Those looking for a true switch off this summer should look no further than West Lexham; a retreat that embraces and evokes nature in every branch of its enterprise.

Set on a 21-acre estate in a hidden pocket of North Norfolk, the story behind West Lexham was to create a hive for kindred spirits – those who want to explore their holistic ambitions. Over the years a community of likeminded folk have beautifully repurposed and renovated historic farm buildings on site to recreate the rural livelihoods and networks that farming used to evoke. Their aim was to create a rural idyl that explores the best ways of living, working and being, and this sustainable paradise is felt the second you arrive. 

A stunning lake is the centrepiece for your stay, renowned as one of the best kept secrets for wild swimming. For those not quite ready to take the plunge, traditional row boats are on hand for you to glide your imagination along the scenic route. A folly pitstop complete with seashell sculptures is a must, where you’ll find deck chairs outside to relax and reflect from. On foot you’ll soon find oriental gardens that have been tenderly sculpted by water streams and adorned with wind chimes to have you fully immersed in nature.

Suddenly doing very little becomes a utopian itinerary. Every type of tree and shrub indigenous to the UK grows happily on this estate, and the ecology of the floating water meadows has even earned its title as a Site of Special Scientific Interest, with the restoration of their rare chalk stream and surrounding wildlands creating an active habitat of biodiversity. 

A variety of wellness classes and yoga practices are available, with specially designed barns and outbuildings to encourage contemplation, appreciation and transformation of the mind. An outdoor heated pool is also on hand for that touch of luxury, landscaped by floral gardens and a traditional flint house. The heating and hot water on site are powered by a wood chip biomass boiler, with solar panels helping to provide renewable electricity. With Lexham living, the ethos is always to reuse, rebuild and recycle.

So where can you stay in this luscious slice of nature? The range of accommodation is incredible and utterly bohemian – bell tents surround the water for a festival feel, and neatly slotted cabins are disguised nearby for that extra level of comfort.

But perhaps the ultimate experience is with their treehouses – standing tall amongst the trees and chirping birds. Waking up at canopy height, this setting is the perfect way to refresh mind, body and soul, whilst experiencing nature at its finest. Tilia Treehouse is the tallest of them all, named after the majestic trees that surround it. Following an open-plan design, it’s filled with unique character and creative charm throughout. With wooden staircases, furniture and beds all locally hand-crafted, there’s a real folklore and fairytale about the interior.

Book your stay at West Lexham with Booking.com

Alongside your own self-catering adventures, communal BBQs are available. But true foodies shouldn’t miss out on a dish or two from The West Lexham Garden Kitchen. The menu is quite literally farm-to-fork, with seasonal and organic food picked on site. Hot tip – the spicy sausage and fennel flat bread is a knockout!

For a holiday that’ll leave you relaxed, inspired and thought provoked, West Lexham offers all of this and more.

Find out more at WestLexham.org.

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