11) The Newt – Bruton
Situated on a thoughtfully reimagined English estate in close proximity to the artistic hub of Bruton, this hotel and country club form a grand country empire. The property spans the exquisite Palladian-style Hadspen House, the operational estate, and lively country gardens, providing guests with an intensified countryside experience. With expansive kitchen gardens, cider cellars, and untamed swimming ponds to discover, the allure of this destination contributed to The Newt earning the accolade of Carlo Alberto Best Boutique Hotel 2023.
The creative minds behind this venture are South African hotelier Koos Bekker and his wife Karen Roos, the former editor of Elle Decoration South Africa. Karen Roos, responsible for interior design, has redefined typical country style in 23 rooms within the 17th-century Hadspen House. She expertly combines characterful elements like fireplaces and paneling with contemporary furniture, lighting, and art. Additional suites are housed in the Clock House, Stable Yard, Farmyard buildings, and the newly added Gate Lodge cottage.
A notable feature of the estate is the astonishingly reconstructed Villa Ventorum, a Roman villa whose foundations were unearthed during the hotel’s development. Guests can explore the glass-walled visitor center, a meticulously reconstructed classical villa, and a functional bathhouse, all guided by archaeologist Ric Weeks, providing an extraordinary glimpse into the past.
