Owl’s Nest Hideout

• Sleeps: 2
• Bedroom: 1
• Bathroom: 1
• Minimum stay: 2 nights

Beautifully nestled on the edge of the magical Forest of Dean, in the beating heart of the Wye Valley, Owl’s Nest Hideout is a romantic escape that breathes in harmony with its magnificent natural surroundings.

You’ll discover the stylish eco-barn surrounded by ancient woodland, in easy walking-and-picnicking distance of the shimmering River Wye, and boasting a Scandinavian wood-fired hot tub to help you welcome the sunset and stars (available to hire at an extra cost).

There’s a blissful sense of being miles away from anywhere in particular… a sense that makes it hard to believe that bustling London is a mere three-hour drive away!

And while you’ll be sumptuously secluded in this natureful paradise, you’ll have plenty of visiting wildlife to keep you company. You just never know who you might see and hear on any given day, from owlets, wrens, and swallows to peaceful grazing deer. There’s also the resident rescue sheep who ‘mow’ the meadow, strewn with flora and fauna that the owners have purposefully planted to encourage diverse wildlife.

What of the barn itself? The interior has been styled with exceptional care and charm, and there’s plenty of luxury that’s worthy of a romantic getaway. Toasty underfloor heating and a log-burning stove will warm cooler evenings to perfection, and there’s plenty of sheltered al fresco space, cosily furnished for you to sit back and watch the natural world go by.

(You’ll have Wi-Fi and a TV with Freeview, too. Though with such wondrous natural views to keep you entertained, we wouldn’t blame you if they remained unused all holiday long!)

Facilities include an indulgent, gleaming bathroom and a well-equipped kitchen, complete with a Nespresso coffee machine to charge birdsong-soundtracked mornings. Extras include an option to hire a private chef; perfect for those who don’t feel like doing their own cooking on holiday! Though if you do, there’s a selection of cookery books on hand for culinary inspiration.

At a glance

• A romantic, nature-focused hideaway for two in the heart of the Wye Valley AONB.
• Cocooned in nature and surrounded by diverse wildlife, you’ll have plenty of visitors, from owls and swallows to grazing deer. There’s also a team of rescue sheep who ‘mow’ the owners’ purposefully-planted wildlife meadow.
• Luxurious facilities include a well-equipped kitchen and a bathroom with a large tub and separate walk-in shower.
• A Scandi-style wood-fired hot tub is available to hire at an additional cost, and private chef hire is available on request.
• Pack a picnic and savour it by the nearby River Wye, or take the footpath for a 30-minute stroll to the village shop. There are plenty of places to eat, drink, and dine – including the Michelin-starred restaurant The Whitebrook – in the surrounding area.

Features

• Adults Only
• Hot Tubs

More information

And at the end of a long day exploring the local area, there’ll be a downy kingsize bed all ready and waiting for you to drift off into a sound, silent slumber… well, perhaps softly peppered with the occasional owl’s hoot!

What will you do once you’ve woken up? Well, you may want to set your alarm early, since there’s nothing like watching the day slowly come to life as the sun rises over the hills and fields.

Wander along the footpath into the nearby village, where you’ll find a fantastic community shop to stock up on essentials, and shoot the breeze over coffee and a light lunch. There are plenty of incredible restaurants close by too, including Michelin-star dining at The Whitebrook – ideal for a special celebration.

Things to note

Pets are not permitted. The retreat is baby-friendly, with a travel cot and high chair provided on request. Due to safety concerns it is not suitable for toddlers or young children. Please note that the access lane is narrow and winding, and not suitable for vehicles wider than a Ford Transit.