Last week we ventured into the wilderness in a very British way for two nights of total luxury in the magical Hex Cottage on the Wilderness reserve, Suffolk.
We arrived at the Estate sweet shop just as the sun was setting over Sibton Park to be greeted by our host who bundled us into the branded Defender to start our adventure. A short drive from the estate down a winding track led us to Hex Cottage, glowing by candlelight.
Hex Cottage is straight from a fairytale. Completely off-grid, heated by an open fireplace, an Esse range and lit up by candles. All the essentials are beautifully presented in the welcome hamper; including wine and the most divine Victoria sponge cake.
Sleeping two guests, Hex Cottage is the perfect romantic escape for a reset from the outside world. Phones were turned off, although they do provide portable chargers, and dinner was served.
We had pre-ordered the grazing dinner to start our escape, made by the estate chefs. It was the most delicious way to start the evening before settling down with Scrabble, one of many board games to choose from.
The Menu
Rye Bread Crackers, Pumpkin, Fennel and Toasted Maple Seeds
Beetroot Gravlax, Capers, Nordic Slaw and Rye Crumb
Green Salad of Pat Choi, Spinach, Coriander, Radish and Coconut Yogurt
Heritage Tomatoes, Fine Beans, Roasted Chickpeas and Caper Berries
Potato, Rose Harissa, Minted Salad
Seasonal Eton Mess
After a long deep sleep in the comfiest of beds, we set about exploring the four beautifully designed rooms that we would be calling home for the next two days in daylight. The magic of Hex Cottage is truly brought to life in the morning light of the perfectly crisp November morning we’d woken up to. The cottage consists of four cozy rooms rustically designed with elements that hark back to its past life as the gamekeeper’s cottage. Think wooden textures, with rich earthy tones that add to the warmth of this cottage. After breakfast and coffee all made via the Esse woodfired range, we were ready to explore the estate from the infamous Wilderness Reserve Paisley bikes.
Guests are free to roam the 8000 acres of the Estate, by foot, by bike or via a guided tour. We set about exploring the winding paths of the wilderness and peaking into the other wonderful properties that are dotted around the estate. Our bike ride took us to the little village of Peasenhall where we came across Emmett's Smokehouse to stock up on the essentials of Artichoke tapenade, cheese, and wine. All locally produced and organically sourced, which provided the most delicious dinner for the second night.
We ended our day aboard the estate rowing boats, taking in all the scenery, including the brave guests trying their hand at wild swimming in the lake, before heading back to for a soake in the freestanding bath, surrounded by the warm glow of candles. The perfect end to the perfect stay.
From wild swimming, to shooting, to feasts cooked on open fires, there is something for everyone to explore at the Wilderness reserve.
Discover all their properties here.