




Set aside three spacious days for those who long for quiet, time, and uninterrupted reading. This retreat offers a peaceful setting shaped by spring-fed ponds, a sauna, and the soft glow of firelight, creating an atmosphere that invites you to slow down and sink fully into the page.
Alongside generous reading time, guests will gather for a celebratory supper with a visiting author, adding a special literary note to the experience. The weekend is designed for calm immersion, with space to rest, reflect, and enjoy the simple pleasure of being surrounded by words and water.
For those who wish to lean further into the evening ritual, there is also an optional full-moon swim on Friday evening. Thoughtfully paced and quietly restorative, this gathering is ideal for readers seeking both solitude and connection in a beautiful natural setting.
Upper Beeches is a bright, welcoming three-bedroom hideaway in the village of Oakhill, only a short walk from the much-loved Oakhill Inn. Comfortable and well equipped, it makes a great choice for families or groups of friends looking for an easy, relaxed stay.
Outside, a small sun-trap garden creates the perfect setting for slow breakfasts, BBQs, and quiet evenings at the end of the day. Although the ponds are not visible from the windows, the apartment sits right next to Oakhill Ponds, the retreat land with spring-fed swimming ponds and wood-fired sauna sessions, which can be booked separately when available.
The apartment can be reserved on its own or as an add-on to Oakhill Ponds, offering a more traditional accommodation option alongside the huts and tents, or helping to bridge early- and late-season dates when some glamping units are unavailable. Please note that the layout spans two floors and stairs are required.
On the main floor, you’ll find a king bedroom with an adjacent family bathroom, along with a fully equipped kitchen-diner and an open-plan lounge. This space includes a Smeg coffee machine, dining area, Smart TV with Netflix, and high-speed Wi-Fi.
Upstairs, reached by a narrower staircase from the lounge, there is a second king bedroom and a twin bedroom accessed through it in a walk-through layout. This arrangement works especially well for parents and children or for close friends.
Guests have exclusive use of the private garden and patio with BBQ, and are provided with towels, organic toiletries, and a simple welcome basket with fresh bread when available, milk, tea, coffee, and biscuits. Local food deliveries can also be arranged.
Step inside a handcrafted Shepherd’s Hut where rustic charm meets quiet luxury, creating a peaceful escape surrounded by nature. Set across 25 acres of wild, unspoiled land, this welcoming hideaway offers a beautiful balance of comfort, craftsmanship, and natural scenery. Guests can relax in a private Hikki Bohemen wood-fired hot tub, tucked into a secluded garden area made for slow, restorative moments. A short walk away, spring-fed ponds, a hidden grotto, and gentle waterfalls invite exploration and stillness in equal measure. For a deeper sense of renewal, take a swim in the spring-fed pond or reserve a session in the off-grid sauna for hot and cold therapy. If you prefer a gentler pace, settle into the horse-lorry reading room with nature-inspired books, or enjoy an easy stroll to the nearby pub, celebrated for its excellent food and warm atmosphere.
Located within Oakhill Ponds, a 25-acre off-grid retreat, this hut offers privacy and calm while remaining closely connected to the surrounding landscape. In winter, the site is shared with just one other hut; in summer, a few Lotus Belle tents are thoughtfully placed across the meadow, keeping the setting open and serene.
Created by the respected Blackdown Shepherd Huts, the hut is clad in solid oak and designed with both elegance and ease in mind. Inside, a drop-down king-size bed is dressed in luxurious French linen bedding and wool Devon duvets for a deeply restful night’s sleep. The hot shower is supplied with quality organic toiletries, while the well-equipped kitchen includes a fridge and gas hob for simple, relaxed cooking. A wood-burning stove adds warmth and comfort, and Wi-Fi throughout means you can stay as connected as you wish. Robes, towels, and toiletries are all provided, ensuring a stay that feels effortless and indulgent.
With the best of Somerset close at hand, including Wells, Bath, Frome, Glastonbury, Cheddar, and the Mendip Hills, this enchanting hideaway offers a memorable blend of seclusion and adventure.
Amanda Miles

Price
£645.00
Fri, Aug 28 – Mon, Aug 31