Escape the City with these sustainable weekend breaks
Who says that spectacular design and sustainability have to be mutually exclusive? More and more travellers are opting to stay in hotels that have serious green credentials, but don’t want to compromise on design either. A delicate natural balance that’s difficult to achieve, but when done right, results in something that’s truly special.
From Devon to Hampshire, we’ve rounded up four of our favourite sustainable properties that feature the very best of green design here in England .When a hotel can bend with its environment instead of fight its way through it, it’s definitely a “less ordinary” concept that we can get behind.
Bert’s Box, The Pig at Brockenhurst, Hampshire
Situated within the sumptuous Pig Hotel in the New Forest, Bert’s Box is somewhat of a charming sustainable surprise thanks to its clever green design. From the outside, it looks like an ordinary cabin, but there is ample room within this cosy masterpiece. Inside there is a kitchen, living room, a den, a bathroom, and a master bedroom spacious enough for a king bed.
The homely living area comes with a wood-burning stove, a floor made of reclaimed timber plus double-glazed aluminium doors and windows. Every detail of Bert’s Box has been meticulously executed to ensure that guests can enjoy their creature comforts while relaxing in the knowledge that where they are staying has been designed in the most ecological way. Whilst guests can make simple yet rustic meals in the privacy of their own kitchen, the hotel is a hop and a skip away where you can enjoy delicious locally sourced food.
Treetops Treehouse, Devon
Nestled in the heart of the Devon countryside is a cosy two-bedroom treehouse built around the branches of a 200-year-old oak tree. This is no ordinary treehouse — it is a multi-level warren of interconnected rooms all of which have been designed to produce the ultimate indoors-outdoors experience.
Managed by the lovely The Fox and Hounds Country HoteL, Treetops Treehouse is the ideal place for a relaxing break where you can live out your childhood treehouse fantasy. There is a cosy bedroom complete with an indulgent king-sized bed, a contemporary wood burner, a freestanding copper bathtub and stylish furniture which has been furnished with oak hardwood rescued from the tree itself.
Why not pour yourself a glass of sparkling English wine and relax on the large terrace that overlooks the fishing lake and the lush treetops of Heywood Forest. Here, you can enjoy a true feeling of privacy while also taking advantage of the Fox & Hounds Country hotel spa and bar facilities nearby. If you’re feeling extra adventurous, nearby is a biosphere reserve, which is ideal for exploring and enjoying the local wildlife.
Treehouse Hideaway Suite at the Chewton Glen, New Forest, Hampshire
If you’re feeling extra indulgent, this countryside escape will certainly do your city stress-induced anxieties some well-deserved good. Chewton Glen describes their luxurious Treehouse Hideaway as ‘playful, private and perfectly designed’; and it really exceeds expectations, considering it’s pretty punchy price tag. This stylish and luxurious property is suspended thirty-five feet above ground surrounded by the tranquil New Forest landscape. Creating a true sense of luxury that is strongly rooted in its local environment, while providing a real sense of wellbeing and tranquillity that compliments the idyllic surroundings. Take time to soak in the outdoor hot tub or relax on a day bed on the terrace, underneath the leafy canopies of the surrounding forest — at the very least, it’s an absolutely otherworldly experience.
Inside, you can expect stylish interiors, under-floor heating, a marble bathroom with large free-standing bath overlooking the forest. There is also a bespoke walk-in shower and his 'n' hers basins. Not to mention, the lodge’s impressive Eco-credentials which include rainwater harvesting, air-source heat pumps, solar panels, sedum roofs, and low-energy lighting. Now that’s what we call guilt-free luxury.
Lake Cabin, Limewood Hotel, Lyndhurst, Hampshire
If you have ever dreamed of staying on your very own private island, the Lake Cabin at the Limewood hotel certainly ticks all the right ‘Less Ordinary’ boxes. Allowing guests to truly escape and switch off from the hustle and bustle of city life. Located in the stunning Lyndhurst in Hampshire, the Lake Cabin at the Limewood hotel will make you feel like you’ve entered into a fantasy woodland realm. This lovely little cabin, which is on stilts, is surrounded by park and woodland is nestled on the far side of the lake, at the end of a winding private pathway which is certainly like being on your own private little island.
From the use of reclaimed timber both inside and out of the cabin to the large triple aspect picture windows, guests will feel completely immersed in the sumptuous forest environment. The balcony, which overlooks the water, comes with an elegant bath tub providing a relaxing yet secluded experience.
Rustic yet sophisticated, the Lake Cabin at the Limewood Hotel has stripped wood floors and walls, a king-sized bed and en-suite bathroom with a bath and a walk-in shower. There is even a sweet little bar area where you can make cocktails or enjoy a glass of champagne. Without a doubt, this cosy and intimate glamping inspired cab experience is certainly making its way to our 2019 hit-list.
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Words by Emma Harrison
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