Travel.qxp_Layout 1 20/09/2017 12:53 Page 1
THE GETAWAY
SKY’S THE LIMIT This treetop escape should be high on your to-stay list if you’re venturing down Devon way...
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rowing up, we ached with jealousy whenever we saw the kids across the road having secret meetings and embarking on swashbuckling adventures in their gigantic custom-made treehouse, so when we found out about a (much more sophisticated) larch-clad treetop hideaway launched just over a year ago in High Bickington, we figured we owed it to the inner child to finally experience life among the leaves. A few weeks down the line, and one sunny south-bound drive later, we’re chugging down Braggs Hill – past swathes of pastoral greenery in every direction – and entering the Millbrook Estate. Bought up by Bob and Kate Boothby after they quit their jobs – running a telecommunications company in Weston-super-Mare – to transform the dilapidated rural pile, its fortunes have about-turned. As we approach our weekend retreat, we feel as if we’re on location for George Clarke’s Amazing Spaces – the peaceful parkland super-secluded, the views already spectacular as the road begins to incline, and the cool, contemporary curves of the sizeable structure ahead coming into view. Parked up next to a set of enormous solar panels, door code punched in and bags dumped hastily inside, it’s all we can do to keep said inner children from leaping, limbs akimbo, onto the super king-size bed. The fresh aroma of the timber interior whooshes up our noses as we scurry into each room to take stock, and celebratory sounds of the Seventies pump through the multiroom Sonos, as requested when asked, during the booking process, what soundtrack we might like to be greeted by. If luxurious interiors are your thing, we daresay you’ll appreciate the gigantic Natuzzi sofa in soft leather; the synced-up, state-of-the-art tech in almost every corner; the mood lighting and the underfloor heating. We’re predictably taken with the stylish Emma Bridgewater crockery and glasstopped coffee table made of stacked tree logs – a fitting reminder of our surroundings, in case they slip our minds. Except they couldn’t possibly – not with vast floor-toceiling windows that slide open to allow access to the terrace. Gazing out of those, as we lazily check emails on the wi-fi later that day, is like having the ultimate desktop background in widescreen. As with the most sumptuously situated swimming pools, it’s the ‘infinity’ factor that creates the greatest feeling of opulence – perspex panels protecting us from the terrace precipice, ensuring maximum uninterrupted panorama and making it feel as through we’d only need to spread our arms to take flight towards the gently rustling trees beyond. The smell of a still-warm granary loaf, left in the breadmaker next to a little butter dish and jar of Millbrookmade raspberry jam, should we be peckish on arrival, draws us to the fully equipped and very attractive Italian designer kitchen. Here we also discover, most notably, a champagne fridge full of different vintages, varying in price to cater for different budgets. 62 THE BRISTOL MAGAZINE
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OCTOBER 2017
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Nº 160
Once we’re unpacked and settled in, we set about making dinner – the apartment is self-catering – and relish the act of pretending we’ve moved significantly up in the world and are casually cooking for the fam in our own home. If you really don’t fancy the idea of cooking, however, there’s the option of hiring The Nest, attached to Treetop Escape via a romantic wooden walkway. It’s a particularly nice feature if you’re planning on hiring the place for an intimate wedding – already a very popular option – or other special occasion, and like the idea of enlisting the services of a recommended local chef. Before we sit down to dine, we figure we should freshen up and try out the uber-powerful walk-in showers, complete with giant shower heads. There are GHD straighteners in the bedroom for styling the old mop afterwards, as well as Jean Paul Gaultier and Vera Wang on the dressers, for us to spritz on before supper. It’s clear Bob and Kate – who also have another gorgeous property, Rose Cottage, just down the road – have spent lots of time here, going over each potential step of a stay and making sure every need is covered at their properties. When it comes to escapism, a hot tub always helps, and the Beachcomber here is just big enough to accommodate the four persons that the apartment sleeps, with an ecomode and bubbly jets to massage away any residual stresses. The lack of light pollution also means the night sky offers more than enough by way of visual entertainment should we tire of each others’ ugly mugs – we set down a little bluetooth speaker beside the tub, along with a couple of Bellinis, and lie back, remarkably content for the remainder of the evening. The next day we wake to the sight of birds on their morning commute – and lambs a-leaping across the hills, tails wagging as they scamper over to Mum for breakfast – and reach for the binoculars and bird book on the bedside table. After a full English on the terrace, we wander the 32-acre estate, finding a fascinating family of affable, freerange alpacas; artistic sculptures and plenty of wild garlic beside a babbling brook, before picnicking around the tree swing next to the lake. It’s easy to see why the place has attracted so much interest and already won awards as a wedding venue. Secluded, sumptuous, undeniably unusual and with admirable eco-credentials, it sure is somewhere different to tie the knot, although if you don’t have such a lavish excuse as an engagement to celebrate among the trees and sink into a deep William Holland tub once the revelry is over, you could hardly be judged for escaping for a simple weekend’s unwinding... ■
• £1,600 per three or four-night stay; wedding packages start from £2,600; treetopescape.co.uk
Opposite page, clockwise from top left: The Nest, reached via a romantic wooden walkway and featuring a private chef, should you wish to hire one; the chic, contemporary interior and infinity terrace beyond; we found the views were best enjoyed from the outdoor hot tub, Bellini in hand; you can’t beat an alfresco breakfast featuring Emma Bridgewater crockery; oh but wait, you can if you encounter the alpaca crew