Why haven't I done this sooner?

Nearly every visitor says this after their first visit...

At The Residence, we believe that a workspace is more than just a place to work—it’s a community where ideas flourish, connections grow, and success is shared.

Meet Kelly. Kelly used to be known as Billy, Billy no mates.

Kelly worked from home for years and enjoyed her own company – for a while.

But she became lonely, isolated and had no-one to discuss the latest Netflix binge watch with or celebrate winning a new client.

Kelly was fed-up.

Then she heard about a ‘Free-trial’ day at The Residence.

‘Why haven’t I done this sooner?’ Kelly asked herself.

Kelly started with a hot desk, went to flexi five and now comes every day with her own desk, posh chair and all the plants.

Kelly loves having mates, sharing banter and she’s nearly been convinced to start running with the lunch gang.

Kelly loves her new working life.

Be more Kelly. Join The Residence.

What makes the Residence so special?

Work

It’s what we do here. We’re all here to work hard, grow businesses and be productive but we need the essentials in place to make that happen. We make it easy for you to pitch up, plug in and start work.

Need a screen? You got it. Printing? You go it. Caffeine? You got it.
It really is that simple.

Connect

Kelly has found like-minded people that she can really connect with. A community where everyone shares the same feelings of working hard within a supportive and friendly environment. Kelly’s also been inspired to leave her beautiful, but lonely, home office and her business has flourished in the coworking community.

Thrive

Kelly flippin loves her life now. She’s not just surviving the working day at home, she’s living her best life (and so are her plants in the glorious light). She’s collaborating with others and building her business thanks to the connections and collaborations she’s making.

"I thought I loved working from home until I started working at The Residence!"

I thought I loved working from home until I started working at The Residence! I like the freedom to choose where I work but I know I’m more productive in New Mead Barn. Obviously the free tea and cake are a draw, as is the setting (open fields and horses) but the success of this shared workspace is down to the owner, Karen. Her commitment to keeping every member happy and engaged in the environment is the closest thing I’ve found to the experience of working in a London-based organisation (without any of the issues with command!). The Residence offers a beautifully designed space, friendly and sociable “work colleagues” (work nights out are a thing!) and no commute. Win-Win-Win

Philippa Rae - Architectural Interior Design

Coworking = Community, collaboration, cheerleading

Walking through our doors you’ll always find a warm welcome. But perhaps you weren’t expecting to discover all the important things you need in business to thrive right here, right now.

When we opened our doors we wanted to create a space for people to belong, banishing the loneliness and isolation of working from home.
We wanted to prevent business owners from feeling invisible in a world filled with noise and nonsense.
We want you to believe a problem shared is a problem halved and when our community comes together, we all become stronger.
Many new business owners and freelancers find it challenging to build credibility and trust but coworking provides a sense of legitimacy and professionalism.
Today many of our members feel like we’ve become they’re cheerleading team, a not-so-silent partner that shouts loudly about their wins and their talents.

Hey, I’m Karen.
Founder at The Residence.

Us Karen’s get a bad rap but changing the world perspective on ‘Karen’s’ isn’t my mission. Creating an awesome coworking community is. I live and breathe coworking because quite honestly it makes me happy. Everyday I meet people who lives are transformed for the better because they’ve tried coworking. They’re out of the house, stopped the commute and they’re spending time surrounded by people that raise them up, push them to be courageous and inspire them to greater things. Sound mushy? Don’t knock it ‘til you’ve tried it. And if I can’t convince you just read our 100+ Google reviews of people saying exactly that.

Overcoming the isolation of working from home

Having decided to leave my job in investment banking, saying goodbye to the dreaded commute I started my own VA business. At first I was delighted to be working from home, my schedule and my rules. But that didn’t last long. Saying goodbye to the commute was great, but what I hadn’t banked on was saying goodbye to colleagues, socialising at the coffee machine, drinks after work, office banter and all the aspects of office life that entertain a chatty Karen like me. I was lonely and felt isolated. My work suffered and I was sad.

I knew I needed mates. As luck would have it, a renovated barn, local to me became available for rent and before I could say ‘Ikea office furniture’, I’d opened my first coworking space.

We’ve come a long way in the last seven years, with a serious upgrade in furniture and size. Our space is custom built and designed by a professional commercial interior designer.

So if you fancy a mooch about in our gorgeous, light filled space we’d love to welcome you soon.

Meet the team

Karen Tait

Founder and owner

Karen loves meeting happy people, connecting people, stationery and cups of tea. She also adores shopping and snuggling on the sofa with husband Nick who doesn’t love the sofa because he’s itching to go running, golfing or anything active really.

Laura Rosier

Community Manager

Outside of the The Residence Laura is happiest listening to live music, sporting gym wear whilst lifting heavy things or completing crazy challenges of walking far or high. Alongside caring for everyone and everything – Laura’s the ultimate people pleaser.

Mabel

Resident Pooch

Our resident doormat warmer and Head of Canine Control, Mabel is waiting to welcome everyone.
Desperately seeking snacks she’s great for patting, calming and generally keeping things under control.
(Just keep an eye on your sarnies!)

"Exactly what you want in a coworking space"

I love this place! Karen, the owner and Laura, the community manager are just brilliant. Nothing is too much trouble and they are always on hand to brighten your day and ensure you have everything you need.
It’s a professional environment with a lovely community feel which is exactly what you want in a coworking space.