We moved to the Forest of Dean in 2015, ready to embrace the fresh air, peace and lush green views of the area having both grown up in rural settings.

In our search for a home, we viewed many rustic cottages—charming outside, but often dark and damp inside. So when we came across a light-filled 70s bungalow with big windows and wraparound terraced gardens, we knew it was the one. From the start, we wanted to invite others to experience the simple joy of sitting and soaking in these views.

As it was for many, the 2020/21 lockdowns sparked change for us. It was during this time that Nuthatch began to take shape. We envisioned a holiday home with soul and sustainable credentials - a unique retreat that is characterful, warm and inviting.

Our story

Backyard with a grassy lawn, construction materials, and wooden stairs leading up a hill, surrounded by trees and a house on the left.

Nuthatch Retreat is the collaborative result of Nemia and Rod thinking about every detail, each encounter in the space. How everything looks, feels, tastes. Thinking about what happens on gorgeous summer evenings and rainy winter Sundays, for grown-up couples, tired workers and curious children.

A lush garden scene with purple thistle flowers in the foreground, yellow-green ferns and small purple flowers nearby, and a wooden bench at the back, with trees, a grassy hill, and a blue sky with clouds in the background.

Backyard of a brick house with a glass-enclosed porch, a green trash bin, and piles of chopped firewood.

The original 'bungalow' (with one downstairs room)

The valley view before...curse the Leylandii trees!

Interior view of a room with an open sliding door leading to a patio with greenery and trees in the distance, sunlight illuminating the space, wooden dining table and chairs, potted plant, and patterned curtains.

Construction site showing unfinished brick walls and scaffolding with a view of green rolling hills and cloudy sky in the background.

The view before...curse the Leylandii trees!

A person working on a construction or gardening project in a backyard, with tools and a pile of soil, surrounded by a wooden fence and green trees in the background, with the text 'April '23' overlaid.

Our story

NUTHATCH RETREAT