Into the Wilderness

Jump in a lake and emerge to fluffy robes and a hot toddy or dine outdoors around a blazing bonfire, winter in the UK doesn’t have to be dull if you choose the right dream escape.

The best way to arrive at the 8,000 acre Wilderness Reserve in Suffolk is by helicopter. From the air, the autumnal colours of the sprawling grounds render the landscape in shades of gold and amber and you feel as though you might be about to embark on safari in an isolated pocket of Africa, rather than land in a genteel corner of the East of England. From above, you get a bird's-eye perspective of these ecoestates, which are threaded with three rivers. You catch the flash of blue from the manufactured freshwater lakes and the sunken swimming pool, and glimpse the thatched and tiled roofs of the luxury cottages, which are tucked away in the landscape.

Wilderness, which is a new accommodation partner for Dream Escape, started life as a rewilding project for Foxtons founder Jon Hunt. The estate agency tycoon wanted to turn the arable land surrounding his mansion – the Grade-I-listed Heveningham Hall – into a wild landscape. Slowly the family bought up more and more land, and over 28 years more than 1.5 million trees have been planted – and the planting continues at a rate of about 100,000 trees a year. As his son Harry explains: “The tourism aspect was almost accidental. As we bought up more and more of the surrounding land we found it came with existing properties, and at first we didn’t know what to do with them.”

The first property to be renovated and turned into a luxury let was Sibton Park, a grand 12-room, Georgian mansion that overlooks a broad sweep of water. It was quickly snapped up by celebrities for exclusive-hire celebrations, including the television presenter and model Alexa Chung, who celebrated her 32nd birthday there.

“After the successful renovation of Sibton Park, we began to slowly renovate the other cottages and barns on the property and Wilderness Reserve was born,” says Harry.

Moat Cottage

Working with local artisans and traditional materials, the refurbishment has been a labour of love. Oak frames, lime plasters and traditional thatch roofs, give each of the 16 properties the feeling that they have always been in the exemplary condition they are in now. Complete privacy has been ensured through the skillful design of the surroundings by landscape architect Kim Wilkie. Rivers have been moved, moats dug out and wetlands created to encourage birdlife back to the area. “When we first bought the estate there were 38 bird species,” says Harry. “Now we have more than 150 different species. Birds are a key indicator of a happy habitat.”

Each of the properties has its own individual character. From one-bedroom Hex cottage, which has no electricity and requires the Aga to be stoked to heat the radiators and hot water, to airy Chapel Barn, which sleeps 38 people and has its own subterranean playground with a games room, a cinema, a gym, a sauna, a steam, two treatment rooms and an indoor golden pool.

“Chapel Barn is one of our spa houses,” explains Harry. “If you’ve stayed in a five-star hotel you know how awkward it is to navigate the lift and the corridors in your dressing gown.” To combat that problem Wilderness has created properties with their own private spas. “We think our spa houses are the first of their kind,” he explains. “They each have a heated swimming pool, hot tub, sauna, steam and treatment room. You can leave your room naked and walk down into the spa and have your treatment and no-one will see you.”

Although you may not want to depart from your immaculate accommodation once you’ve checked in through the old-fashioned sweet shop (and helped yourself to a candy-striped bag of sweets, of course), there is so much fun to be had in the grounds it would be churlish not to step out and explore.

Wild swimming in the lake is a must, no matter what time of year you stay. Immerse yourself in the clear fresh water and emerge to a fluffy bathrobe and a steaming cup of hot chocolate. If you’re averse to cold-water immersion, you can instead opt for a paddleboard or rowing boat to get up close to the ducks and the herons. You can also explore the grounds on Pashley bikes, sign up for some archery or axe throwing, learn survival techniques or dine on food cooked outdoors at one of their bonfire nights.

Wild swimming

Wild swimming in the lake is a must, no matter what time of year you stay. Immerse yourself in the clear fresh water and emerge to a fluffy bathrobe and a steaming cup of hot chocolate.

Hot chocloate by the fire

Warming up after wild swimming

Dream Escape owners David and Holly recently visited for a weekend: “There’s such a relaxed vibe,” said Holly Mackie. “Wilderness is a place where you can switch off, explore, swim, bike or stroll. Kick back, indulge in delicious locally sourced cuisine or simply put the BBQ on. There is so much available but you can do as little or as much as you please. And although it isn’t easy to leave the estates, they are in a lovely location with quaint Suffolk villages to explore nearby.”

WHAT TO DO AT WILDERNESS RESERVE

Dream Escape’s Owner & Director Holly Mackie shares her top activities.

Holly enjoying the Wilderness Reserve

Survival Training with Chuck

Just chatting to Chuck for five minutes makes you feel inspired by the local landscape. We spent a wonderful morning learning survival tips and so much more about the estate: how to light a fire, build shelters, manage the local environment and, importantly, leave no trace! Chuck's knowledge, guidance and entertaining stories make this an unmissable experience.

Exploring the Estate

A highlight was jumping on our Pashley bikes and exploring the two estates with an obligatory stop at the sweet shop. Another must-do stop is the heated pool and hot tub designed by landscape architect Kim Wilkie. It's definitely a pool with a difference; a wonderfully secluded and peaceful place to swim under the ancient oaks.

Private Chef for Sunday Lunch

What a treat to return from Survival training to a wonderful Sunday lunch cooked by Wilderness Reserve in-house chefs. This is good food, extremely well done, with amazing Suffolk-sourced ingredients.

Wild Swimming

Wilderness Reserve’s lakes were imagined and designed over 300 years ago by Lancelot 'Capability' Brown, England’s most famous landscape architect. Book a wild swimming experience and enjoy an après Whisky Mac and a bacon or vegan sausage bap to restore your body temperature.

Archery and Axe Throwing

Fun and competition for all ages, this is a fabulous activity to while away an afternoon at Wilderness Reserve. We piled into the waiting Landrover Defender and embraced our inner Robin Hood, learning the basics of these sports under watchful supervision, away from any moving targets!

Fire Feast

Fire Feast is an unmissable dining experience available to all guests: wild dining under ancient tree canopies in a magical woodland clearing, white linen, sparkling lights and food grilled to perfection; what’s not to love?

Find out more

Contact the team at Dream Escape...

Susie Little, Travel Design Manager

“Wilderness Reserve quite possibly covers the whole fairy tale from start to finish; it’s as if each unique property pops out of a different chapter. Starting with the humble yet cosy cottage, to the romantic retreat, working its way up to Sibton Park as the finale. Then the story is enhanced with archery, cycling, watersports – and throw in a private chef and gin masterclass for good measure.” ⬥ susie@dreamescape.co.uk

WORDS | ANTONIA WINDSOR