What do you do when you're in an outdoor bathing pickle? 🤔 You call the queen of hot tubs, is what you do!
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A big thanks to @angharadrocks and the wonderful @hottubsrock.outdoorology team for helping us out at short notice. You, well....Rock! 🫶
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An unfortunate accident occurred with our outdoor deep soaking tub when we were away and whilst we wait for the repairer to attend we didn’t want our guests to be disappointed at not having the opportunity to bathe under the stars as promised 🌙✨️
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Despite being super busy, Hot Tubs Rock managed to squeeze us in with a hire tub, and we're very grateful. Plus their service has been impeccable as per usual. This isn't an Ad btw. We just wanted to give them a shout out for being an inspirational fellow small business, one that does things impressively well and always with a smile 💖
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#laidbackluxury #hottubsrock #nuthatchretreat #visitdeanwye
✨️We were thrilled to be placed alongside some stunning looking holiday homes and unique destinations just recently when we were invited to feature in @91magazine Places to Stay 'most stylish accommodation across the UK' ✨️
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This edition includes one of our favourites, @Glebehouse in Devon which epitomises so much of what we enjoy, and hope to imbue in our place too, plus there's a gorgeous place in Bridlington, East Yorkshire that we've been eyeing up for years 😍
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There are now many other wonderful places on our list to check out, thanks to the brilliantly curated collection. Thanks for including us, Caroline, we're honoured 💖
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We've not long received our copy, as well as another of their recent editions, so that's the weekend's browsing sorted 😄
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📸 Thanks also to @kfziser for use of her lovely shots from last year 🙌
#laidbackluxury #nuthatchretreat #91magazine
Where did all the butterflies go? 🦋
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When you sit by the firepit you feel surrounded by the hum and buzz of wildlife. Bees a-plenty 🐝 and, if you can tune the eye, you might see the crickets and grashoppers that resonate all around you 🦗
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The edges of the garden are left to grow wild to merge with the forestry land next door and to encourage biodiversity. And the planted beds offer up some gorgeous blooms to keep the bees happy.
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🤷🏽♀️But what about the butterflies? Last year we had so many, and this year, so few. This is but one of only a handful we've seen in the garden. Anyone-else had the same?
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Nonetheless, being immersed amongst the throng of nature is truly a tonic for the soul 💖
#laidbackluxury #nuthatchretreat
Flowers for an anniversary stay 💕
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It's so nice to get to this point in the floral year when the garden offers up such a gorgeous mix for our guests and we seem to be fast becoming a destination of choice for special anniversaries.
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One couple stayed just a couple of weeks ago and have already booked again for their anniversary next month! 🎊
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We're particularly loving the crocosmia and poppy seed head combo with a dash of lavender whilst it's still such a rich shade of purple, and of course we're at peak hydrangea season - the socials are awash with them 😄
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This time of year, expect fresh flowers again until it's time to start drying some lovely things for the winter months 🌾
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And if you're in need of an #anniversaryescape you know where to find us 💖
Have you left it late to book a #summerbreak like we have? We seem to do it every year!
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We've contemplated Crete, Cumbria, France, Montenegro, Pembrokeshire... but to date have been left like #ForestofDean wild sheep in the headlights, roaming between all possibilities and none 🐑 😵💫
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Fear not, we still have some late July and August availability if your decision-making capacity is also at zero!
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Get in touch to ask about dates, rates or with any questions about our stylish, family-friendly holiday home with a view. It's a peaceful, private spot with plenty of outdoor space and something for the parents AND the kids. Plenty of games and books, an outdoor bath, BBQ firepit, cinema screen, and all of the brilliant adventures that @visitdeanwye offers on the doorstep. What's not to love!
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And any top tips for our own holiday dilemmas are gratefully received 🙏 😄
Wakey wakey, rise and shine!👋
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A morning salute to the sun is a must if you enjoy a
stretch to start your day ☀️
Mind the sheep....again! 🐏 Or Beware the Lambs as one local sign says 😲
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You'll find them roaming on big roads and small. Some looking pretty ragged and wild. But this particular lot seem quite well loved but regularly escape from whichever field they're meant to be in.
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Either way, it's worth going slow when you're visiting the woodland areas of the #ForestofDean as they can pop out anywhere 😆 and when we suggest shutting the gate, it's not because we're super territorial, it's mainly to stop our woolly friends chomping all the plants we've lovingly planted 🌱
Looking for 'houseplant' heaven? We went in search last week...
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A trip to @edenprojectcornwall is an essential if you're visiting the West Country of the UK. In the tropical rainforest biome, you'll find all the 'houseplants' you can dream of, but bigger than you could ever imagine 💚 unless, of course, you've had the pleasure of Costa Rica or South-East Asia in real life.
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We headed down with plans to stock up on some mini versions, but alas, we missed the opportunity. We did, however, catch #paolonutini play an amazing gig at @edensessionsofficial. Have you seen anyone play at Eden Project? It's a truly magical setting for it ✨️
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Back here in the #forestofdean we're fortunate to be surrounded by our own unique temperate rainforest that is also an essential visit if you're heading West for your trip. And in Nuthatch Retreat, we've added a healthy dose of jungle to the interiors too, because we just can't get enough of it. It's in our DNA!
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So for now, when we feel the urge for maybe just one (or two 🤫) more plants, we'll be heading to @leafcreativeuk down the road for all our interior tropical rainforest needs 🌿
Hope you're enjoying this beautiful Solstice, wherever you may be 🥰
The competition is now closed - thanks for all your entries!
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The person to win a lovely stay and gorgeous bundle from @soakandsleep will be announced later today via the Soak&Sleep account ✨️
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Good luck!
✨️Last chance to win a staycation and bundle worth over £700 ✨️
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Head to the main competition post to find out more and details of how to enter.
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Competition closes at 11.59pm tonight!
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T&C's apply
🏡What makes for an ideal staycation?
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We start with a foundation of a good night's sleep. It's the one thing that, for me, routinely ruins a potentially lovely stay, with bedding that suffocates you in the night 🥵 and a brick-like pillow. Anyone-else?
So a comfortable bed is fundamental - a Visprung mattress and wool topper is where we start. Soft, breathable bedding made up of linens, hemp and organic cottons, and a variety of pillows because everyone has different needs to sleep well 😴
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Much of this we've been sourcing from @soakandsleep from the start as the quality of their offering is just brilliant and we've always felt very well looked after. Hence why we're collaborating with them to help create the ideal staycation package for you.
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Next up we've gone for thick Egyptian cotton robes and sumptuous BIG towels - too many times I've stayed somewhere where the 'bath towel' barely makes it round the female form and feels downright mean, so we've aimed for generosity here👳🏽
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And the other stuff? Spa-like aromas everywhere ✨️ Stunning views - you can sit and watch the sun rise over the valley, with a lovely cuppa, overlooking terraced gardens. A cosy window seat and warm blankets so you can chill out with a book 📚 if the British weather is doing what it does. Plenty of boardgames, a secret cinema screen, a wealth of foliage indoors and out to immerse yourself in nature 🌿🪴 An outdoor bath for a deep soak under the stars or even in the rain! 🌦🌙⭐️
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🌲🌳The beautiful Forest of Dean and Wye Valley has so much to offer. Known for it's iconic film & tv locations from Star Wars to S&x Education, there are ancient woodlands, stunning views and quaint villages to explore. Plus many an artist, maker or local food producer to discover. And fantastic foodie spots to luncheon at.
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Or just relax. You don't even need to leave the house? Kick back in laidback luxury and forget about the world for just a little while 💕 and, if yo
Does how a place smells make a difference to you? 🪷
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🍃We put a lot of effort into the ambience you experience on arrival here, and scent is a big part of that. Personally, I'm very sensitive to overly perfumed or 'chemical-like' aromas, which make me feel nauseous and unsettled, and only essential oils and a select few other scents work for me.
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We're no experts on essential oils, so we rely on the expertise of @nealsyardremedies, whom I first stumbled across, bunking off school (sorry mum!) in Covent Garden many moons ago. And it was the essential oil aromas wafting into the courtyard that drew me in, whilst my mates were in @slamcityskates shop next door (and where I also tried to hang out feeling deeply un-cool 😆)
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🪔Fast forward to today and I still rely on their wonderful oils to soothe the soul and elevate the mood so you'll find little wafts of bergamot or lavender in the bedrooms or one of their balancing blends being diffused in the living space. Not to mention the various essential oil scents in their bath foams or hand lotions dotted around for your use.
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It all adds to the relaxing atmosphere we're aiming for and is a welcome offering based on the many comments we get about how good it all smells!
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To celebrate Aromatherapy Awareness Week Neals Yard Remedies are offering 20% off their organic and ethically-sourced essential oils and diffusers until tomorrow (link in bio) if aromas are your thing. Or drop us a line any time for extra special #NuthatchRetreat offers.
🌿A Sunday wander up the hill and down again. Great for a gentle family hike just as much as for some solo contemplation in nature.
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Another one of the loops you can do from the doorstep that takes you along country lanes and up into the woodland proper, past the very cute kid goats 🐐 and into seas of wild foxgloves that populate the Forest of Dean this time of year
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The bracken has gotten dense and high, so the paths you knew in winter sometimes disappear, and you discover other routes amongst the trees. The ombre of greens and the fresh herby scent in the air makes your heart sing 💚
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Areas that were cleared by @forest_of_dean_fe in recent years and cordoned off to enable species to bounce back without threat of being nibbled by the deer are suddenly looking lush and full of diverse native foliage.
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Views of the river Severn pepper the route and you descend back down above Nuthatch Retreat.
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A wholesome couple of hours before flaking out for an afternoon nap. Perfect 😄
✨️Win a gorgeous staycation here✨️
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Complete with a beautiful bundle of luxurious @soakandsleep linen bedding, robes, and blanket like the ones we offer our guests 😊
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Check out our main competition post for details of how to enter 👇
Daytime or nightime? When's the perfect time for a leisurely soak?🛀
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With the elderflower in full bloom, it's the ideal time for some Elderflower bubbly no matter the hour 🥂
Countdown to a competition 👀
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Join us at midday tomorrow to win a very exciting Staycation package of serene and laidback luxury with our friends @soakandsleep ✨️
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Don't miss out! 📢
Mind the beautiful @humphriesandbegg shirt!
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His bags are packed, he's off on tour with #paolonutini in one hour, and, reminiscent of the stories he tells me of his dad doing gardening straight from work in a three piece suit, he's out there doing a top coat of wood protector just before he leaves 😵💫
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We're going to miss him a lot this next few weeks, but he's left you a beautiful spot for outdoor bathing in his wake 🌊
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Thanks @rodandcone_ for being so great at making stuff! We 💛 you.
🌿Ready to immerse yourself in warm soothing/refreshing cold [delete here] water, amid the sounds of nature?
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We were a bit optimistic on the outdoor bathing timescales, weren't we? Life gets busy sometimes, but @rodandcone_ has done a grand job piecing it all together (seen here in his natural habitat of fiddling with the lights 😄)
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🛀The hot water is running (or cold, if cold water immersion is your thing 🧊), the steps are in, the lighting is well on it's way✨️ The smell of freshly cut cedar is in the air and aromatic @nealsyardremedies foam bath awaits you💙. Newly planted Jasmine and Abutilon are already softening the edges of the freshly made screening, so just a few final finishing touches to go 🏵
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We even found a handy bath stirrer - much needed as it's nice and deep - thanks to the wonderfully eclectic delights of @baileyshome (if you haven't been it's a must when visiting the area). And a pair of soft and cosy @soakandsleep bath robes hang ready for you - keep your eyes and ears peeled🧐, next week we'll be announcing a very special *giveaway* with them 🎉
🌿Ready to immerse yourself in warm soothing/refreshing cold [delete here😀] water, amid the sounds of nature?
.
We were a bit optimistic on the outdoor bathing timescales, weren't we? Life gets busy sometimes, but @rodandcone_ has done a grand job piecing it all together (seen here in his natural habitat of fiddling with the lights 😄)
.
🛀The hot water is running (or cold, if cold water immersion is your thing 🧊), the steps are in, the lighting is well on it's way✨️ The smell of freshly cut cedar is in the air and aromatic @nealsyardremedies foam bath awaits you💙. Newly planted Jasmine and Abutilon are already softening the edges of the freshly made screening, so just a few final finishing touches to go 🏵
.
We even found a handy bath stirrer - much needed as it's nice and deep - thanks to the wonderfully eclectic delights of @baileyshome (if you haven't been it's a must when visiting the area). And a pair of soft and cosy @soakandsleep bath robes hang ready for you - keep your eyes and ears peeled🧐, next week we'll be announcing a very special *giveaway* with them 🎉
