Going wild for regenerative wellness in Somerset
Set up in 2015 by brother and sister duo Lara and Seth Tabatznik, this working regenerative farm and wellbeing retreat was conceived by its founders as a place where guests could reconnect with nature amidst 173 acres of regenerative farmland, ancient woodland and rewilded meadows. In the past decade, however, Lara and Seth have transformed 42 acres into something more. Today the estate is a purpose-led project that also actively nurtures guests to better health, with the aid of experts such as peace pilgrim Satish Kumar, biodynamic psychotherapist Fiona Arrigo and natural lifestyle coach Tony Riddle. Restorative wellness experiences now include yoga, guided forest walks and sweat lodges, not to mention specialist two-night retreats where the aim is to help guests achieve a complete reset. It's a compelling rendezvous for conscious corporate events and suiting wellness escapes with friends, as couples or individuals.
Stylish without being bouji, comfortable but pretty as a picture from all angles, the rooms at 42 Acres are all lovingly created spaces, with a heart and soul that elevate them beyond traditional luxury spa escapes — without scrimping on attention to detail. The accommodation options range from simple self-catering cottages, to chic barn conversions with boutique-hotel-style bedrooms. You shouldn't expect hi-tech mod-cons, but nor is there any monk-like renouncing of all creature comforts — and depending on what's on your agenda, the home-grown gut-health-boosting menus with hyper-local, foraged and seasonal ingredients taste especially nourishing.
The aim of 42 Acres is to be actively regenerative rather than simply being sustainable — meaning many nature-positive practices are in play, from the rolling grounds around you to how they host and feed you. There's a big green tick for accommodation that can claim to be entirely powered by renewable energy — in this case, thanks to two on-site solar farms and two biomass wood-chip heat systems which provide green, clean energy for all the heating and hot water — and there's a savvy grey-water-reuse system in place.
Thanks to their extensive land regeneration, recent years have seen a return of previously extinct species such as beavers, wild boar, and pine martens flourish under the watch of a passionate, knowledgeable team which includes the passionate expertise of horticulture hero Russell Rigler and groundskeeping guru Martin White. If you're a more conscious customer who only wants to give your hard-earned money to good hospitality businesses, you can sleep easier here too, knowing they are also kind and caring to all their team as well as the environment. A specialist wellbeing manager is employed to look after the staff so they can practice what they preach.
Set a few miles from the rivers Frome, the Brue, the Wye and the Stour, this is one of the West Country's most charming corners. Frome is the nearest town with plenty of indie shops on the adorable high street. Teals is a destination deli and ethical lifestyle shop off the A303, a short drive away. A unique outing for families comes in The Story of Gardening at The Newt in Somerset, an inspired and interactive hub of horticultural learning which takes you on an imaginative trail through the history of iconic gardens. Over in Castle Cary, the Newt's latest launch is The Creamery – a dairy and restaurant serving seasonal British food in a restored Edwardian railway building. Bruton is spilling with cute places to eat, drink and browse. Gallerists Hauser & Wirth Somerset invite you to their Durslade Farm for exhibitions and a walk around the Piet Oudolf-designed gardens — check out the Roth Bar , which has been reborn in a new space. Briar has opened where Osip was, thanks to chef Sam Lomas teaming up with Number One Bruton to represent the growing seasons of a kitchen garden.
