OakwaterEscapes

17/06/2024

We are so lucky to have all of this on our doorstep. Only 25 minute drive from us at OakwaterEscapes and it is so nice and peaceful outside of the school holidays.

13/06/2024

BEFORE AND AFTER

Waters Edge new bedroom design! Artwork courtesy of , rustic upcycled wood shelving made by me(!), wall decal by and juniper acoustic wall panelling.

Absolutely loving the new cosy look and feel of this room and hopefully this afternoon guests feel the same.

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04/06/2024

We have some new residents on Willow Pool here at Oakwater Escapes! It's such a pleasure to see nature relciam my land here in ilminster.

When I first began planning for oakwater eacapes here in 2021 I had to have an ecological survey carried out and the result was the 5 acre field was classed as 'ecologically barren and non diverse'. Through the introduction of nearly 100 trees, nearly 500 hedging plants and dozens of plants and shrubs as well as the creation of a new lake we are well on the way to changing that classification for good.

Our lake is now home to wildfowl and a number fish species such as carp, tench, rudd, koi and orfe. Swifts and swallows are seen daily drinking and feeding on the insect life and the water is teeming with water boatmen and tadpoles. The long grasses and wildflower are teeming with bees and fieldmice and that has in turn attracted many birds of prey to hunt including a local white barnowl.

My aim was to not just create a natural haven for guests to relax and enjoy but also to encourage wildlife and diversification.

Every day is one step closer 💕

13/05/2024

If any of our visiting guests fancy a pamper or a pedicure while visiting us then I can highly recommend a visit to Nails and Beauty at Jordans Courtyard which is located only 5 minutes away and is run by my super talented wife Kirsty Hilling!

Disclaimer: I reserve the right to be slightly bias 😁

COMING SOON
I'm so excited to introduce a brand new gel like formula of OPI ultimate shine to the Nail Loft at Jordans Courtyard.
It's a nail lacquer not a gel. No need to cure it under a lamp or soak it off, it's easily removed.
The new formula is vegan, chip resistant and scratch resistant. Delivering a glossy shine with a plump gel like finish. Plus there is a huge range of exciting colours available, just in time for Summer.
Email: [email protected]
Based at Jordans Courtyard, appointments available Wednesday to Saturday. Tel: 01460 298608
Range of manicures and pedicures available.

17/04/2024

What fantastic and beautiful feedback just left for us by a recent guest. It is so nice to receive feedback like this and makes all the hardwork worthwhile. Remember I will always offer a special discounted price for returning customers 😉

04/04/2024

Dra woodwork, creators of our beautiful handmade and bespoke ecolodges here at OakwaterEscapes
I couldn't be happier with the finished products and judging by our bookings and feedback our guests love them too!

22/03/2024

Located only a short 25 minute drive away, stunning Lyme Regis and Charmouth beach are a must visit destination for all our guests. Now, If we can just guarantee some more of this beautiful easter sunshine.... ☀️ 🙌

Easter is a great time to Visit Lyme Regis. There's lots to see and do including the Easter Sunday Bonnet Parade and Easter Monday Duck Race plus you can get up close with marine life from the Jurassic Coast at Lyme Regis Marine Aquarium, follow in the footsteps of Mary Anning with a fossil walk or delve into Lyme's fascinating past with a guided history walk from Lyme Regis Museum or take a tour of The Town Mill, a hidden gem in Lyme's artisan quarter. For lots more information on what's on, places to stay, things to do, where to eat, shopping and more, take a look at the Love Lyme Regis website at lovelymeregis.co.uk

03/03/2024

Special offer during the month of March. For all of our guests staying with us this month why not check in at Nails and Beauty at Jordans Courtyard for a pamper? It's located less than 5 minutes away and I may know the boss quite well so it comes highly recommended 👌 😉

02/03/2024

Another exciting new partnership announced for us this week which sees us joining the holiday directory site Cool Stays. We're being flooded with bookings for 2024 so if you're thinking about booking with us then get in touch to avoid disappointment.

Remember if you book direct with me I promise to beat any price you find advertised online with any of our booking partners! 💰

10/02/2024

I've just seen this post from Serena Wootton, the parliamentary candidate for Yeovil representing the green party and thought I would share it for all of our upcoming guests booked in for this year and beyond. Our luxury ecolodges at Oakwater Escapes have direct access onto the chard to ilminster footpath wich can take you to ilminster one way or to Chard Reservoir nature reserve the other. Its brilliant for cycling or dog walking and i highly recommend The George at Donyatt for a well earned beverage near the Donyatt halt. Thanks for letting me share the lovely photos Serena Wootton for Yeovil

04/02/2024

I highly recommend a visit to our local pub, the for any of our guests. It is dog friendly, only about a 15 minute walk along the chard to ilminster footpath and the food is fantastic. Seasonal ingredients, log fires and superb Sunday roast. What more could you ask for ?

30/01/2024

New upcycled doggy bath for Cedar lodge. I've quickly learnt that after 2 months of hosting dog friendly holidays in Cedar lodge and outside undercover doggy bath would be a great addition! 👍

Clad with leftover red cedar from Cedar lodge and using a second hand tub from a local dog grooming salon it will be a great addition to Oakwater Escapes.

With a lake, river and no end of country walks here a good clean down after your daily walk is essential!

The dog bath is water only so we ask guests to not use soap and shampoo in the bath as all of the water is fed to willow pool and can harm aquatic life.

21/01/2024

For any of my guests staying with us over the next few weeks why not add to your experience with a pamper at nearby Nails and Beauty at Jordans Courtyard . It is located less than 5 minutes away and until the end of February a discount is being offered on a 60 minute massage and facial treatment.

Please contact them directly for bookings and enquiries.

19/01/2024

Absolutely baltic, yet absolutely stunning!

Luckily our guests due this afternoon can feel cosy in out fully insulated, centrally heated lodges with underfloor heating, indoor bioethanol fires and our outdoor log fired 'ofuro' bathtubs.

Open all year round, contact me directly for bookings and I promise to beat any price you can find online via Air bnb for our luxury getaways

05/01/2024

The calm after the storm

24/12/2023

Merry Christmas and a happy new year to all of our guests who have stayed with us over our first 5 months and to all of our wonderful supporters and followers who have helped spread the word of Oakwater Escapes this year.

A year ago I was sat looking at plans and drawings on paper, feeling like this business was a long way away. Fast forward 12 months and I'm sat at home looking out at two luxury handcrafted lodges full with happy guests for the Christmas holidays. It proves anything is possible with the right people around you. To those that have supported me along the way I am very grateful.

It's been a busy 2023, here's to a happy, healthy and fun filled 2024 to you all.

Merry Christmas from all of the Hilling family 🎄

11/12/2023

28/11/2023

Cedar lodge part 2!

Who fancies another Cedar Lodge photo bomb? Thanks again to for the photos.

Our brand new Cedar lodge is pet friendly, so you are welcome to bring your furry friend with you now to Oakwater Escapes. We are now fully booked in both lodges for Christmas and New year but we are now taking bookings for 2024 so book early to avoid disappointment.

Remember I am willing to offer one more lucky guest a special opening offer in Cedar lodge. 3 NIGHTS FOR JUST £420!! Bookings must be made directly with me and are valid for breaks from 1st Jan till 31st march 2024. Please DM me for details

Thank you to all my wonderful followers for helping to like, share and spread the news across social media 😊

25/11/2023

Cedar Lodge launch part 1!

Here we have the first batch of new photos of our brand new, handcrafted eco cabin, Cedar Lodge. Built with the help of the talented Dave Anthony at DRA Woodwork Ltd.

Bookings are now open and can be seen at https://Airbnb.com/h/cedarlodgeoakwaterescapes

This rustic country Lodge is handmade with cedar worktops, breakfast bar and chunky shelves, original wall panelling and underfloor heating for those cosy winter nights. Oh and not to mention an outdoor 'Ofuro' Japanese log fired soaking bath. The lodge is pet friendly so your furry friends are also very welcome!

For the firsts two bookings made directly with me rather than through our online booking partner I will offer a 3 night stay for just £420!!
This offer is only valid from 1st December until 1st march and excludes New years as we're already fully booked for both lodges!)

I'm really proud of how this lodge has turned out and I hope my wonderful guests get a lot of enjoyment from staying here over the next few years...

Please help to like and share to spread the word. Thank you

19/11/2023

So my main aim with Cedar lodge was to have a very rustic country feel to this build while making as much handmade original features as possible. Thanks to we have built a beautiful red cedar kitchen worktop and breakfast bar, detailed wall panelling and exposed roof beams and it gives the lodge a really unique and cosy feel. With the help of Jason at we have also included underfloor heating throughout the lodge so there are no clunky radiators and you are guaranteed warm feet when you get out of bed in the morning!

I'll keep digging out build photos showing the progress from the last few weeks ahead of our proffesional photos being done by the talented next week

06/11/2023

Just wow 👌 🥰

04/11/2023

I've managed to make a bit of time to work on some personal handcrafted finishes for Cedar lodge today, any guesses what the barrels are for?

01/11/2023

The calm before the storm.... lucky our lodges, are super insulated, super warm and most importantly, super cosy!

28/10/2023

Coming next week, our second eco luxury handcrafted Lodge!! I'll be revealing the first images and videos as I'm currently undertaking the furnishing and decorations inside. We'll have this lodge available to rent from the beginning of december and I know I'm slightly bias but it is looking ❤️‍🔥❤️‍🔥❤️‍🔥❤️‍🔥

16/10/2023

I've been fortunate enough to receive some wonderful feedback from guests during my first season of running Oakwater Escapes but I think this review left by Rhiannon and Mike who left this morning might be the cherry on top of the cake!

Thank you so much for the kind words guys and also a special thank you to my team who help with the cleaning and changovers of the lodges and are an invaluable cog in the wheel (you know who you are!)

Remember, for those wanting a cosy winter escape now that the seasons are changing our lodges all have central heating as well as real flame bioethanol fires as well as stunning outdoor 'ofuro' bathtubs. What more could you ask for?

Contact me directly for bookings as I promise to beat any price you find online when booking direct.

07/10/2023

Ilminster carnival night. Excellent entertainment and yet another reason to love where you live.

06/10/2023

I am pleased to report that I received an email from the bods at Air BnB today to confirm that Oakwater Escapes is now a certified 'Superhost!'

Now you may ask what a Superhost actually is, well here's the explanation from the site itself;

''A Superhost is a title given to an Airbnb host who has gone above and beyond in their hosting duties and is a shining example of how a host should be. They are recognized for their exceptional hospitality and are committed to providing guests with an outstanding experience. You can easily identify a Superhost from the badge that appears on their listing and profile. To qualify as a Superhost, one must receive positive reviews (minimum rating 4.8*), be responsive, and avoid cancellations where possible. There is no need to apply for Superhost status; it is earned by doing things like receiving positive reviews and being responsive''

Airbnb checks Superhost performance four times a year to ensure that they are constantly spotlighting the best of the best. If you’re looking for an exceptional Airbnb experience, booking with a Superhost is a great way to ensure that you’ll have a memorable stay

For a business that only launched 3 months ago its great to receive such positive feedback and needless to say I'm wearing my superhost badge with pride tonight. Thank you to our lovely guests who have taken the time to leave feedback on their stay

04/10/2023

Today has seen us take a massive step forwards in creating a more sustainable and environmentally friendly holiday destination site with the installation of 2 brand new EV Charging points for the benefit of our customers. This project also helps to bring us in line with Somerset Councils aim of promoting more sustainable travel solutions for people visiting somerset.

A big thanks to the team of local installers who I can highly recommend for a speedy and efficient job.

26/09/2023

One of the many fabulous events held annually in Somerset is presently underway and its Somerset Arts Week. Dozens of talented artists open up their homes and workshops to display their work.
I took a few hours out to vist the talented Nick Fraser at and I'm excited to say I'm hoping to see a few of his sculptures here at oakwater escapes over the coming months. It may be a while before I can indulge in some of his larger sculptures but a couple of pieces really took my fancy and I think they will fit in nicely here so watch this space!

22/09/2023

If the 'old wives tales' are to be believed, Holly and Hawthorn bushes full of berries means we're in for a harsh winter.

Lucky we have central heating in both of our lodges with cosy bioethanal fires and log burner hottubs :)