Putting the ‘new’ in newt, here’s everything you need to know about Somerset’s hottest hotel opening
Looking for your next luxury staycation? The Newt in Somerset, a working country estate near Bruton, is now opening its beautiful hotel and spa to guests.
Set within the fascinating Hadspen House – a Grade II-listed Georgian manor house with intriguing previous house guests – and its Stable Yard, the boutique hotel has 23 individually designed bedrooms.
Designed to help guests relax and switch off, emphasis is placed upon embracing country living and exploring the historic estate and surrounding area.
With a garden-to-table menu in the restaurants, as well as botanically-based treatments in the world-class spa, you’ll find nature incorporated into every nook and cranny.
The historic hotel and spa follow the opening earlier this year of the formal and productive gardens, ancient woodlands, apple orchards, cyder press, restaurants and farm shops.
The Newt aims to celebrate all things of our county, with a deep focus on the local and sustainable.
Interior Talk
Creative direction comes courtesy of owner Karen Roos, who has reimagined the past by combining historical elements with contemporary architecture and playful design.
Built from local materials and conjured with the skills of local blacksmiths, carpenters, architects and stonemasons, the emphasis on sourcing sustainably is present even in the framework.
The design of the hotel aims to echo the gardens, with a colour palette of greens ranging from sage to emerald, contrasting with bursts of colour.
Old sits alongside new, such as original oak panelling in The Botanical Rooms lit with statement Tom Dixon fittings, which also hang over the staircase as an oversized chandelier.
Individually designed bedrooms in the main house have retained original Georgian features and proportions, with sash windows and clean lines. Guests can enjoy a night of deep slumber thanks to the addition of four-poster beds and free-standing baths in a number of the boutique abodes.
Along with the archaic, you’ll find mod con essentials. Contemporary touches abound, enjoy Dyson hairdryers, Nespresso coffee machines and flat screen televisions.
Botanical Bounty
Every plate of food served on the estate features something grown or foraged at The Newt in Somerset.
Gardeners and chefs work closely together to harvest fresh ingredients daily – with over 350 vegetables and salad varieties cultivated.
With 70 covers, The Botanical Rooms restaurant harks back to a true country house kitchen, with head chef Ben Abercrombie serving a menu shaped by the lifecycle of the estate.
On the menu, dishes feature just-picked fruit and vegetables from the garden, while a unique grill designed for the kitchen and fired from the estate’s woodland prepares venison and meat from the area.
Soothing Spa Time
Head to the garden-inspired spa facilities for a plethora of relaxing amenities. The indoor swimming pool and indoor/outdoor hydro pool, sauna, steam room and halotherapy room all make an excellent way to wile the day away.
Signature treatments include a mud rasul experience in a private couples’ chamber and an authentic full-scale hammam. Facials, wraps, massages and manicures are also available.
For those peckish after all that pampering, food and drink offerings are designed to promote nutritional health with kombucha and pickles for gut health, olives and chickpeas for healthy skin.
Make it happen
Where: The Newt in Somerset, Bruton, Somerset, BA7 7NG
How: Visit thenewtinsomerset.com or phone (+44) 1963 577777 to make a booking.
Wallet: Room rates from £255 per night based on two sharing. Includes a mini larder with cyder and apple juice, as well as access to the gardens, estate and spa facilities.
