42 Acres
Somerset, England
Secluded, characterful farm conversion for laid-back retreats deep in Somerset countryside.
price on application | Capacity 28 guests
Set in more than 170 acres of ancient woodland, this retreat centre and regenerative farm is based around an 18th century farmhouse and offers superb facilities for back-to-nature retreats. Since opening in 2015, the highly experienced retreat team has worked alongside practitioners from around the world to host hundreds of transformational retreats. With a traditional Mongolian yurt, farmhouse rooms, a library, lawns, a fire circle and a treehouse, this eco-powered venue in the south of England is ideal for yoga, life coaching, wellbeing, nature immersion and creative retreats. Accommodation is in charming converted barns and cottages.
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A traditional Mongolian yurt that can accommodate up to 30 people is ideal for activities such as meditation, yoga, creative workshops and discussions. It has central heating, along with a wood-burning stove, a sound system and a range of seating. The main farmhouse has a large open group space with plenty of seating and a break-out area overlooking oak trees and lawns. There is also a separate treatment room and a library, a beautifully decorated, converted barn.
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As well as woodlands and lawns, there is a serene seven-acre lake suitable for wild swimming, and a fire circle that is perfect for night-time ceremonies and musical sessions under the stars. There are facilities for open-fire cooking and the tree house is an ideal spot for enjoying the peace and quiet and the wildlife, which includes wild boar, pine martens and hares.
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There are 17 bedrooms - neither fancy, nor plain - spread across three buildings, each a modern, converted, eco-powered farm stay, and sleeping up to 32 people in all. Four rooms have en-suite bathrooms and there is a luxe dorm room. Swallows Nest is a modern barn conversion, sleeping up to nine people, while the Rettig, a private annexe, accommodates up to six. The modernised Deer Cottage on the organic farm sleeps six. All look out over woodland or the estate and are furnished with snug beds, reading lights, woollen blankets and ample storage space. Bathrooms are modern, with responsibly sourced toiletries and super soft towels.
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The farmhouse has a snug, a foyer and a dining room that's always open - guests are welcome to put the fires on. Swallows Nest, The Rettig and Deer Cottage all have sitting areas.
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As well as wild swimming in the lake, you can go paddle boarding and rowing. Or try a foraging walk with the in-house foraging guide and learn about common edible and medicinal plants. You're also welcome to help out in the biodynamic and permaculture inspired vegetable gardens or just visit, learn more and pick some fresh vegetables for lunch. The history-steeped attractions of Stonehenge, Glastonbury and Stourhead are a short drive away and the nearest towns - Bruton and Frome - are around 20 minutes away by car. The hosts can source local practitioners for wellbeing, nature and music activities.
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The in-house dining space is informal, with meals eaten around large, communal tables in the farmhouse, where there is also a large outdoor table. For a magical experience, there's an outdoor woodland dining area nestled under a canopy. With the philosophy 'Soil to Gut', the venue serves a 42-Mile Menu, which comprises of fresh, seasonal, organic and foraged food that is highly nourishing and, at the same time, kind to the planet.
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42 Acres aims to go beyond sustainable to be regenerative. The site runs on 100 per cent renewable energy from the solar farm and biomass wood chip heat systems. They support local suppliers where possible and use rechargable electical equipment. Trees are regularly planted on the land to offset the carbon.
The Extraordinary
The closeness to nature, meditating to birdsong, chatting and dining under the stars, and looking out for barn owls, otters and beavers.
The less than ordinary
Because they were transformed from a converted barn, not all rooms are en-suite and not all beds are the same size.
42 Acres
Holt Road
Witham Friary
Frome
Bath
UK
BA11 5HL
Rail
Frome or Gillingham
Airport
Bristol or London Heathrow