Two unique cottages on an inspirational agri-wilding estate and nature retreat (each sleeps 4)
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 (wild swimming, massage, sauna), plus regular opportunities for self-growth (yoga, meditation, wild medicine workshops, foraging).
Whether you stay in the Monk’s Hatch or Library Barn, 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 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)
“Our estate is a sanctuary for all life, human and non human; an agri wilding, nature reserve and retreat centre, established by owners Seth & Lara. The estate was bought in two halves; initially we purchased 42 acres, the name stuck and the rest is history. It was first opened in 2015 as a home for personal, social and environmental change and while this remains at the core, as time has passed and the land and trees have grown, the offering has evolved. The ethos is to live in harmony with nature, self and others and this is best exemplified by the pioneering agri-wilding projects. Staying here gives you an opportunity to explore this sacred land and the work we’re doing.”
They love
“Meditating in the woodland treehouse and swimming in the lake at dawn.”
We love
The beautiful quirky interiors.
You may not love
No TVs (though Library Barn has a film projector screen). Due to the remote location, phone signal can be patchy. There are a few other rentals on-site. The workshops etc are only run on certain days; check what’s on during your planned dates.
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.
- Two hideaways on a 173-acre agri-wilding estate
- 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)
- 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
- 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
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.
Monk’s Hatch is not dog friendly.
Picking veg and joining workshops are bookable-in-advance experiences and subject to availability.
Private sauna sessions must be booked in advance, and are subject to availability. Once you’ve booked a stay with Kip Hideaways, you’ll be sent pre-arrival info, which includes instructions and prices for sauna slots.
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.
Still have a question?
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