April 6, 2026
This 17th-century manor house hotel is shrouded in privacy and an air of exclusivity from the moment you arrive. The front gates gave nothing away as we approached the long winding driveway with bated breath and excitement for a stay at the country retreat – The Newt in Somerset
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Luxury Hotel in Somerset
The Newt Somerset – Overview
Nestled in 800-acres of Somerset countryside, near the cool and trendy town of Bruton is Hadspen House. First built in 1687 the estate was home to the Hobhouse’s, a family of activists, politicians, and conservationists. South African owners Koos Bekker and former Elle Decoration editor Karen Roos have transformed the sandy-stoned Grade II listed Georgian manor. They’ve seamlessly blended the historic grandeur of the building with modern, simplistic twists creating a cosy yet luxurious haven.
The Newt joins the echelon of UK luxury hotels named after animals such as The Pig and The Fish. Although, this country hotel owes its name to a colony of 2,000 protected newts discovered on the estate during the renovations. It’s definitely the place to embrace the outdoors with country walks through the beautiful gardens and woodlands. Unwind in the luxury of the spa and indulge in the delectable garden-to-plate cuisine.
The hotel also intends to be fully self-sufficient within a few years by using resources from the land and minimizing all its waste. Just a few of the reasons I completely fell in love with the place, and the perfect girl’s escape away from the city.
The Newt Somerset – Rooms
The individually designed bedrooms retain many of their original period features. There are 23 in all split between Hadspen House, the stable yard, the granary, and the clock house.
Our stay was in a loft room in the main house with sweeping views of the grounds and the fields beyond through the white sash windows. Dove grey walls and dark timber beams complement the muted colour furnishings in the bedroom. As well as a bathroom the size of a living room equipped with a free-standing bath and a walk-in shower the size of a catwalk. The restful space deserved more than a one-night stay. Subtle luxuries are dotted around such as a Dyson hairdryer, a Nespresso machine, and a larder stocked with premium snacks and homemade treats.
The Newt Somerset – Food & Drink
Every plate of fresh food you eat at The Newt will include either produce grown on the estate or locally sourced. It’s all part of their eco-friendly sustainable plan for reducing waste. And on an estate of this size, there are a few dining options:
The Botanical Rooms
In the main Hadspen House, the Botanical Rooms include two dining spaces. A modern, airy conservatory brimming with greenery and orange trees and a wood-panelled Oak Room. At the helm is the open country house-style kitchen where the culinary magic happens before it’s served beautifully plated and ready to devour. The kitchen accommodates any dietary requirements, as a vegetarian, I was very impressed with the options available on the menu.
Breakfast is served in The Botanical Rooms with a breakfast board of gigantic croissants, apple pastries, homemade granola, berry compote, fruit, and juices. For those craving a hot option, they’re also available – ready to set you up for the day.
The Garden Cafe
A wander through the gardens brings you to the Garden Cafe. Glass-walled it looks out to the picturesque surrounding grounds. The menu is a delight with vegetables taking centre stage, all grown onsite and full of flavour. From the juiciest tomatoes to the perfectly executed grilled aubergine and the sweetest carrots – It’s a veggie paradise.
The Farm Shop
For a takeaway option, the Farm Shop sells some delicious baked goods. They’re baked fresh on-site from savory treats such as pork and apple sausage roll to a spiced celeriac tart. Sweet tooth? They have you covered too. Sticky apple and cinnamon bun anyone?
Hadspen House Bar
The bar in Hadspen House serves a simple lunchtime menu for those looking for a light meal. An eyecatching glamourous gold bar takes the stage against dramatic teal walls adorned with gilt-framed portraits. The vibrant bamboo chair helps to add a pop of colour, making it the perfect spot to enjoy cocktails listen to live jazz music, or spin an 80s vinyl on the retro turntables.
The Newt Somerset – Things to do
The Gardens
Acres of formal gardens designed by Patrice Taravella at The Newt and the jewel in its crown. One of the many gems is the egg-shaped Parabola walled garden it contains 267 varieties of trained apple trees arranged in a Baroque style maze. Learn more with a visit to a sensory exhibition about The Story of Gardening followed by a stroll along the treetop walkway.
Take a wander around the modern water gardens and look out for the newt spouting fountains. Explore the wildflower meadows and woodland walks for some beautiful walks, or if a game of croquet is more your thing head to the lawns. A complimentary daily garden tour offers guests a chance to unearth more about the stunning grounds.
Pro Tip: The Quantock Hills an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty is just over an hour’s drive away from the hotel.
Cyder Press
With 60 acres of apple orchards comes an impressive Cyder Press (note the old English spelling). During pressing season guests can see the equipment in action. The complimentary tour complete with cyder tasting takes guests through all the house-blend sparkling varieties. Don’t miss out on it and a warning your luggage may be a few bottles heavier on check out.
The Spa
Once a cow barn, the spa has an indoor swimming pool and indoor/outdoor hydro pool, sauna, salt steam room hammam, rasul chamber, and halotherapy room. A glass facade reveals an enclosed garden and it’s the most tranquil, beautiful space for complete relaxation.
Treatments at The Newt spa are inspired by an English Country Garden. Therapists at the spa use herbs and flowers from the garden in treatments and I can highly recommend the massage. You’ll walk out feeling like a new person.
Where is the Newt in Somerset
The beautiful Newt is in the West Country tucked away near the market town of Bruton. Over the years Bruton has become a cool spot to escape to with great places to stay, hip places to eat, and an abundance of new art galleries.
By car, if you’re heading from London follow the M3 westwards and join the A303 to Wincanton. Head onto the A371 and then onto the A359 towards Bruton and follow signs to the estate entrance.
The nearest train station is Castle Cary and GWR services run directly from London Paddington which takes around one house and 40 minutes. The hotel is a 10-minute drive from the station. Direct trains also run from Bristol and Exeter.
The Newt in Somerset Adventure Awaits
A stay at the Newt is the perfect choice for couples or friends seeking complete relaxation, although not geared for children the green spaces are great for a run-around and releasing some energy.
This is one charming country-style retreat everyone needs to experience at least once. I’m already planning my next visit..
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The Newt in Somerset | Hadspen | Bruton | BA7 7NG | Website
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