Super-romantic boat on a wild-swimming lake; part of an inspiring nature retreat in Somerset (sleeps 2)
Space & setting.
Wake with a wild swim, or glide around the lake on a SUP or rowboat, watching for a flash of kingfisher blue or the glossy sheen of an otter. This swooningly romantic, wood-panelled boat is part of an inspirational rewilded estate whose 173 acres are an ode to biodiversity, with 100% renewable energy, veg polytunnels, a kilometre of edible hedgerow, even a micro mushroom farm, all of which you can explore. Judging by the re emergence of rare species like beavers, it’s a huge success story — and makes for a superbly peaceful, inspiring place to stay.
When we visited we just holed up in this secluded corner, diving from the deck, lazing in the sunshine, and picnicking in the adjacent wildflower meadow. Light-saturated and open plan, the boat’s decor is all calm hues and quirky touches, and you’re rocked gently to sleep by the lake’s ripples. There’s a small but perfectly formed kitchen; the bathroom is in an adjacent cabin, and walks lead out from the front door to the wider estate, where there are gorgeous options for self care (massage, sauna), plus regular opportunities for self-growth (yoga, meditation, wild medicine workshops, foraging). For a longer stay, artsy towns Frome and Bruton are close by with foodie cafes, independent shops and vintage emporiums, but this place is the ultimate disconnect for romantics.
Getting here: train to Castle Cary or Frome, then taxi (25 mins)
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Plus gifts on arrival when you book with Kip.
Sustainability.
“We aim to go beyond being sustainable, into regenerative (carbon negative and biodiversity positive). We have actively offset our carbon footprint and supported a regenerative food system by planting 5,000 trees since 2014, plus over 1km of edible hedges, half an acre of orchards and half an acre of vegetables; our outdoor mushroom farm also in development. All heat and electricity is from renewable energy (either solar farms and biomass heat systems built on site or from The People’s Energy). We farm and manage the land in a way that increases biodiversity, allowing once thought extinct species to return (beavers, wild boar, pine martens) and providing a home to barn owls, otters, hares, kestrel and buzzards.”
Surrounds.
- Explore the 173 acres of woodland, lakes and meadow, spotting noisy geese, colourful butterflies, kestrels, buzzards and native hedgerows as you roam.
- Forest bathing is a wonderful way to reconnect, with nature and yourself. Wander the woods, riven with nut trees that provide tidbits for resident pine martens and wild boar. Pack a picnic basket and go in search of the secret treehouse… deep in the habitat of barn owls and deer.
- Check what’s on during your stay: there are often opportunities to help out in the permaculture-inspired vegetable gardens and you’ll learn all about the estate’s no-dig principles and heirloom varieties, and can pick fresh vegetables for your lunch.
- Treat yourself to a massage, or a steam in the wood-fired forest sauna (both bookable in advance, subject to availability).
- Explore Somerset. Cycle along the regenerated Strawberry Line, formed of disused railway track that once transported Cheddar Valley strawberries. We like the short Colliers Way section to Mells followed by a pimped-up Ploughman’s at The Talbot Inn.
- Or hike the pine-lined trails of nearby Stourhead Estate, culminating in a climb to the top of King Alfred’s Tower for 360-degree views of 3 counties.
- Bougie Frome has vintage shops and latte stops galore, as well as the Rye Bakery, which serves, in our humble opinion, the country’s finest cinnamon buns. Swing by Little Walcot for cocktails and dinner, gazing over the cobbles of Catherine Hill. Or graze on Moorish tapas in the herb-scented garden at the High Pavement (blankets are on-hand for cooler evenings).
- Beautiful Bruton is home to the contemporary Hauser & Wirth art gallery (plus a fabulous farm shop and cafe) and lots of lovely independents. We love Caro and Rose & Lyons for fashion and lifestyle, 50 High St for homewares, At The Chapel for lunch and Godminster for cheeses!
- Mooch around Wells, the country’s smallest city, where tempting wafts of food season the air on market days (Wednesday & Saturday). The Bishop’s Palace is lovely for a walk too — look for the bells by the gatehouse; the swans beg for food by tugging on the ropes.
Specifics.
- Houseboat moored on a lake, part of an agri-wilding estate
- Eco heating
- Open-plan layout
- Double bed
- Small but well-equipped kitchen including induction hob, small fridge and kettle; basics provided
- Shower cabin and compost toilet up on deck; eco-friendly toiletries
- Lakeside deck with table and chairs
- If bringing your own products please ensure they are natural/organic to protect the lake
- Sorry, no pets
- Free parking and WiFi
- Shared lake for wild swimming, with SUPs , canoes and a rowing boat to borrow
- Staff are available by WhatsApp should you need anything
- Ornamental and produce gardens
- Wood-fired forest sauna (must be booked in advance)
- Workshops and guided walks, subject to availability
- Drive to shops, pubs and restaurants (20 mins)
- Home-cooked meals are sometimes available; enquire after booking
- Booking conditions: 2 night minimum stays, with no check ins on a Sunday. Note, the boat can be closed in adverse weather conditions; guests will be given prior notice in this case and offered full refund or alternative accommodation.
- Remember to pack: towels for lake swims; walking boots; picnic gear
Book your stay.
Surprise gift on arrival when you book with Kip!
30% deposit, with the balance due 8 weeks prior to stay.
Cancellations: 8+ weeks prior to stay: deposit refunded, minus a £30 processing fee.
6-8 weeks prior to stay: deposit retained, 70% balance refunded, minus a £30 processing fee.
4-6 weeks prior to stay: 50% of the total booking fee retained, 50% refunded, minus a £30 processing fee.
No refunds if booking cancelled within 4 weeks of stay.
See our full booking Ts & Cs here.
FAQs.
In: 4pm, out: 10am
Absolutely. We’d always recommend swimming with a buddy.
It can be tricky to find using a GPS. There are 2 sides to the site, which are a distance apart, so the team strongly recommend using What 3 Words, which will take you to the correct location. You’ll be sent these with the rest of the pre-arrival info, after booking.
Unfortunately not.
Picking veg and joining workshops are bookable-in-advance experiences and subject to availability.
Yes. You can book a slot in advance (subject to availability). Once you’ve booked a stay with Kip Hideaways you’ll be sent a pre-arrival info, which will include details of how to reserve a sauna slot.
No – home cooked meals are sometimes available but in general you’ll need to bring everything with you.
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