future?
P: Yea we’ll be moving on from Solscape soon … unsure of exactly what will be next but there is definitely no shortage of things to do.
B: Huge plans for the future – watch this space!
What is your best memory from Solscape over the past 14 years?
P: So many memories … It’s all been great, met so many wonderful people but for me the early years, while it was a lot of hard work and ridiculously long days the lasting impression from those years is overwhelmingly positive.
B: Yes, a lot of memories, a lot of amazing people. But, although Solscape finally feels like the place we envisioned in 2002, I tend to agree with Phil. Those early years, although very very hard – revamping the entire property with a little baby on my hip! – those were the days we were so amped up on what we wanted to achieve and so inspired to do it that are the most memorable. :-)
What a fabulous place Phil and Bernadette and their team have created, its a joy to visit and invite friends to whether it be a walk to the tipis or a yoga class or the mesmerizing. They have transformed and worked with nature to make it even more beautiful