Exquisite farmhouse on a sprawling agri wilding estate and nature reserve in Somerset, with a swimming lake (sleeps up to 11)
Space & setting.
There’s something about Somerset. Rambling orchards, Glastonbury with its festival and folklore, trendy Frome & Bruton, wild garlic-flecked lanes and ripe hedgerows that provide edibles for the county’s garden-to-table restaurants… But this 173-acre estate is in a league of its own, taking the greatest care of its land in a way that serves the health of the planet, and of people. As well as swathes of no-dig veg, the team also grows mushrooms, keeps honeybees and has planted hundreds of nut trees, which scatter canapes for resident wild boar, deer and pine martens.
At the centre of it all are a clutch of rentals, including this exquisite 18C farmhouse, perfect for friends and family stays. Five spacious bedrooms (one’s a dorm) are in a pared-back style, washed in soft neutrals with pops of turquoise and mimosa yellow; decades-old warmth spreads throughout. French doors lead onto the garden‘s dew-kissed lawn and circle of tree-stump seats, perfectly placed for views of wildflower meadows. Sit with a crossword or coffee, and feel your shoulders drop. Borrow wellies to explore the ancient forest, twisting through oaks in search of the secret treehouse or lake, where a rowboat and SUPs await (keep your eyes peeled for resident beavers). And once that mystical dimpse-light falls (West Country twang for twilight), crowd around the kitchen island with a board of Westcombe cheddar from the nearby dairy, and apples you’ve scrumped yourself. Cider optional. Or pop a film on the projector and curl up fireside. Relaxing? Yes. Restorative? Off the scale.
Getting here: drive, or 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 what we call regenerative (carbon negative and biodiversity positive). We actively offset our carbon footprint and support a regenerative food system by planting 5,000 tress since 2014, over 1km of edible hedges, half an acre of orchards and half an acre of vegetables; 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. Those with kids should 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.
- A 15-minute drive spins you to White Row Farmshop for fresh produce, including a fishmonger and butcher. If you’ve come as a family, there’s an adventure fort and bubble tea/milkshakes for the younger crew or if you’ve a whole day to spare, Longleat Safari Park is nearby too.
- 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.
- Nose around Nunney, its centrepiece a storybook 16C moated castle. There’s a decent village pub here but for foodies, we’d recommend a 10-minute drive to The Three Horseshoes in Batcombe. Its field-to-fork menu by famed chef Margot Henderson is having a moment and the garden, dotted with flowering crab apples and parasols, is a delight.
- Beatific Bath is only 35 minutes by train. Famed for its thermal spa, the shopping is also knockout – Anthropologie, Zara and indie homewares stores lurk behind those creamy Georgian facade. Bradford-on-Avon is another worthy stop on the same line, for walks or boat trips along the canal and gorgeous pubs; we love lunch at Timbrell’s Yard.
Specifics.
- Please note this property only allows bookings 3 months prior to stay
- Farmhouse on a 173-acre regenerative estate
- 5 bedrooms:
- Bedroom 1: super king with ensuite bathroom (shower over tub)
- Bedroom 2: double room with ensuite shower room
- Bedroom 3: king, sharing a bathroom with Bedroom 4 (shower and tub)
- Bedroom 4: king/twin
- Bedroom 5: 3 futons with ensuite bathroom (shower and tub)
- Eco-friendly toiletries
- Children are welcome; 1 cot and 1 highchair to borrow
- Large fully-equipped kitchen; basics provided
- Spacious living room with open fire
- Separate dining room
- Lounge with library
- Separate study/library room
- Private outdoor dining area and large lawned garden
- Sorry, no pets
- Lots of parking
- WiFi and projector screen (note there is no TV so bring a laptop if you want to watch anything)
- Staff are available by WhatsApp
- Ornamental and produce gardens
- Lake for wild swimming, with SUPs , canoes and a rowing boat to borrow
- Wood-fired forest sauna (must be booked in advance)
- Workshops and guided walks, subject to availability
- Drive to shops, pubs and restaurants (20 mins)
- Booking conditions: 2 night minimum stays, with no check ins on a Sunday. 4 night minimum stays over Christmas and New Year, check the calendar for applicable dates
- Remember to pack: wellies/walking boots, towels for lake swims
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
Yes, but 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.
Picking veg and joining workshops are bookable-in-advance experiences and subject to availability.
£xx. This must be booked in advance, and is subject to availability.
Absolutely. We’d always recommend swimming with a buddy.
No. Home-cooked meals are sometimes available but in general you’ll need to bring everything with you. The nearest shop is a 20-min drive away.
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