What we provide and frequently asked questions

Nuthatch Retreat is an architect-designed, award-winning holiday home in the Forest of Dean, built around laidback luxury and immersive nature views. Highlights include a private Japanese soaking tub/outdoor bath, a 4K home cinema with surround sound, and a large garden all designed for a genuinely restorative stay, whether for a romantic break or a family getaway.

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.

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!

A very good question! We've carefully designed the property to feel like a stylish, high-spec and thought-out property for just the two of you if you're looking for a romantic retreat or peaceful getaway. However, if you happen to have a little one, or two, in tow, we didn't want you to feel like you had to give up all that well-designed, luxurious detail - as can happen once you have children - especially if you're design-conscious creative souls. So, yes, we are also child-friendly and provide plenty of books, games and toys to keep your kids entertained, plus the garden offers a wonderful nature escape for them whilst you relax on the terrace with a good book. And on rainy days the 4K cinema will also help!

Nuthatch Retreat is set in Brains Green, Blakeney, in the Forest of Dean, Gloucestershire (GL15 4AJ). Blakeney village is 1 mile away for essentials from the village shop, post office, fish & chips and local pubs. The nearest train station is Lydney Rail Station, 5.5 miles away and accessible direct from our door via the no.72 bus. Lydney is 4 miles away with larger grocery stores, plus local independent shops and cafes. Many attractions and forestry sites are within 5-15 minutes from our door, with other iconic locations across the 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. The nearest airports are Bristol (1hr 15mins), Birmingham (1hr 30mins) and London Heathrow (2hrs 20mins).

Your lodge 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.

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 below.

Yes, we are wheelchair accessible. We offer level access, step-free entry from front entrance, to all bedrooms and out to the terrace so that you can enjoy the garden and views. The main bedroom can be arranged to allow space for turning. 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 enables you to pull up to a paved ramp leading to the entrance. We offer an access statement so that you can check that door widths and other details meet your needs.

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 Simpsons & Partners EV charger during your stay, located to the right of the entrance. Just bring your own charging cable, as the unit is untethered. A charging fee applies, based on the size of your car battery.

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

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.

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

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.

Nuthatch Retreat has over 116 five-star reviews across Google and Airbnb, all genuine and left by visitings guests.

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