Flip side of Glastonbury
Far removed from the crowds of Somerset’s famous music festival is an idyllic retreat, says
THERE are two faces to Glastonbury. There is the famed music festival, the one that makes sure this corner of Somerset is always on the television. And then there is the historic farmstead where instead of joining the crowds, you escape them.
Middlewick Farm is a pretty complex of 12 cottages and “glamping” cabins, attracting an eclectic crowd at the foot of mystical Glastonbury Tor.
Forget the festival, the line- up of stars who have chilled out here includes Charlotte Church, Downton Abbey’s Hugh Bonneville and actress Carey Mulligan with her musician husband Marcus Mumford.
This is an area steeped in legend and the Tor has long been considered a sacred site. The steady 30- minute climb to the top of the 500ft hill where a ghostly tower looks out over the Somerset Levels is an essential part of any visit to the area and a wonderful spot for both sunrise and sunset.
Middlewick even boasts its own slice of folklore in two ancient oak trees, Gog and Magog, said to be the gateway to the mysterious Isle of Avalon where wishes come true.
Travelling with two children under four, our wish was simply for an occasional bit of peace and perhaps the chance to read a chapter or two of a book.
And with plenty to keep the children amused, we had come to exactly the right place.
Middlewick sits among stunning countryside. No longer a working farm, it is home to chickens, horses, sheep and goats, as well as Maggie and Ellie, two very friendly labradoodle dogs.
There are also beautiful gardens, a sauna and an indoor swimming pool, as well as a small but well- stocked farm shop where you can buy anything from home- reared free- range eggs to organic chocolate.
The site even has a wood- burning pizza oven and every Wednesday evening owners Jill and Jonathan Barker host pizza evenings – a big hit with our eldest, Immy, three.
Before taking over Middlewick in early 2011 the couple worked in fi nance and retail in London and came across the cottage complex by chance while driving around the area where their son was due to start school.
Jill, a Canadian, felt drawn to this spot after seeing the previous owners’ maple leaf sign.
Since taking over she and Jonathan have undertaken major renovation work on the cottages, some of which date back to the 17th century.
The environmentally conscious pair have also installed three unique “E- den” glamping cabins ( they have featured on Channel 4’ s Amazing Spaces) and a shepherd’s hut.
We stayed in the lovingly appointed Blenheim cottage, which comfortably sleeps three plus a travel cot. As well as being packed with historic features, it proved to be very child friendly with a stairgate and high chair.
Middlewick is also great for exploring Somerset and beyond. The dreamy, fl at Somerset Levels made the