Your West Midlands Wedding - October/November (Issue 82)

Having recently tied the knot, my hubby and I were eager to enjoy a relaxing minimoon together, so when the opportunity to visit Will’s Treehouse at Winchcombe Farm arrived, we jumped at the chance. An oasis of tranquillity, this five-star glamping retreat has six-holiday homes to choose from, including Warwickshire’s only treehouse. Designed with outdoor living in mind, the treehouse is nestled within four sycamore and ash threes – one of which is even growing through the kitchen! This remote retreat is easy to reach with main roads close by, and it’s only a 20-minute drive from Stratford-Upon-Avon town centre. UP IN THE SKY I love exploring a new place, and when we arrived, I was instantly taken aback by how stunning this Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty was. We parked our car around the back of the property and were delighted to meet the resident alpacas and ponies. After a somewhat extended meet-and-greet with our new neighbours, we headed inside to see what awaited us. Prior to arrival, we’d researched this family-run retreat, but nothing prepared us for just how wonderful it would be. As we opened the door, we were greeted by a fully-equipped kitchen with a range of SMEG and Joseph Joseph accessories and a luxurious bathroom with a bathtub and toiletries. The interior perfectly combined contemporary design and home comforts, which made us feel instantly at ease. The large living space was complete with a 55-inch Smart TV and DVD player, a sofa which could be moved to reveal two bunk beds, a king-sized bed and beautiful views of the surrounding countryside. If that wasn’t enough, we were also treated to a goodie bag upon arrival, which included fresh apples and a delicious cake – yum! REST AND RELAXATION Our favourite part of the accommodation was the outdoor area. The treehouse’s terrace includes a private hot tub (which I couldn’t wait to try), a hanging chair, a hammock, an outdoor shower, a barbecue and a pizza oven. As a self-proclaimed pizza connoisseur, I obviously wanted to try the pizza oven and it didn’t disappoint. It was easy to use, thanks to the online guide provided by the owners, and we were really pleased with the result. So much so, that I’ve begun hinting to my hubby to get me one for Christmas much to his dismay. Lounging in the hammock with a cup of tea and a slice of wood-fired pizza, I looked at the surrounding countryside and felt completely at peace. Situated on a private estate, it’s a tranquil space with the only sound coming from the surrounding wildlife. STAR-CROSSED LOVE Each holiday home comes equipped with a personal telescope for stargazing. I’d never tried it before, and as my hubby is a space enthusiast, we couldn’t wait to try. Looking at the night’s sky, surrounded by the beautiful trees, was a wonderful moment that I’ll never forget. After we’d had far too many cups of tea, enjoyed the luxurious outdoor shower (a must try if you’re staying at the property), cooked dinner and spent the afternoon relaxing in our fluffy robes, it was finally time to try the hob tub. It was very easy to use, and within seconds we were relaxing with a bottle of champagne looking up at the night’s sky. With such hectic lives, it was lovely to just sit and relax together. After a few hours, we finally jumped into the super-comfy bed and fell asleep watching a film together – the perfect evening. We awoke after the best night’s sleep we’d had in a long time, feeling like royalty. We used the wonderful kitchen to make breakfast before visiting the alpacas and horses once again. SO MANY CHOICES With six holiday homes to choose from, there really is something to suit everyone at Winchcombe Farm. Many of the properties have heated geodesic domes with king-sized circular beds, firepits for toasting marshmallows and there’s even a pond with resident ducks. We loved that Winchcombe Farm works with other local businesses to offer add-on luxury extras, including concierge, pampering, gin delivery, floral decorations, wedding planning and a fine dining private chef service, so you can have the perfect stay without having to go anywhere. Whether you’re looking for a relaxing minimoon or a family getaway, each home has something special to offer. We were really sad to be leaving after such a wonderful night away and are already planning to return next year! ESCAPE Treetop Melissa Cullen spends an idyllic night away at Will’s Treehouse at Winchcombe Farm BOOK IT: www.winchcombefarm.co.uk 24

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