Wild at heart - new minimoon escapes

Posted by Danielle Harvey on 19 May 2021

elegant bedroom Credit: Adam LynkWildhive, a new boutique hospitality brand deeply rooted in nature will launch this summer with the opening of its first property - Callow Hall in rural Derbyshire. Surrounded by ancient woodland and 35 acres of wild open space, Callow Hall is the perfect launchpad for the Peak District and provides the ultimate, idyllic honeymoon destination.

sofa and chair in front of large window Credit: Adam LynkThe visionaries behind Wildhive, Ed Burrows and Charles Randall, are creating a unique and characterful collection of houses with Wildhives inspired by the local topography (cabins, pigsties, treehouses or earth dens) dotted around wild and wonderful, lesser-known parts of the UK.
Each Wildhive location will have working beehives and nature at its core. Wildhive is a place where friends and family can come together, a place for gatherings and celebrations, a unique wild space offering a sense of exploration and a true immersion in the landscape.

Built in the 1850s, Callow Hall has undergone an extensive refurbishment and has been beautifully transformed by interior designer Isabella Worsley – who cut her teeth working alongside Firmdale Hotels' designer and founder Kit Kemp.

Isabella's relaxed yet striking aesthetic has a sense of eclectic Britishness, with a rich colour scheme, bold characterful prints and fabrics and playful artwork by young British artists including Karl Blossfelt and Johnathan Schofield. Many of the materials used celebrate the theme of landscape and nature and champion local artisans.

blue room with bed and chitzy decor Credit: Adam LynkThe Main House has 15 individually designed bedrooms, all with en-suite bathrooms and wonderful bespoke detailing. Beyond the house and dotted amongst the ancient woodland are 11 one-bedroom Woodland Hives offering a truly original experience immersed in nature. Each Hive, also styled by Isabella Worsley, is complete with an en-suite bathroom, kitchenette and outdoor bathing.

At the far end of the ancient woodland will be two incredible treehouses from award-winning design agency Blue Forest. Each custom-built treehouse has been designed to sit amongst the trees and are geared for self-catering with relaxed open plan sitting rooms and kitchens, en-suite bathrooms and luxurious outdoor baths on the decking. Both the Hives and Treehouses will be armed with sticks and marshmallows for the communal firepit in the woods and binoculars for wildlife watching.

Executive Chef David Bukowicki is overseeing the food and drink and has created a vibrant menu which celebrates the seasons and the best of British produce. Previously at Barnsdale Lodge in Rutland, David is passionate about using the best local suppliers.

green wall fireplace two armchairs Credit: Adam LynkExample dishes include Derbyshire Oatcakes with pickled fennel and kohlrabi and locally sourced steak burger with Dovedale cheese and smoked bacon. A 'Snap (a local term for snack) Menu' will be served between lunch and dinner offering light bites and sharing platters. Callow Hall's 15 beehives will be managed by the Derbyshire Bee Society and will provide honey for the house. Callow Hall's kitchen garden will also provide seasonal vegetables and herbs.

The new bespoke contemporary glass Garden Room will serve inspiring seasonal dishes from breakfast through to dinner and has a sedum roof to provide a habitat for birds and insects. Light and airy, the feature bar will serve cocktails with wonderful views over the landscape, with doors opening onto the patio and gardens beyond.

Away from the house guests will be able to enjoy afternoon tea in the Secret Garden, or picnic by the burbling Bentley Brook.Inspired by the seasonal food calendar, regular events such as 'Be Nice to Nettles' and Lammas day will take place throughout the year alongside live music, celebratory woodland feasts and pop-up bars.

The Coach House Wellness Centre will offer an undercover gym area in the landscaped courtyard with rowing machines and interactive bikes. There is also a yoga studio and a sauna and steam room. Three treatment rooms will offer a range of organic experiences including massages and facials.

A range of bikes including e-bikes will be available for hire and in the Map Room guests can plot their next adventure, whether on foot or by pedal.At the heart of the Wildhive philosophy is locality, community and a responsibility towards the planet and people through sustainable and restorative practices.