Nestled in the picturesque countryside of Somerset, England, The Newt in Somerset stands as a beacon of conscious luxury, attracting global attention for its unique blend of nature, history, and hospitality. Situated in a quiet village with houses built from orange sandstone, the hotel occupies the vast grounds of the historic Hadspen House, a 17th-century manor. Purchased by Karen Roos, owner of hotels and wineries in South Africa, the estate was transformed into The Newt in 2019, quickly rising to fame and earning a coveted spot on the ‘World’s Best Hotels 50’ list just four years later.
Upon arrival, guests are met with a sprawling estate that is almost impossible to comprehend. Spanning an astonishing 400 hectares—equivalent to 87 Tokyo Domes—The Newt is a world unto itself. The main house, Hadspen House, and its annex, Farmyard, offer 40 luxurious rooms, complemented by three restaurants, a bar, spa, pool, and a collection of captivating attractions. Imagine strolling through an English garden steeped in history, losing yourself amidst 3,000 apple trees in a flourishing orchard, exploring a vegetable garden boasting nearly 400 varieties, and encountering a peaceful farm where sheep, cows, and deer roam freely. This extraordinary haven also houses a bakery, an ice cream shop, a cider mill, a museum, and even ancient Roman ruins—the list seems endless.
Each element of The Newt seamlessly integrates with its surroundings, exuding an impeccable beauty that captivates guests. This harmonious blend of history and contemporary comfort creates an enchanting atmosphere where guests can immerse themselves in nature, embark on a journey of discovery, and savor moments of elegance.
The Newt’s allure lies in its authenticity, sophistication, and its ability to evoke the rich history of its surroundings. Roos, a businesswoman with a background as the editor of Elle Decoration South Africa, has meticulously curated every aspect of the hotel, infusing each detail with the essence of Somerset’s heritage.
Take the hotel rooms, for instance. Hadspen House, the main building, embraces the grandeur of the Georgian era with its refined décor. Furniture pieces from renowned designers like Patricia Urquiola and Charlotte Perriand seamlessly blend the old and the new, creating a harmonious fusion of past and present. The Farmyard, located a short cart ride away, stands as a testament to the area’s agricultural history. Once a collection of farm buildings and stables, it has been thoughtfully renovated with inspiration drawn from the classic novel ‘Far From the Madding Crowd’ by Thomas Hardy.
During my stay in a Farmyard room, I was captivated by the rustic charm of the long, narrow space, where original stable beams and exposed sandstone walls whispered stories of a bygone era. Lying in bed, gazing into the warm glow of the fireplace, I felt a sense of timelessness, transported between the past and the present.
The Newt’s commitment to storytelling extends beyond its buildings. The establishment of a cider-making facility within the estate reflects a deep reverence for Somerset’s culinary traditions. Known for its historic apple orchards and exceptional ciders, Somerset has a rich heritage in these endeavors. However, apple production and cider making have seen a decline in recent times. By producing its own cider, The Newt aims to educate guests about this local specialty and contribute to its preservation.
To ensure the use of locally-sourced apples for their cider, The Newt has planted 3,000 apple trees of 70 different varieties. Although these young trees are not yet bearing fruit, plans are in place to use a significant portion of their harvest in the coming years.
The Newt’s dedication to healthy and wholesome food is as evident as its commitment to sustainability. The estate’s self-sufficiency philosophy extends to the vast farmlands and pastures that make up a considerable portion of the 87 Tokyo Domes-worth of land. As you travel by cart from the Farmyard to Hadspen House, you’ll pass by apple orchards where sheep graze peacefully and cows bask in the shade. These animals are not just part of the scenery; they are also a vital part of The Newt’s food production.
According to Alan Stewart, the hotel’s food and beverage manager, the cows are British White, a local breed, and the sheep are Dorset Down, another native variety. While some of the livestock grazes within the hotel’s immediate grounds, a significant portion resides on a dedicated farm called Avalon, a short cart ride away. Avalon houses the vegetable gardens, pastures, and a state-of-the-art meat processing facility, employing a team of 20 dedicated farm staff. The animals are fed organic grass in the summer and a blend of beans and barley grown on the estate during the winter. After slaughter, the meat is returned to The Newt for processing and aging.
Driven by curiosity, I accompanied Stewart on a visit to Avalon. I was astonished by the modern facilities, a stark contrast to the traditional image of a farm. The meat processing facility, with its rows of aging carcasses, resembled a stylish art gallery. Inside the greenhouse, a cutting-edge hydroponics system meticulously regulates temperature, nutrient levels, and water flow to ensure optimal growth.
The Newt’s commitment to organic and seasonal produce is unwavering. While the estate grows a wide array of vegetables, some varieties like tomatoes and peppers are grown hydroponically due to the unpredictable nature of climate change. This innovative approach allows for consistent year-round production, ensuring that all of The Newt’s tomatoes and peppers are entirely sourced from their own farm.
After a tour of the farm, it was time to sample the fruits of their labor. The Newt offers two dining options: The Botanical Room, located in Hadspen House, provides a more formal dining experience, while the Farmyard Kitchen, nestled in the Farmyard, focuses on simple, wood-fired cuisine. On my first evening, I opted for a delicious dinner at the elegant Hadspen House. Faced with a choice between British White beef and lamb, I decided on the lamb, which was tender, flavorful, and beautifully complemented by a light sauce. The Farmyard Kitchen, with its focus on wood-fired cooking, offered a different approach to the same ingredient. The lamb I enjoyed there, on my second night, showcased a unique character and depth of flavor.
The Newt offers an array of activities, but a garden tour is an absolute must. Led by Mai Ishizuka, a Japanese gardener who has been with the hotel since its opening, the tour unveils the history of the estate’s gardens. Ishizuka explains that the garden has been a renowned destination for English garden enthusiasts long before the hotel’s inception. First opened to the public in the mid-1980s by renowned garden designers, Nori and Sandra Pope, the garden has been meticulously maintained by a succession of talented gardeners. The current design is the work of landscape designer, Patrice Tarabella.
One of the fascinating aspects of the tour is the opportunity to walk through the evolution of the English garden. From the medieval era to modern times, each area showcases distinct trends, offering a captivating glimpse into the history of garden design. Walking through the garden while listening to Ishizuka’s insights enhances the experience immensely, making it far more engaging than a simple stroll.
Other activities worth exploring include a ‘Bee Tour’, where you can learn about the vital role of bees in pollinating the apple orchards (The Newt does not harvest honey); a journey through the remnants of a Roman villa once located on the estate; and a rejuvenating spa experience inspired by the ancient Roman baths of Bath, complete with a traditional hammam. The list of possibilities is truly endless.
My stay at The Newt was a profound experience, leaving me with the overwhelming sense that this extraordinary hotel is a magnificent paradise that embodies the ideal lifestyle of a bygone era in Somerset, reimagined for the modern world. Here, guests are invited to immerse themselves in the refined beauty of nature, savor meticulously crafted meals, connect with the stories woven into the land, and indulge in intellectual stimulation. The Newt offers a sanctuary for slowing down and embracing a sense of luxurious tranquility—a true luxury in our fast-paced world.
The Newt in Somerset
Bruton, Somerset, BA7 7NG United Kingdom
Tel./03-3403-5355 (Japanese contact: Kentos Network)
Accommodation Rates:
Hadspen House: £625 and up
Farmyard: £785 and up
*Minimum stay of 2, 3, or 4 nights depending on the season. Accommodation rates include a one-year garden membership.
thenewtinsomerset.com
