Three unique hideaways on an inspirational agri wilding estate and nature retreat in Somerset (sleeping 2 or 4)
Tiny Boat, 42 Acres
Monk's Hatch, 42 Acres
Library Barn, 42 Acres
Space & setting.
Listen carefully and you might hear beavers snoring. That’s the beauty of this place: wildlife is everywhere. These toothy ecosystem engineers encapsulate the ethos of the rewilded, regenerated Somerset estate — the 173 acres are meticulously managed to boost biodiversity, with 100% renewable energy, veg polytunnels, a kilometre of edible hedgerow, even a micro mushroom farm. Judging by the proliferation of flora and fauna, including the return of rare species like beavers and wild boar, it’s a huge success story — and a superbly peaceful, inspiring place to stay. What’s more, nurture of self is of equal importance, so there are gorgeous options for self care (massage, sauna), plus regular opportunities for self-growth (yoga, meditation, wild medicine workshops, foraging).
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. Whether you stay onboard the swooningly romantic, wood-panelled Tiny Boat, or in the Monk’s Hatch or Library Barn on dry land, the accommodation is as beautiful as the surroundings. Light-saturated and open plan, you can expect calm hues and quirky touches, plus Crittall doors and lofty ceilings in the cottages, from which hang the most extraordinary rattan pendants. If civilisation was to come a-knocking, artsy towns Frome and Bruton are close by with galleries, vintage shops and cocktail bars, but this place is the ultimate disconnect.
Getting here: train to Castle Cary or Frome, then taxi (25 mins)
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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. 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.
- 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.
- Three hideaways on a 173-acre agri-wilding estate (there are several more on-site too)
- Tiny Boat (moored on the lake)
- Double bed
- Small but well-equipped kitchen including induction hob, small fridge and kettle; basics provided
- Private shower and compost toilet up on deck; eco-friendly toiletries
- Eco heating
- Private lakeside deck
- If bringing your own products please ensure they are natural/organic to protect the lake and wildlife
- Sorry, no pets
- Monk’s Hatch (detached cottage)
- Bedroom 1: kingsize bed with ensuite bathroom (bath)
- Bedroom 2: kingsize bed with ensuite bathroom (shower only)
- Eco-friendly toiletries
- Open-plan living space
- Fully-equipped kitchen; basics provided
- Private outdoor dining area
- Private EV charger
- Sorry, no pets
- Library Barn (detached cottage)
- Bedroom 1 (upstairs): double bed with glass balustrade over living space and Juliet balcony outside; shower room on ground floor
- Bedroom 2 (ground floor; accessible): double bed with ensuite bathroom (shower and bath)
- Eco-friendly toiletries
- Open-plan living space warmed by a fire
- Fully-equipped kitchen; basics provided
- Large projector screen
- One well-behaved dog welcome (with advance notice)
- All have free parking and WiFi
- Staff are available by WhatsApp should you need anything
- 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)
- Home-cooked meals are sometimes available; enquire after booking
- Children are welcome; 1 cot and 1 highchair to borrow
- 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. Tiny 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: wellies/walking boots, towels for lake swims
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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
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.
One well-behaved dog is welcome in the Library Barn. Your dog must be kept off all furniture, and on a lead around the grounds. Note, many of the gardens are not dog friendly, and any damages are chargeable.
Tiny Boat and Monk’s Hatch are not dog friendly.
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.
No – home cooked meals are sometimes available but in general you’ll need to bring everything with you.
Absolutely. We’d always recommend swimming with a buddy.
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