The Nuthatch Retreat

Blakeney, Gloucestershire
Self-catering
+44 (0)7966 507164
Visit owner's website

From
£170 - £250
per night
From
£1050 - £1650
per week

An eco-retreat for couples in the verdant Forest of Dean with a fire pit in the wild garden and woodland walks all around

Bed

3 beds

Bedroom

2 bedrooms

Sleeps

Sleeps 4

Children welcome

£170 - £250 per night

£1050 - £1650 per week

The Experience

Just the sort of place to inspire you to make some art or write that book; or simply unwind. A cleverly designed one-storey eco-extension to the owners’ home, which has lovely valley views. You have your own entrance and garden and you step into a calming Scandic-chic space with earthy tones, leafy plants and mid-century and vintage finds.

You’ll spill onto the terrace on sunny days, snooze in the dappled shade then gather around the fire pit in the lower garden as day melts into evening. Rainy days call for the full cinema experience with 4K digital projector and proper surround-sound or you can help yourself to a book and settle on the window seat.

You’re on the edge of an ancient forest for miles of walks and it’s easy to pick up some delicious local produce then return to cook: foodies will find everything and more in the nifty kitchen. Later you’ll retreat to your tranquil bedroom and sleep soundly.

The Nuthatch Retreat - Gallery

We think you'll love

  • Finding such a generous welcome hamper: fresh bread, Netherend butter, locally roasted coffee, eggs, homemade cake and a bottle of wine
  • If you order in advance, Nemia, an event caterer, can prepare homemade meals for you
  • Booking a traditional Thai massage with Nemia – she's multi-talented!
The Nuthatch Retreat - Gallery

You should know

  • The inside space and upper terrace are all on one level, the only steps are down to the lower garden
  • The second bedroom has 2 beds suitable for children aged 4 - 16 – you'll find a generous selection of toys and games in here
  • There's no bath but a big spoiling shower

Essentials

  • EV charger
  • Self check-in
  • Swimming pool
  • Hot tub
  • Garden
  • Open fire / woodburner
  • Breakfast included
  • Breakfast available
  • Meals available
  • Vegetarian meals
  • Oven
  • Parking on premises
  • Free parking nearby
  • Accessible by public transport
  • WiFi
  • Television
  • Central heating
  • Limited mobility
  • Wheelchair access
  • Mobile reception
  • Hob
  • Barbecue
  • Paid parking nearby
  • Air conditioning
  • Relaxation areas
  • Washing machine
  • Tennis court
  • Microwave oven
  • No smoking
  • Credit cards
  • Working farm
  • Owner has pets
  • Electricity included
  • Dishwasher
  • Pets welcome

Family friendly

  • Baby monitor
  • Books and toys
  • Children welcome
  • Babies welcome
  • Stair gates
  • High chair
  • Fire guard
  • Cot available

Nearby

  • Pub/bar within 3 miles
  • Restaurant within 3 miles
  • Shop within 3 miles

Activities

  • Bikes available
  • Food courses
  • Kayaking
  • Other courses
  • Sailing
  • Surfing
  • Wild swimming

Pricing

Nightly price
from £170
Weekly price
from £1050
Surcharges
An additional room with two single sofa-beds is available for children 12 and under, £220-£315 per week. A hot tub can be hired for an extra charge if arranged in advance.
1 House for 4
From £1703 beds2 bedrooms

Information

Booking information

Check in
From 3pm
Check out
11am
Other details
Minimum stay: 2 nights. 2 nights on weekdays. 2 nights at weekends.
Closed
Occasionally.
No smoking
Smoking not permitted anywhere in the property.
Meals
Meals available if arranged in advance. Dinner, 2 courses, from £22.50. Packed lunch from £10. Sunday brunch from £15. Celebration cake from £40.

Reviews

Nuthatch Retreat is everything and more that it states on the website. Everything is there that you need including everything you need to make a proper cup of coffee. The Hosts Nemia and Rod are good careful friendly with that special quality of being available but leaving you to the peace of this wonderful property. It is a safe, healing retreat set in a beautiful hillside. If you get the opportunity to go it is worth every penny.

Thelma, Chesterfield

We had a wonderful time at Nuthatch Retreat. It has the most beautiful views, and has been created with great attention to detail and care. Everything is perfectly designed and beautiful, and at the same time, very comfortable. We loved the delicious treats (the chocolate cookies were amazing!), and the relaxing atmosphere, and would love to come again in future - this time with our daughters.

Vivienne, Twickenham

This is a beautiful house with the most amazing views. The decor and the facilities are of a high standard, everything you need for a relaxing break. The hosts are lovely and gave us lots of recommendations. They also left a lovely welcome hamper full of quality produce. Visit Nuthatch as it perfect.

Jennifer, Lichfield

We absolutely loved our stay in the Nuthatch Retreat. Rod and Nemia have created a beautiful, peaceful and very special place. The huge windows and sliding doors to the garden make it feel extra spacious and make full use of the wonderful views. It is finished to a very high standard, brilliantly equipped and with carefully selected plants and art making it feel very luxurious. The kitchen has everything you need and the extra touches of bread, coffee, milk and wine were very welcome. There is so much to explore in the area if you can bear to leave. Planning our next trip already!

Laura, Bristol

This is a new chapter for Nemia and Rod and I have absolutely no doubt that it will be a great success. I would have no hesitation is spending time at the Nuthatch Retreat – it has all my favourite things: fabulous build quality, beautiful colours and interiors, excellent kitchen facilities and a wonderful connection with nature. I love all the plants and organic oils flowing through the house!

Charlotte, Sawday's Inspector

Read more reviews

Location

The neighbourhood

Discover all the superb local produce on offer in the area: cider, wine and artisan beer, cheeses, bacon and smoked salmon from the Severn & Wye Smokery. Try Hanley Farm Shop (15 mins) or the fantastic delis in Coleford and Newent. Forestry England own much of the woodland nearby – set off from the door for miles of country walks. For good food try the Tudor Farmhouse or The Globe in Alvington.

Local points of interest from Nemia & Rod Maclachlan

  • A grade II listed sacred spring and cold water plunge pool sits amid the ancient woodland and open to all. Just 15mins drive through scenic forestry lanes. Particularly good if you're into cold water immersion practices or just fun to have a dip!
  • A myriad of woodland walks on the doorstep or just a short drive away, some deep in ancient indigenous woodland, some through scented pine plantation and others along higher ridges with stunning views. You're spoilt for choice for walks come rain or shine.
  • Try stand-up paddle (SUP) boarding on local lakes such as Mallards Pike or canoe down the river Wye. Great fun with friends or family. Canoe at Symonds Yat and you can also enjoy stunning views at this area of outstanding natural beauty.
  • Many a maker and artist lives in the area so frequent exhibitions or open studios take place throughout the year. Workshops and experiences can often be found. Or enjoy the sculpture trail at Beechenhurst with brand new artworks recently commissioned.
  • Puzzlewood is just a short drive where you'll find the magical woodland scowles used in many a film such as Merlin, Star Wars and His Dark Materials. Nearby, Clearwell Caves offers you a journey underground to discover the mining history of the area.
  • Hire a bike at the Cannop Cycle Centre or bring your own to enjoy the woodland trails in the area. Easy rides are available for family outings, or go further on an e-bike. Something more exciting awaits for the more intrepid and experienced mountain biker.

Introducing

Nemia & Rod Maclachlan

Nemia, an event caterer and massage therapist, and Rod, a video designer, left Bristol with their two daughters in search of a calm, green space. They’ve put much thought and care into this new build so it's not only eco-friendly, it's stylish too, and they're excited to share it with others.