A Somerset Welcome

At The Newt in Somerset, spring has well and truly sprung. Dream Escape discovers all that this remarkable country estate has to offer, from its luxury hotel and world-famous gardens, to modern cyder making and more.

Nestled in the folds of South Somerset lies a nature lover’s paradise. A place where apples hang abundantly from the trees, walking trails weave through ancient woodlands, and ducks wander freely from pond to lake. Beautiful honey-stone buildings house a luxury hotel, spa, cyder press, garden cafe, farm shop and more, and there’s also an enchanted grotto and a fullsize Roman villa to explore. Welcome to The Newt.

Encompassing a staggering 800 acres, this historic West Country estate was acquired in 2013 by South African hotelier Karen Roos and her husband Koos Bekker. It took six years for them to transform The Newt into the spectacular destination that it is today, and in 2019 it finally opened its doors for all to enjoy. An ode to all things Somerset, this magnificent, no-expensespared horticultural playground celebrates everything that the county has to offer, and more.

Hadspen House

GRAND GARDENS

Inspired by local heritage and sustainable agriculture, The Newt in Somerset is a working estate, and at the core of it all lies acres of truly magnificent gardens that have been lovingly tended to for over 250 years.

Dream Escape’s travel designers arrange exclusive garden tours, led by a member of the expert gardening team. As well as discovering the estate’s fascinating history and the vision that drives it today, tour highlights include a visit to the productive vegetable garden; an organic, no-dig operation that cultivates over 350 vegetables and salad varieties that supply the estate’s various dining options. Nearby, on the immaculate lawn directly in front of the historic Hadspen House (now part of The Newt’s luxury hotel), a serene waterlily-filled pond is home to the resident population of protected newts, which inspired the estate’s distinctive name.

Porky Hefer nests

An ode to all things Somerset, this magnificent, no-expense-spared horticultural playground celebrates everything that the county has to offer, and more... inspired by local heritage and sustainable agriculture, The Newt in Somerset is a working estate, and at the core of it all lies acres of truly magnificent gardens that have been lovingly tended to for over 250 years.

At the heart of the gardens is the remarkable parabola – a 3,000sqm walled garden filled with an immaculate baroquestyle maze of 460 perfectly trained apple trees, each divided by county and intermingled with seashell-strewn pathways, trickling streams, historically accurate planting, and freeroaming ducks. Elsewhere, there is a Japanese garden to explore, as well as a Victorian fragrance garden, a stunning greenhouse filled with tropical plants, and more.

Parabola

Another Dream Escape favourite is the beautiful ‘colour rooms’, a series of individual gardens all planted in a different hue and designed to stir the emotions. The adjoining country garden, complete with picture-perfect thatched cottage, is quite simply idyllic.

Playfulness abounds throughout; signs encourage guests to pick and eat an apple should they wish, giant bronze toad sculptures spontaneously spurt water, and free-range chickens happily snooze in the grass, while South African designer Porky Hefer, has created human-sized nests for visitors themselves to curl up in...

GOLDEN NECTAR

Another jewel in the estate’s crown is its award-winning cyder. Historically, Somerset is cider-making country, although The Newt has chosen to opt for the old English spelling of the word (cyder). Over 3,000 cyder apple trees grace the estate’s landscape, and old orchards that thrived over 300 years ago are now being revived. Today, it grows 70 varieties of bittersweet and Somerset apples that go into its acclaimed bottles.

The estate’s traditional West Country-style cyders are fresh and aromatic, but in true Newt style there is also plenty of innovation; The Winston, for example, is the first sparkling cyder in the world to be bottled as an imperial pint in honour of a certain British Prime Minister, and The Newt’s awardwinning Fine Cyder, which comes in tall, slim, elegant bottles, is unusually crafted using winemaking techniques and select dessert apples only. It takes 10 months to produce, and the result is a sophisticated, almost wine-like still cyder, with fruitiness on the nose and a crisp taste of apple and lemon. Guests can watch as jewel-like apples tumble through water filled channels that weave underfoot throughout the grounds, while a refreshing glass can be enjoyed under the shade of the trees at the estate’s beautiful cyder bar.

Cyder Tank

Image Credit Jake Eastham

Alternatively, Dream Escape organise private cyder tastings and fascinating tours of The Newt’s state-of-the-art cyder press and cathedral-like cellar.

STAR ATTRACTIONS

In addition to the glorious gardens, there is much to discover on this marvellous estate. The latest addition is the Villa Ventorum; a pioneering archaeological experience encompassing the staggering reconstruction of a RomanoBritish villa found on the estate, which dates back to AD351. Seven years in the making, this incredible landmark is the most ambitious reconstruction of a Roman villa ever undertaken in Britain. An audio tour guides guests as they move through the space while virtual-reality technology provides further fascinating insight, and there’s also an opportunity to try some Roman-style street food.

Villa Ventorum

Dream Escape guests can enjoy a fascinating private tour with the project’s head of archaeology, as well as Roman pottery and winemaking experiences, and ultra-exclusive hire of the villa’s stunning Roman spa.

Another Dream Escape favourite is a trip across ‘The Viper’ – a suspended treetop walkway that snakes its way high above a deer-dotted woodland. At the end of it lies The Story of Gardening; an extraordinary, immersive exploration of garden design through time.

The Viper treetop walkway

Also tucked away in the beautiful woods lies the architecturally outstanding Beezantium, which explores the connection between bees, humans, and the land. Here, among giant honeycomb-shaped walls, guests can marvel at the estate’s wild and native bee colonies in observation hives, while Dream Escape also organise guided bee walks and delicious honey tastings.

Beezantium

The recently unveiled grotto, with its millions of seashells, twinkling crystals and a smoke-breathing dragon is another must-see...

PLOT TO PLATE

Epicures are exceptionally well catered for at The Newt, as nature’s bounty is harvested and prepared with immense skill and served at every turn. Wherever you choose to eat on the estate, every plate of food features something grown, reared, or foraged there.

For breakfast, light lunch or afternoon tea, The Garden Café is a sleek, glass-walled space with superb garden and countryside views. Dream Escape also arrange tables at The Botanical Rooms, a beautiful and sophisticated restaurant located within Hadspen House’s historic walls. Here, the menu is shaped by the seasons; dishes include just-picked fruit and vegetables, alongside the likes of estate lamb and venison cooked on a unique grill. Dried botanicals line the walls and luxurious leather banquette seating makes this a picturesque space for a gathering with family or friends. For an unforgettable gastronomic experience, Dream Escape organises exclusive use of a vaulted cellar underneath the house, a stunning private feasting venue that is also home to an extensive wine collection.

Croquet Lounge

Over at the Farmyard, a more informal restaurant awaits. Located in an old threshing barn, the Farmyard Kitchen has a roaring firepit at its centre and a menu that focuses on delicious sharing plates cooked over fire.

Green beans with cod’s roe, radishes and sourdough croutons

In the summer months, gourmet barbecue suppers are prepared and served in picturesque locations throughout the gardens, and beautiful picnics can also be arranged, while the incredibly well-appointed on-site farm shop is brimming with an array of delectable artisan treats, including a wonderfully fragrant cheese room. Next door, The Newt’s gelateria is not to be missed, whatever the weather.

STAY THE NIGHT

Dream Escape’s travel designers organise unforgettable stays at The Newt, complete with customised experiences, private tours, and bespoke itineraries, allowing guests to completely immerse themselves in the estate and all that it has to offer.

The hotel, a Grade II*-listed Georgian manor known as Hadspen House, was the seat of the Hobhouse Family for more than two centuries. Today, it is one of the most exceptional country-house hotels in the UK, comprising 23 beautifully and individually designed bedrooms, some with stunning views of the estate. In addition to a beautiful bar, restaurant, library, and various relaxion spaces, Hadspen is also home to a sleek, world-class spa that offers herbal-infused treatments, thermal facilities, a beautiful indoor/outdoor pool, and a state-of-the-art gym.

Milk Maids bedroom at the Farmyard

Spa swimming pool

Interior design is remarkable throughout, combining historical features with contemporary architecture and modern design pieces, while playful artwork and a vibrant colour palette echo the surrounding gardens. Each bedroom offers plenty of character; highlights include the Stable Rooms, which feature original hay mangers and tie-rings alongside stunning roll-top baths and wood-burning stoves.

Originally built to store grain, the elevated Granary is now a chic and romantic hideaway for two, while the spectacular Hayloft and Woolsack suites, both with private terraces, can be combined to offer one magnificent spacious family suite.

The Granary

In June 2021, the Farmyard was unveiled; an entirely new part of The Newt’s hotel offering, set within a hidden valley half a mile from Hadspen, a 20-minute stroll, beautiful cycle ride, or quick golf-buggy trip away, via picturesque orchards. Home to 17 bedrooms, a swimming pool, a bar, and an all-day kitchen, this modern, more rustic addition is set within the estate’s former dairy. Farmhouse rooms are contemporary and elegant, with original fireplaces, countryside views and marble bathrooms, while the exquisite Apple Loft suite has its own private steam room. For large groups, the entire Farmyard and all its facilities can be hired exclusively for up to 34 guests.

The Farmyard

For families or couples looking for complete privacy, Dream Escape’s travel designers recommend The Gate Lodge, a secluded two-bedroom cottage that comes with a dedicated golf buggy.

Whichever accommodation is preferred, guests are encouraged to do as much or as little as they please. Exploring the gardens after hours is a very special experience, as is taking high tea in the library, exploring the ancient orchards by bicycle or buggy, playing croquet on the lawn, or enjoying a spot of badminton on the private grass court. There is undoubtedly plenty to see and do across this extraordinary estate, but time should also be allowed to embrace the slower pace of country living, and simply soak up all the beauty that the Newt has to offer.

Other ways to experience The Newt...

• An unforgettable way to discover The Newt is on its Great Garden Escape. Dream Escape guests can enjoy this unique summer outing, which involves first-class train travel to and from London Paddington and a day to explore the estate, including a delicious lunch in The Garden Café and a private cyder tasting. A Newt breakfast is provided en route, followed by a sumptuous afternoon tea to be enjoyed on the return train journey back to London.

• Further establishing its impressive horticultural prowess, The Newt is now the headline sponsor of the famous RHS Chelsea Flower Show, which takes place in London in May 2023. For the ultimate ‘garden getaway’, Dream Escape can organise a trip to The Newt followed by an unforgettable stay in London, including a day at the world’s most exclusive flower show.

Contact the team at Dream Escape...

Louise Murray, Head of Product

“The Newt offers the ultimate blend of luxury and nature, which are two key elements for a perfect countryside retreat. Hadspen and the Farmyard adapt brilliantly to a romantic escape or a gettogether with family and friends. Set in a beautiful part of the English countryside, there is so much to do within the estate walls before you even think of venturing out to the nearby towns of Castle Cary and Bruton. The gardens are of course a highlight, but there is so much more on offer too. A few days here can easily be whiled away in a very pleasing manner, offering you the perfect antidote to the busy world outside.”

⬥ louise@dreamescape.co.uk