Garden Life

What’s all this about the Handee Shopeee?? The ancient English were rubbish at spelling but they did love a bit of flogging. So we thought our little ‘Shoppee’ should overflow with gorgeous grub and Things We Love – little gems ranging from the exotically practical (Gransfors hand forged axes, really clever little firelighters, and brilliant banger…

Well, we ummmed and aaahed about this one. Not least because if we said ‘No Dogs’ then our pals with a pair of Newfoundlands and some more with a lovely tibetan terrier wouldn’t come and see us! So, at first, we thought we’d allow responsible dogs. But… then we realized that a dozen free roaming…

For those with modern night-time issues, there is soon to be the celestial form of the The Rocket Bar and Cafe. Yes, our very own little residents-only saloon so you don’t have to stagger across any main roads in search of a little nightcap. Better still, twice a week we stoke up the pizza oven…

A time to commune, to read or just to doze about. As the last light flickers in the sky at last you’ll have time to read ‘Sacred Geometry for Dummies’ or Katie Price’s latest biographical novel. Maybe resurrect that old art of conversation so cruelly eradicated by the gramophone. You could play games, catch up…

Sadly, rubbish phone reception and the digital TV switchover has put paid to mass communication throughout much of the Forest of Dean. On top of that the granite walls of the main buildings has done for the wifi. Lastly, strange planning regulations means no amplified music either. So what’s to do? Well, don’t panic! Because,…

Fire is a big deal here. You need it to warm your dome, cook your food and heat your water. There are backups if you need them but the basic idea is that while you are here you get to grips with one of mother natures most potent elements. We’ll show you how if you…