It’s finally Friday......we leave Cornwall, bright and early, we are off to the New Forest and Somerset for meetings (all in a day’s work for the Boutique Retreats Property Team) however, this time we don’t have the long drive back just yet – hurray!
We’ve been lucky enough to be invited by owners Emma and David, to stay in their stunning, Somerset country retreat - The Strawberry Thief. It’s 6.30pm and we’re done for the day, and we can’t wait to start a weekend of exploring and pure relaxing after a busy few weeks.
En route we have a quick stop off at the local Waitrose to pick up some supplies in the beautiful town of Sherborne, conveniently just a few miles drive from the cottage through the pretty country lanes. A little while later, we arrive at the cottage nestled up a quiet country lane, a pretty sandstone cottage with wisteria climbing the walls. Stepping through the front door, we’re met with a welcome hamper full of goodies – such a lovely welcome which makes our stay feel that extra special.
After unwinding in the garden with a gin and tonic in hand, catching the last of the sunshine, we unpack our shopping and start preparing dinner. The kitchen is super-equipped with everything we need to prepare a tasty meal for our first evening.
After our tummies are full, we explore. The cottage is stunning, with beautifully paired back yet luxuriously cool décor. We’re in interior design heaven! We’re pretty tired so we put the wood burner on, pour a glass of wine or two and relax for the evening in front of the TV.
The next morning, we’re woken by idyllic bird song after a fantastic nights’ sleep. Ellen slept in the master bedroom and she says it’s the most comfortable bed she’s ever slept in (and hasn’t stopped talking about it since). I sleep in the slightly smaller second bedroom which is equally as comfortable and luxurious, with beautifully soft, cool, cotton sheets. Bliss.
We have a jam-packed day planned with lots to see and do. First stop, Sherborne. We’re wonderfully surprised at how pretty this little market town is. A great mixture of high street stores and independent retailers and with a beautiful abbey, there’s lots to visit and explore. There’s a wedding on at the abbey when we visit, which is a lovely sight - it was magical to watch people on their special day. We have a good walk through the town to soak up the atmosphere and then a quick pit stop for coffee and cake in a cosy local café. On to the next destination, Bruton.
About 12 miles down the road we arrive at the small, picturesque town of Bruton and we’re heading for the Hauser and Wirth Gallery for lunch. We’re met with the vibrant Roth Bar and Grill, a very cool place to eat and enjoy the lovely surroundings.
After lunch, we head back to the cottage to relax for the afternoon, feeling super chilled out now. In the evening we decide to take the short walk up the country lane to Corton Denham where we find The Queens Arms pub. As the weather is still nice and warm, we sit out in the lovely garden and enjoy a gin and tonic and a light bite for dinner, very tasty food indeed.
With what feels like a much quicker walk back (it’s all downhill!), we arrive back at the cottage and it’s time for me to get in that lovely big bath tub, bubbles galore. I’m in heaven. Feeling so relaxed we settle in for the evening in front of the fire and another blissful night sleep.
Waking up bright and early, we pack our bags and say goodbye to The Strawberry Thief, we’re very sad to leave this stunning cottage but another busy week awaits us!
This gorgeous retreat sleeps four people and is perfect for both couples and families alike. It’s also dog friendly and has plenty of country walks on its doorstep. Take a look here for more information on The Strawberry Thief.
