Jordans Estate Glamping

Situated on the edge of the Somerset Levels, the historic Jordans Estate is the tranquil setting for Rich and Em Speke’s private luxury glamping experience. Comprising two self-contained shepherd's huts and, in summertime – two pods, this adults-only retreat is the perfect destination for couples seeking solace from the frenetic modern world.

There’s a calm and leisurely pace to life on the Estate. Most of the time, your nearest neighbours are the deer that emerge from the 100 acre woodland to the dew-drenched fields at dawn. A former dairy farm, the cows have given way to a scattering of sheep and agrarian fields of seasonal crops. So for any city slickers yearning for an authentic slice of rural life, this is the real deal.

While suitably rustic in setting, the shepherds huts themselves are a masterclass in comfort having been handcrafted on site by the esteemed Blackdown Shepherds Hut Company. A double bed, fully-equipped kitchen, en suite bathroom (with toilet and shower), and wood-burning stove sees to it that guests want for nothing, and yes that means there's a wood-burning hot tub outside. Extra touches like board games and maps of local walks show an admirable attention to detail. And with the Blackdown Hills (an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty) tantalisingly visible from the comfort of the cabins, the latter will be put to good use. A similar amount of care has gone into making the summer-only Landpods equally enjoyable places to stay but the set up is slightly different. These are cosy cocoons for sleeping in and each has its own hot tub – but a shower, loo and camp kitchen are shared between the two.

Though the grand Georgian mansion may be long gone, there are vestiges of its stately past everywhere, such as the ornamental walled garden, stable block, lakeside grotto, and the quaintly named Gingerbread Cottage, house of the former head gardener. Your helpful hosts can fill you in on the history and are more than happy to offer guided walks around the grounds. And what grounds they are, with innumerable trails to explore and wildlife to spot. As gorgeous as this place is in the full bloom of spring with bluebells enlivening the forest floor, the fiery autumn colours and January snowdrops make a winter’s woodland walk just as appealing, safe in the knowledge, of course, that the wood-fire warmed cosy confines of the hut awaits.