If you’re looking for a private countryside getaway, there’s a new place to discover in England. This June, The Newt in Somerset is opening Yarlington Lodge, a carefully restored Regency estate available for exclusive stays. Guests will have the chance to enjoy a historic country estate all to themselves.
Yarlington Lodge sits in the village of Yarlington, just a mile from The Newt’s main Somerset estate. The property covers 12 acres of gardens, old woodland, and landscaped grounds. This is one of The Newt’s biggest restoration projects, turning a centuries-old estate into a private retreat for families and groups.
A New Chapter for a Historic Somerset Estate
Karen Roos, co-owner of The Newt in Somerset, led the vision for Yarlington Lodge. Her design style is known for blending heritage, craftsmanship, and modern luxury throughout the estate.
The interiors mix British, French, Dutch, Italian, and South African styles instead of following just one tradition. This creates a home that feels historic but also lively, colorful, and modern.
Guests will notice bold striped wallpaper, tented ceilings, antique furniture, shiny trunk-style chests, brass accents, and rich wood throughout the property. Each room has its own character, making the estate feel full of surprises.
Literature is also part of the design. Bedrooms in the main house are named after famous Regency-era characters like Jane Bennet and Natalya Rostova, with their novels placed by each bed. The house reflects the influence of writers like Austen, Byron, Brontë, and Tolstoy, recalling a time when reading and country life went hand in hand.
A Property with Royal Connections
Yarlington’s history is just as interesting as its design.
In Tudor times, King Henry VIII gave the estate to two of his queens, Catherine Howard and Katherine Parr, at different times. This royal link adds to the estate’s long and fascinating history.
The main Regency rectory and the nearby cottages, gardens, and woodland have all been carefully restored. Karen Roos worked with Richard Parr Associates on a multi-year project that honors the building’s historic style and adds touches of Gothic Revival and Napoleonic-era design.
The finished property feels both classic and surprising, with antique furniture next to modern design pieces, custom Dutch Delft tiles, green marble bathrooms, and selected furnishings from top international brands.
Three Residences, One Private Estate
Yarlington Lodge has been designed to host larger groups while maintaining privacy and comfort. Yarlington Lodge is built for larger groups, but still offers privacy and comfort. It shares extensive gardens, a historic walled garden, an indoor-outdoor swimming pool, and elegant entertaining spaces.
The main Yarlington Lodge is the heart of the estate. This eight-bedroom Regency house has formal entertaining rooms, a library, a drawing room with garden views, a private cinema, and a hidden speakeasy-style bar.
The Coach House used to be the stables and carriage store. Now, it’s a stylish four-bedroom home that shows off its equestrian past with exposed stone, carved wood furniture, and a modern metal kitchen.
The Cottage in The Wall completes the accommodation. This four-bedroom retreat is inspired by the gardens around it, with floral art, rich fabrics, and arched windows that make it feel cozy, peaceful, and close to nature.
Designed for Country House Living
Unlike many luxury estates that only offer accommodation, Yarlington Lodge is designed for memorable gatherings and shared experiences.
Guests can enjoy classic English country house activities, like playing tennis or croquet, swimming in the indoor-outdoor pool, watching private films, or relaxing with a book in the gardens or woods.
Evenings offer just as much to enjoy. Guests can have elegant dinners in the Palm House, sip cocktails in the courtyard, and end the night with conversations in the estate’s speakeasy bar.
A private butler team is on hand to personalize every part of your stay, from booking spa treatments and personal trainers to arranging childcare and special experiences. If you like to cook, you’ll find fully equipped kitchens. Or, you can have private chefs prepare custom menus using ingredients from The Newt’s gardens, creamery, orchards, and butchery.
Exploring Somerset from Yarlington
While the estate has plenty to keep you busy, Yarlington Lodge also gives you special access to one of England’s best countryside areas.
Guests can explore more of The Newt in Somerset, with its famous gardens, woodland walks, cider cellars, apple orchards, and seasonal events. The Somerset countryside nearby is full of villages, historic sites, and rural scenery that attract visitors from all over.
Yarlington Lodge brings together privacy, history, design, and top service. It offers a new kind of luxury country house stay in Britain, where guests are invited to make the estate their own, even if just for a few special days.
