Every time I drive past the deer park on Stock Gaylard Estate, I slow down to catch a glimpse of life beyond those black, metal railings which embrace 1,800 rolling acres of fields, park and woodland.
So, when I was invited to stay for a glamping trip in Sawpits, a shepherd’s hut on the estate, I didn’t hesitate and packed my bags pronto, husband in tow – well, I would need someone to light the wood fired hot tub and run the odd errand.
We found the entrance to the estate easily enough and swept past the Georgian house, and deer park, into the grounds until we stumbled on the Sawpits sign, more by accident than design, navigation is not one of Stuart’s stronger suits and I was too busy looking at the deer.

I was taken aback once we found the spot; Sawpits stood in a lush, mown meadow, a cocoon of rustic charm wrapped with hedges and trees, it had a log pile, hot tub and quirky, clean outside kitchen and shower area along with a private loo a few steps away in its own wooden hut. And of course, there was outdoor seating aplenty surrounding a generous fire pit.
I don’t know what I was expecting, but this was so much grander than the rickety old shack perched on a stubby field that I had imagined.
Inside was perfect, it was spacious extremely well-equipped. The comfortable bed was beautifully made with crisp white linen and topped with a large, patchwork quilt; meadow flowers stood in a jam jar on the windowsill. I wanted to climb in, close my eyes and listen to the birds as the sun set.
Stuart of course, had other ideas – he was hungry and lit the fire pit for a banquet of meat that we bought from a farm shop on the way, so I seized the opportunity to have a potter among the oaks and wild orchids and embraced this little off-grid escape.

Conservation is evident here and is the watchword of owner and newly-wed Jack Langmead, whose ethos of preservation can be seen in every nook and cranny on the estate – the oaks they sustain in turn sustain them – from building the glamping yurts to heating their Georgian home, these oaks mean everything.

There are four glamping options here, Brickles Yurts are exclusive and set on a secluded site with far-reaching views over the Blackmore Vale and towards the chalk downs of Bulbarrow. Brickles wood creates a diversity of habitats for birds and butterflies, and barn owls and foxes can often be seen hunting the woodland edges. Dogs and children are welcome here.
Parsons is a double-decker bus converted beautifully to accommodate 12 people in the bus, bell tent and bunkhouse, and is perfect for large groups of friends or families.

Withybed Camp is also a perfect choice for families and friends, sleeping 15 in three sleeping yurts, plus a large safari living tent and a covered outdoor seating area for al fresco dining.

All four camps offer not just a place to stay, but a retreat for the soul. And as I sank into the wood fired hot tub under the canopy of trees, I felt peace. That night I slept like a baby.
I woke to a symphony of birdsong and the whistle of the softly boiling kettle and ventured out to the steps where I surveyed this idyllic landscape.
I grabbed one of the many nature books on the shelf, and pored over the orchid pages, wondering how I had a acquired this new fascination in just a few hours!
We had a great day on a nature ramble – naturally, we got lost, as Stuart thinks following the sun is always the best course of action. It never is.
But we stumbled upon streams and hillsides all buzzing with moths, dragonflies and butterflies, and immersed ourselves in this glorious natural world.
We relished our two nights here. A glamping holiday on Stock Gaylard Estate is quite literally a deliberate invitation to slow down, breathe deeply, and reconnect with the natural world.

Owner Jack said: “Here at The Stock Estate we have been striving to create a unique glamping experience by allowing our guests to stay undisturbed and one with nature. We hope for our guests to enjoy the wildlife that surrounds them from the comforts of our glamping sites. We hope to see you here soon!”