42 Acres
Somerset, England
Reconnect with nature, self and others on ancient and sacred land
Set over 173 acres of wild land and ancient forest, 42 Acres is a regenerative estate and nature reserve where you can reconnect with nature, self and others. Retreats - often in partnership with world-renowned practitioners - all align with nature, encouraging you to dream, grow, learn and rest. Stay in a restored 13th century former hermitage, converted barge or under the stars in a luxury bell tent. Swim in the lake, meditate in the treehouse, sauna in the woods and nourish yourself with food grown on the land.
our reviewer hannah macinnes says of her self-guided retreat:
‘I love how much I learn. It’s only with my feet on the soil, living and breathing the evidence, that I start to grasp the real meaning of concepts like permaculture and rewilding’
our reviewer annabel heseltine says of the radical love retreat:
‘Satish’s inspiring vision of a world of peace, love, ecology and resurgence, seemed a tad closer, a tad more feasible and so much more reassuring’
Queen of Retreats says:
‘Nature is truly heavenly here. You’ll meditate to birdsong and spot species once thought rare or extinct, such as beavers, wild boar and pine martens, which are now returning. This is a biodynamic farm where everything is powered by renewable energy, and accommodation ranges from the quirky Tiny Boat, a sanctuary for two, privately moored on the lake, to the minimalist elegance of the renovated Hermitage'
Experiences
Daily experiences range from wild swimming and woodland sauna to guided foraging and beaver walks, hatha yoga and somatic movement.
Discover the secret treehouse, take the rowing boat across the seven-acre lake, walk the sacred bee garden or simply sit by the roaring fire in The Library Room at The Hermitage.
Three back-to-nature experiences - Re-Wild, Re-Nourish and Re-Store - run for two nights, and feature a range of outdoor activities, from wild swimming and foraging to woodland saunas and fireside gatherings. There’s also a Family Retreat where you can rewild with your child, and programmes for corporate teams at Christmas.
Additional retreats in partnership with eminent teachers, such as former Jain monk and author Satish Kumar, and the Happy Pear twins David and Stephen Flynn, are available, as well as day-long workshops such as Energy Exchanges, Potent Plants and Altered States, Foraging and Wild Medicine Making.
Roam 173 acres of wild land and ancient sacred forest. Foragers will appreciate the edibles on offer in the surrounding hedgerows and woodland and foodies and gardeners can take a stroll around the edimental walled garden, woodland micro mushroom farm and permaculture-inspired market garden. Fireside feasts are also available.
Spaces
You’ll find plenty of quiet spots where you can decompress and rest, including a magical treehouse, the wood-fired woodland sauna and wooden deck overlooking the serene seven-acre lake - all ideal for reflection and meditation. Magical night-time ceremonies and musical sessions under the stars take place at a woodland fire circle.
Choose from seven king sized en-suite rooms and a further two stand-alone properties set alongside, which each sleep four guests between two rooms. All bedrooms are beautifully furnished, airy and simple yet refined.
In fairer weather, sleep aboard Tiny Boat - this is perfect for solo or couple retreaters hoping to spot the resident otters and beavers, or the striking blue kingfisher.
For those wanting to get a little closer to nature, camp on the land in one of eight bell tents (available between June and September). All bedrooms are furnished with snug beds and responsibly sourced textiles and have ample storage space. Bathrooms are spacious and modern, with local, organic toiletries and super soft towels.
Retreats with larger numbers are based at The Farmhouse Retreat Centre, a five-bedroom (some of which are dorm-style) traditional stone farmhouse, guarded by two ancient oak trees, as well as two adjacent properties, with 14 additional beds. Activities, like workshops, yoga and meditation, on these retreats are held in a striking, heated, traditional Mongolian yurt.
Sustenance
All retreats include meals from the deeply nourishing, plant-focused "Soil-to-Gut" menu. Ingredients are organically homegrown on the regenerative farm, wild-foraged on the land and otherwise sourced from 42 miles around. Expect seasonal ingredients, fermented foods to boost gut flora and no refined sugar. You’ll find homemade preserves and ferments alongside your meals to aid digestion.
Meals are prepared from scratch and served three times a day, buffet-style. At The Hermitage you’ll eat at a cosy table alone or join others on the communal table, while at The Farmhouse, meals are a social affair, enjoyed around a long dining table.
Breakfast might include oat, mushroom and Lulworth Cove-foraged seaweed porridge, or hot pancakes with home-made maple chocolate sauce. For lunch you could be served lentil, quinoa rainbow salad, with homegrown bitter and spicy salad leaves, or miso broth bowl with local organic chicken and wilted greens.
Dinner favourites include mushroom and beetroot stew, Plotgate Farm tomatoes and homegrown borlotti bean chilli, with hot cornbread, or homegrown squash curry with braised savoy cabbage. Desserts include seasonal fruit crumble and rosemary-infused raw cashew cheesecake with homegrown berries.
There is unlimited coffee and a wide selection of ethical teas, including wild teas foraged from the land. Look out for the ‘hug in a mug’ homegrown turkey tail chai and homegrown kombuchas and juices.
