Dalesdown was the vision of David Iliffe (pictured), a well known international children’s evangelist. As he travelled, particularly in the States, he saw Christian centres offering year round accommodation where groups of young people could come for recreation and training. In 1987 Family Foundations Trust was formed and a suitable site sought.

In 1991, Dalesdown, a ramshackle and derelict building set in 8 acres of beautiful countryside, was purchased. It had been empty for 4 years having suffered damage on the hurricane of 1987. Many volunteers willingly gave much time, money and goods to turn it into the warm and welcoming centre that is so popular today.