What we provide and frequently asked questions

Nuthatch Retreat is an architect-designed, award-winning holiday home in the Forest of Dean with over 120 five-star reviews. Offering level-access luxury, plus a pet-free and allergen-friendly space by design, it's a restorative retreat surrounded by woodland and stunning valley views. Attention to detail runs through everything we've created, from the private Japanese soaking tub nestled in nature, 4K home cinema, and expansive gardens for genuine escape right through to the walnut robe hooks and bespoke mugs we've curated. We source thoughtfully too: coffee from Kontext Coffee Company (direct trade, cooperative farmers), linen and hemp bedding for lower environmental impact, and firewood, produce, and meats from trusted farmers within 20 miles. See our Enhance Your Stay page for full supplier details.

Nuthatch Retreat sleeps up to 4 guests across 2 bedrooms and 1 bathroom - ideal for couples and adult stays, or small families with up to 2 children. We can also accommodate adult family members up to 4 people.

Yes, Nuthatch Retreat works for both couples seeking a romantic retreat and families with up to 2 children. While the property is thoughtfully designed with stylish luxury details, we've included plenty of books, games, toys, and outdoor garden space for kids as we don't believe parents should need to give up on quality and style. The 4K cinema also keeps children (and grown-ups) entertained on rainy days!

Nuthatch Retreat is in Brains Green, Blakeney, Forest of Dean, Gloucestershire (GL15 4AJ). Blakeney village is 1 mile away with essentials such as a village shop, post office and fish & chip shop; Lydney train station is 5.5 miles away.

Blakeney village is 1 mile away for essentials from the village shop, post office, fish & chips, local pubs and a GP surgery. Lydney is 4 miles away with larger grocery stores, plus independent shops and cafes.

We provide luxury organic toiletries from Neal's Yard Remedies and fluffy bathrobes to add to your bathing experience. A delicious breakfast hamper full of local delights can be added to your reservation, plus a cheese board or local treats are also available to order here. See a full list of what else we provide above.

We do offer that luxury outdoor bathing experience, provided via a Japanese-style soaking tub for two - imagine a cosy private outdoor bath surrounded by nature, filled with wonderfully hot water, Epsom salts, aromatic essential oils and bath foams instead of chemicals, cosy under stars or in the dappled sunlight, or even in the rain. As a bonus, you can fill it with lovely cooling water during a heatwave!

Your bungalow has its own driveway and entrance down a little lane and, whilst the property is attached to our home, you very much feel tucked away in your own private hideaway once you're in. The property and gardens are peaceful and calm and aren't overlooked by any neighbours. There are a couple of neighbours along the lane but on the whole you'll be unaware of them. The 'main' B-road above (which you can't see from the property) is very much a back road into the forest and generally very quiet. You'll hear occasional traffic but it's rarely intrusive given the distance and tree coverage.

Yes, we are wheelchair accessible. We offer a purpose-built, level access, step-free building by design from front entrance, to all bedrooms and out to the terrace so that you can enjoy the garden and views. All rooms allow turning space. The bathroom features a walk-in/wheel-in shower, and an adjustable toilet support and shower chair can be provided upon request. Off-road parking on a gravel driveway enables you to pull up to a paved ramp leading to the entrance. Our access statement details door widths and specifications so that you can check the property meets your needs. Feel free to contact us before booking. The only amenities not accessible to wheelchair users are the outdoor bath and lower gardens.

No, we are a non-smoking property and do not allow smoking or vaping inside the house.

Nuthatch Retreat is a pet-free, allergen-friendly property so we cannot accommodate dogs. This allows us to maintain the highest standards of cleanliness and comfort for every guest, especially those with allergies to fur and dander.

Yes, off-street parking in your own private driveway is provided, with space for up to 2 vehicles.

Yes, we offer use of a stylish EV charger during your stay (£25-£30 per full charge depending on the size of your battery). Just bring your own charging cable, as the unit is untethered.

Yes, Nuthatch Retreat is the perfect place to celebrate a special occasion. We've hosted many a marriage proposal, wedding anniversary, birthday, mini-moon/honeymoon and babymoon here, as our guests find it a particularly special place to celebrate and escape to.

We can, on occasion, host small, intimate gatherings and the odd day retreat. Get in touch to discuss what might be possible.

Nightly rates range from £245–£315 and include bed linen, bath towels, bath robes, organic toiletries, tea towels, toilet and kitchen roll, locally roasted coffee beans, breakfast and herbal teas, kitchen essentials, and a first batch of firewood (when the firepit is permitted for use). Add-ons such as breakfast hampers, a cheese and charcuterie board, and local treats can be paid for separately.

Fortunately, superfast broadband has reached us despite being in a rural location, so you can comfortably stream and access the internet here with good upload and download speeds. Mobile phone signal can be variable depending on your phone provider.

Commercial filming, photography or content creation can only take place by prior arrangement - a location fee is usually charged - please email to discuss.

You can book directly through the bookings and availability page on this website for the best rates, with no third-party commission or fees.

We have a 2-night minimum stay for most of the year, which increases to a 3-night minimum at peak times.

Nuthatch Retreat has over 120 five-star reviews across Google and Airbnb, all genuine and left by visitings guests.

A partial payment of 50% is taken upon confirmation of booking, with the balance due 30 days prior to arrival - full details are provided at the time of booking.

A refundable security deposit is held on your card one day prior to arrival and released at the end of your stay, unless costs are incurred as a result of breakages or damage incurred during your stay.

Cancellations made further in advance of arrival receive a higher percentage refund of prepayments, with the refundable amount decreasing closer to the arrival date. Full details are provided on our booking page.

Standard check-in is from 3pm, check-out by 11am. Early check-ins and late check-outs can sometimes be offered by prior arrangement, and we're always happy to discuss this if it's possible. However, it depends on the bookings we have before and after your stay, so it cannot be guaranteed. A late check-out fee applies if guests fail to depart by 11am and a late check-out has not been agreed in advance

We are on the no.72 bus route (stop: Ayleford Turn) that travels between Chepstow and Mitcheldean. The nearest train station is Lydney Rail Station, 5.5 miles away and accessible direct from our door via the no.72 bus. The nearest airports are Bristol (1hr 15mins), Birmingham (1hr 30mins) and London Heathrow (2hrs 20mins).

Many attractions and forestry sites are within 5-15 minutes from our door, with other iconic locations across the Forest of Dean and Wye Valley such as Symonds Yat and Tintern Abbey just 30 minutes' drive. The pretty villages and sites of the Cotswolds are also within easy reach, as are a number of castles in Wales.