42 Acres

Style

Polished pastoral care

Setting

East side of Somerset

Leave it all behind and live off the land at 42 Acres, a here-to-heal hideaway in eastern Somerset that’s putting a spring in the weariest of steps. Days will look a little different for everyone here; if you’re on a self-catered stay and cocooned by the cosy, country trappings of the detached cottages, there may be little need to venture too far beyond your meadow-admiring gardens. You're also welcome to take part in a rotating roster of restorative pastimes: add in a session in the forest-fringed sauna and you have all the ingredients for a bucolic-themed battery recharge.

Facilities

Rooms

30, across eight buildings.

Checkout

10am, and check-in is at 4pm.

More Details

Cottages are self-catered stays, so rates are room-only. If you’re staying on a full-board weekend in the Hermitage, all meals are included in rates.

Also

The downstairs bedroom and shared spaces of the Library Barn are all accessible for guests with limited mobility; but there’s no other facilities in place to support wheelchair-users.

Free Internet Access

Pet Friendly

On-Site Restaurant

At the Hotel

173-acre estate, seven-acre lake, walled gardens, regenerative farm, bee garden; the Hermitage also has a library. In rooms: Free WiFi, hairdryer and Bramley bath products. Hermitage rooms also have a selection of books, yoga mats and art supplies to borrow.

Our Favourite Rooms

We’re smitten with the two-bedroom Library Barn cottage, a contemporary take on a classic country farmhouse that pairs grand vaulted ceilings with arched crittall accents and cosy fireside spots.

Poolside

There’s no pool at 42 Acres but you can swim in the lake, and there’s a jetty and ladder for easy access.

Spa

There's no formal spa, but treatments are available as add-ons and you'll find a woodfired sauna among the forest’s wildlife.

Packing Tips

An open mind, a set of green fingers and lake-friendly swimwear are all you’ll need.

Also

42 Acres hosts a selection of nature-focused and wellness activities, as well as ‘soil-to-gut' food experiences that can be added to your stay.

Children

Children are welcome on self-catered stays, with a selection of family friendly activities available to add to your booking. Little Smiths also get a ‘42 Ways to Play’ booklet, filled with immersive pastimes like finding hidden treehouses and canoeing.

Gallery

Food & Drink

Top Table

If you're staying on a full-board weekend, secure yourself a seat at the shared table for story-paired suppers.

Dress Code

You might want to ditch the wellies and waders for dinner, but otherwise come as you are.

Hotel Restaurant

There isn't a formal restaurant here and dining strays from tradition a little as you won't spot any servers working the crowds. There's a ‘soil-to-gut’ menu for full-board weekends and the option to order meals straight to your room or cottage for those staying on a self-catered rate. Meals are guided by the seasons and very much work to the whims of the land, but previous plates have included shiitake mushroom and vegetable bourguignon,and rosemary-infused cashew cheesecake.

Last Orders

During full-board weekends, breakfast is served from 9am; lunch from 1pm, and dinner from 6pm. Picnic baskets and blankets can also be arranged for breakfast and lunch.

Planes

Most European hubs have direct flights to Bristol’s airport, which is the hotel’s closest and around an hour’s drive (private transfers can be arranged on request). If you’re flying from further afield, you’ll likely be touching down at London Heathrow, where you can make the two-hour drive to Frome along the A303.

Trains

Direct trains run frequently from Heathrow, Paddington and Waterloo to Dorset’s Gillingham station, a 20-minute drive from the hotel, where you’ll also find links to Exeter. Waterloo also has a direct line to Frome, which is a similar distance from the hotel and has routes straight to Bath and Bristol. Private transfers can be arranged from both stations, for £40 each way.

Automobiles

With 173 acres to roam onsite, a car may not be necessary for everyone; but if you’re planning on exploring more of the West Country, there are rental booths at the airports and free parking onsite (Monks Hatch also has an electric-vehicle charger).

Worth Getting Out of Bed For

Everything at 42 Acres changes with the seasons, and its schedule of healing happenings is no different, with a programme of activities hosted at set times throughout the day that you’re welcome to add onto your stay package. Connect with nature during a foraging or rewilding walk; or host a self-led fire circle session under the stars, said to welcome rebirth and connection. Yoga classes, sauna sessions and on-the-lake activities are additional idyllic pastimes.

Earn or Redeem Points with World of Hyatt

This Mr & Mrs Smith hotel participates in the World of Hyatt loyalty program. As a member, you can earn and redeem points and enjoy exclusive benefits for qualifying nights. .