Inspired by a visit to France, Martha Berry, founder of Berry College, wanted her dairy farm to resemble the architecture of the Normandy countryside. Built in the 1930s, students handcrafted white-washed bricks and red roof tiles, in a brick plant donated to the school by Henry Ford. Miss Berry also had spires on the barns so students could lift their eyes and hearts to God as they worked.

The Normandy complex was a functioning dairy farm for more than 65 years--ranked among the top dairies in Georgia. But as dairy students dwindled in number, Berry College chose to streamline this costly operation, and began looking for a worthy cause to donate this one-of-a-kind property. At the same time, the WinShape Foundation was seeking to expand its ministry. Clearly, God was at work.

Because it was important not to disturb the beauty of the Normandy setting, adaptive reuse renovation techniques were used to turn barns into buildings. Structures were fortified for years of future use, but none of the historic architecture was changed.

During the renovation, architects advised WinShape to build two more buildings for housing. Then they made a wonderful discovery: both buildings were on the original master plan! WinShape Retreat actually completed the vision God had given Miss Berry years ago.